Who takes care of the Universe when Lord Vishnu sleeps for 4 months?

Ashadi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu falls into a 4-month long slumber. Some say that Lord Vishnu sleeps and gives up his duties for some time to rest, and others say that Lord Vishnu just goes into deep meditation for he too needs some rejuvenation.
According to legends and beliefs, Lord Vishnu rests on the Shesha nag in the Kshir Sagar and asks the other Gods to take over the functioning of the Universe.

While Lord Vishnu takes care of the smooth functioning of the Universe for about 8 months, the rest 4 months too need to be taken care of. The ‘Chaturmas’ which marks Lord Vishnu’s resting period is then divided as the smooth functioning of the Universe is important. The balance between creation, preservation, and destruction must be maintained and so the others step in for different time frames to take care of mankind.

Right after Devshayani Ekadashi we have Guru Purnima. Gurus, or teachers, are the guiding light in people’s lives and are important in maintaining dharma and giving their students knowledge. And so, it is said that when Lord Vishnu rests, for the next few days the Gurus and teachers take on the responsibility of the smooth functioning of the Universe.

Right after Guru Purnima, starts the month of Sawan. Sawan or Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and this year starts on July 22 and ends on August 19. So while Lord Vishnu rests, Lord Shiva looks over the smooth functioning of the Universe and makes sure that everything works calmly and smoothly as he engages his devotees in prayer, dhyaan, jap, and meditation.

The time between August and September is also known as Bhadrapada and is dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. During the Bhadrapada, Janamashtami is also celebrated. So, after Lord Shiva, the reins of the Universe fall in the hands of Lord Krishna. And he manages everything by keeping his devotees engaged in his leela. People prepare for ‘Dahi handi’, there are skits and plays about Lord Krishna’s life, there is an atmosphere of spirituality all over, and the likes. This ensures that nothing runs out of course, and smooth functioning is promised.

Also during the Chaturmas period falls Ganesh Chaturthi. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and the remover of obstacles, Ganesh Chaturthi is usually celebrated for 10 days, and during this time Lord Ganesha takes over the functions of the Universe.
It is said that when people bring Ganesha into their homes, the happiness and positivity ensures that nothing goes off-track and he ensures that no one faces any losses in new ventures.

Soon after Ganesh Chaturthi, we have Navratri. The nine-night festival is dedicated to Maa Durga, and this is when she takes over the responsibilities of keeping everything under control. Being the destroyer of evil, she makes sure that nothing dangerous or negative happens during that time.
Devotees are also engaged in pujas, aartis, the festivities, and much more which helps keep everything in sync.

Soon after Navratri, we have Diwali festivities. And during Diwali, Maa Lakshmi and Lord Kuber are believed to take over. The Diwali festivities last for about 5-10 days during which the two take turns to manage the Universe.
During Diwali, people worship Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity and Lord Kuber, the treasurer of divine vaults.
And this way, till Dev uthani Ekadashi comes, and Lord Vishnu wakes up from his deep slumber, the other Gods take turns in managing the Universe.