Yogini Ekadashi- A Path to Spiritual Growth and Liberation

"Yogini Ekadashi", being one of the auspicious Hindu festivals according to the Sanatan Dharma, falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) during the waning or decreasing phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (as per North Indian calendar). The Gregorian calendar marks its occurrence in the month of June or July. This year, it is on '2nd July ‘24.'

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Yogini Ekadashi” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Yogini Ekadashi on Tuesday, 2nd July ‘24

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 10:26 AM on 1st July ‘24
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 08:42 AM on 2nd July ‘24

"Yogini Ekadashi" comes after 'Nirjala Ekadashi' (occurring in Jyeshta month) & begins before Dev Shyamin. It is also known as 'Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi.' The observance of this Ekadashi is highly significant and is observed in various parts of the nation. This day is solely dedicated to the worship of Shri Hari or Lord Narayana (one of Lord Vishnu's names). It is believed to be an opportunity for the devotees to seek spiritual growth and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Rituals & Observances of “Yogini Ekadashi”:

The people observe this occasion of “Yogini Ekadashi” by following many traditional rituals.

Performing Puja at night with Chandan, dhoop, lamp & Prasad or naivedya is believed to get a person Akshaya Punya- Punya that never diminishes.

On this day, devotees also observe a strict fast (which starts on Dashami tithi) and engage in prayer, meditation and recitation of sacred texts. Fasting is believed to cleanse the body & mind, enhance one's devotion & self-discipline, get rid of different illnesses & diseases, attain salvation from evil deeds, & heighten moral consciousness. It is seen as a means to cultivate self-discipline, control over desires, and to seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings.

As this fast occurs once in a year, its virtues are considered equivalent to feeding 88 thousand Brahmins. The 'Padma Purana' also mentions that the observer of Yogini Ekadashi's Vrat experiences meaningful life changes.

“Parana”, i.e. breaking of the fast, is done on the next day, i.e. Dwadashi.

As per “Drik Panchang”, “Parana” timings for “Yogini Ekadashi” in the year ‘24 are as follows:

Yogini Ekadashi on Tuesday, 2nd July ‘24

• On 3rd July, Parana Time - 06:02 AM to 07:10 AM
• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 07:10 AM

Peepal trees are also worshiped on this day. Performing penances on this day lead to the forgiveness of the sins & clearing of the road to Moksha.

It is customary to perform charitable acts and offer donations to the less fortunate.

For getting the most out of this very divine occasion, reciting 'Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha' is important which is as follows:

Legend behind “Yogini Ekadashi”:

Once there was a King namely Kubera (the treasurer of the DemiGods) who used to rule over Alakapuri. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva & prayed to him daily.

There was a gardener named Hema Mali in his kingdom. He used to serve the King by bringing fresh flowers on a daily basis from Mansarovar Lake. And then Kubera used to pray to Lord Shiva by offering those flowers.

One day, Hema Mali thought of spending some time with his wife namely Visalakshi & didn't go to serve his duties.

When the King went to pray to Lord Shiva, he kept on waiting for Hema Mali to come with the flowers. But he didn't come. At the end, Kubera sent his guards to find out the reason behind Hema Mali not coming today. When the guards reached Hema Mali's home, they found that he was busy spending time with his wife. They returned to the king & narrated him about the same. The King got very furious. He ordered Hema Mali to be present in his sabha. The gardener tried to ask forgiveness from the king but he denied. And ultimately, he cursed the gardener to be affected by white leprosy & be separated from his dearly wife.

As a result, Hema Mali was deadly affected by the disease & had to leave his wife. He used to wander in the forest here and there for a very long time. Ultimately, he had become very weak by that time. While wandering, one day he met Rishi Markandeya in the Himalayas. He narrated his worries to him. To this, the sage told him to observe 'Yogini Ekadashi's Vrat' to get rid of his ailment. Hema Mali performed the fast with firm devotion & dedication. As a result, he was freed from the leprosy and gained his natural appearance and healthy body back. He also met his wife back & started living a happy life ahead.

This story of Yogini Ekadashi, like many other Ekadashi stories in Hinduism, imparts important moral and spiritual lessons. The story emphasizes the significance of truthfulness & highlights the power of fasting and devotion as a means to attain divine blessings. It also underscores the idea that sincere spiritual efforts can lead to personal growth, purification, and a closer connection with the divine.

Importance of “Yogini Ekadashi”:

The significance of Yogini Ekadashi is mentioned in Bhavishya Purana as well where Lord Krishna explains that this Ekadashi can eliminate sins and grant blessings.

As Yogini Ekadashi falls during a specific alignment of the lunar calendar, which is believed to enhance the spiritual energy and harmony in nature. This alignment is considered beneficial for engaging in spiritual practices.

So let us also get on the spiritual path this Yogini Ekadashi to have a balance in life, being committed to truthfulness, have inner growth, seek guidance & forgiveness, and uphold responsibilities and righteousness.

|| Shubh Yogini Ekadashi ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya ||

|| ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ||