The Importance of Yogini Ekadashi

What is Yogini Ekadashi and when is it celebrated

By Intimate Viewpoint

Yogini Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashis. It is observed between June and July in the Gregorian calendar and on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of Asad month in the lunar calendar. 

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The day is fully dedicated to Lord Vishnu it is believed that the observance of the day leads the devotee to the Moksha (Liberation) after death. 

The importance of Yogini Ekadashi 

Like the other 24 Ekadashis, Yogini Ekadashi too has its own special significance. The devotees observe the day by keeping a fast and donating essential things to the needy and the Brahmins. By doing such things, a devotee can be able to destroy all sins and get all luxuries in current life.

It is believed that observing this Ekadashi holds an advantage equal to feeding 88000 brahmins (priests).

The rituals

All Ekadasi hold almost the same rituals like taking a holy bath after waking up early, doing Pooja of Lord Vishnu, donating essential things to the needy and brahmins (priests), reciting Vishnu mantra 'Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay', chanting Vishnu Sahstranaam, eating only fruits, vegetables, nuts, dry fruits, etc.

Not to do on Yogini Ekadashi day

There are some things which should not be done on this specific day. The devotees should not eat rice. The eating of cereals, pulses, onion, and garlic are strictly prohibited. Plucking Tulsi leaves is also prohibited on this day. Although Lord Vishnu does not offer Prasad without Tulsi leaves, therefore, Tulsi leaves should be plucked a day before as the plucked Tulsi leaves are considered fresh for 9 days.

The significance of Yogini Ekadashi 

Yogini Ekadashi holds spiritual benefits. The observance of the day cleanses one of his past sins and leads towards Moksha (liberation). Devotees worship Lord Vishnu for seeking his blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life. According to the Padma Puran, one who observes the day by following all the rules and rituals strictly experiences meaningful life changes.

The Katha (legend) behind Yogini Ekadashi 

There are two famous stories about the Yogini Ekadashi exist in Hindu mythology. One is about Samrat Yudhishthira (the elder brother of Pandavas), and the other is about the gardener of King Kuber (Hem Mali). Here I am going to mention the story of King Kuber's gardener (Hem Mali).

King Kuber was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He offered flowers to Lord Shiva on a daily basis. His Gardener Hem Mali used to bring him flowers from the Mansarovar but some days he would forget because of his lovely, beautiful wife. King Kuber got angry he sent his man to the gardener's house to find out the reason. When King Kuber knew the actual reason, he became red with anger and cursed him with the Deadly disease leprosy and forced him to be divorced from his wife.

After he was afflicted with the severe disease leprosy, he left the king's palace and started wandering in the forest then reached the Ashram of Rishi Markandey after many years of wondering. Rishi listened to the story of Hema Mali. He advised him to observe a fast on the Yogini Ekadashi and to worship Lord Vishnu. Hem Mali did so. He kept a fast and worshiped Lord Vishnu with full dedication. Lord Vishnu was pleased with his devotion and appeared and blessed him. All his sins were washed away. His life became normal as before and he started living happily with his wife.

Yogini Ekadashi is a fruitful Ekadashi for everyone.