Begin the nirjala (waterless) or phalahar (fruit-only) fast from the previous evening (Dashami). Wake before sunrise on Ekadashi, bathe, and resolve to keep the vrat with complete devotion.

Place Vishnu idol on a clean altar. Bathe the idol with panchamrit. Dress in yellow cloth. Apply chandan tilak. Offer tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, akshat, and kumkum. Light ghee diya and incense.

Take the Chaturmas vow – resolve to observe heightened spiritual discipline for the next four months. Traditionally, this includes additional fasting, charity, mantra japa, and abstaining from certain foods (onion, garlic, brinjal depending on tradition).

Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) or at minimum the Vishnu Stotram. This is the central spiritual practice of Devshayani Ekadashi.

Prepare a bed of flowers and tulsi leaves for Lord Vishnu. Symbolically put the deity to sleep by placing the idol in a reclining position on the floral bed. This represents Vishnu entering Yoga Nidra for four months.

Perform final aarti with ghee lamp and camphor. Offer fruits and milk-based sweets as naivedya. Distribute prasad. The parana (breaking of fast) is done on Dwadashi morning after sunrise.