Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comYogini Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi is observed on Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi. According to the Padma Purana, it is the Ekadashi that destroys the gravest sins and is like a boat for those drowning in the ocean of worldly life.
This Ekadashi falls between Nirjala Ekadashi and Devshayani Ekadashi. In the amanta calendar it is called Jyeshtha Krishna Ekadashi, but the day is the same.
Significance of Yogini Ekadashi
In the Padma Purana, Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira that Yogini Ekadashi of Ashadha's dark fortnight wipes out every sin and gives enjoyment and liberation. One who keeps its vow gains a fruit equal to feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmins, and reading or hearing its katha frees one from every sin.
According to the katha, in Alakapuri the yaksha Hemamali brought lotuses from Lake Manasa every day for Kubera's worship of Shiva. One day, in his love for his wife Vishalakshi, he forgot the hour. The angry Kubera cursed him with eighteen kinds of leprosy and separation from his wife, and he fell to earth and wandered in misery.
Wandering, he reached the sage Markandeya in the Himalaya and told him his offence truthfully. The sage told him to keep the vow of Yogini Ekadashi in Ashadha's dark fortnight. By the merit of the vow all eighteen of his leprosies were cured and he was happy again.
How Yogini Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotees bathe in the morning, take the vow, worship Lord Vishnu and hear the Yogini Ekadashi katha. The fast is kept without water, with water only or with fruit, as one is able.
The katha brings together Kubera's worship of Shiva and the sage Markandeya's teaching, so this Ekadashi is honoured by devotees of both Vishnu and Shiva. The next day, on Dwadashi, alms are given and the fast is broken within the prescribed parana muhurat.
Yogini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Eat a simple sattvic meal on Dashami, and on Ekadashi bathe in the morning and take the vow of fasting. Worship Lord Vishnu, hear the Yogini Ekadashi katha, sing bhajans at night, and the next day, on Dwadashi, give alms and break the fast within the parana muhurat.
About Yogini Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi is the vow kept on Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi for release from sin and disease. This page gives its date, the vidhi of the fast and a summary of the Padma Purana's story of the yaksha Hemamali and the sage Markandeya.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Yogini Ekadashi in 2027?
Yogini Ekadashi falls on Wednesday, 30 June 2027. The parana time will be added here as the date approaches.
Why is Yogini Ekadashi observed?
According to the Padma Purana, this vow destroys the gravest sins and gives enjoyment and liberation. It was by this vow that the yaksha Hemamali, struck with leprosy by Kubera's curse, was cured.
Who appears in the Yogini Ekadashi katha?
The katha features Kubera, king of Alakapuri, his yaksha servant Hemamali who brought the flowers, Hemamali's wife Vishalakshi, and the sage Markandeya, who practised austerity in the Himalaya.