Yogini Ekadashi- A fast that connects to the Supreme

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and greatly treasured by Him, Ekadashi is one of the most celebrated days in the Vedic Calendar. In both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon, Ekadashi tithi occurs on the eleventh day every lunar fortnight in a month. Each of the twenty-four Ekadashi’s that occur each year has its own spiritual significance. One of those is the upcoming Yogini Ekadashi, let us learn more about it. 

 

Why is Yogini Ekadashi Observed? 

As of now, we know that Yogini Ekadashi is one of the twenty-four Ekadashi’s that are observed annually. It is as important as the other Ekadashi’s. This day is dedicated to deepening sadhana and offering loving service to the Lord. On Yogini Ekadashi, devotees fast to reduce bodily desires and devote more time for hearing and remembering the Lord’s glorious pastimes. This specific Ekadashi occurs during the waning phase, or Krishna Paksha, in the month of Ashadha. 

 

The Yogini Ekadashi Story 

Hemamali’s neglect and the curse of Kubera  
Kubera, the treasurer of demigods, worshipped Shiva. He lived in Alakapuri, a celestial city in heaven. He worshiped Shiva daily and assigned Hemamali to bring flowers from Manasarovar, Kailash, for offerings. For Lord Shiva, Hemamali dutifully selected lovely, fresh flowers. He had a beautiful wife, to whom he was deeply attached. 

Hemamali went to bring flowers from Manasarovar once, as he did every other day. But instead of bringing the flowers to Kubera, he abruptly left to go home. Kubera, who was waiting for the flowers to finish his worship, became concerned when Hemamali failed to return after a long time. Finally, he sent soldiers to find Hemamali. They considered checking his home after a long search around Manasarovar. They were surprised to find Hemamali laughing and speaking with his wife. 

Angered by Hemamali's action, Kubera cursed him to fall from heaven to Earth, the abode of death, suffer with leprosy, and experience his wife's separation. He immediately fell down on earth. He was feeling terrible about his mistake and began to repent and also prayed to get out of this miserable existence. He wanted to serve Kubera again and see his wife. 

A meeting that changed Hemamali’s life  
While he was hopelessly wandering with leprosy, he met Markandeya Rishi. He acknowledged his greatness and renunciation by bowing to the Rishi even in his pitiful state. Hemamali had the wisdom to honour the great Rishi at the right time thanks to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased with Hemamali's service of collecting flowers.  

Out of hopelessness, Hemamali cried before the Rishi and requested a way out of this painful life. The Rishi asked the reason for his condition. Hemamali honestly revealed the event that led to his suffering and accepted his mistake. Markandeya Rishi was pleased with Hemamali's sincerity and advised him to observe Ekadashi on the dark fortnight of Jyeshtha month. He also explained how to fast and advised Hemamali to listen to Lord Vishnu's pastimes, chant the holy names, and serve the Lord with love. 

Grateful for the kindness of Markandeya Rishi, Hemamali sincerely observed Yogini Ekadashi, which led to his liberation from his painful body. He returned to Alakapuri to serve his master and was joyfully reunited with his wife. 

 

How to observe Yogini Ekadashi?  

Just like other Ekadashi’s the fast for Yogini Ekadashi is observed from sunrise to the next sunrise. One must refrain from consuming grains, legumes, and pulses.  

There are different ways to fast for Ekadashi. Those who are able, can observe a complete fast without even drinking water. If that is not possible, one may consume fruits and milk. And if even that is not possible then at least one should observe the fast by abstaining from grains, legumes, and pulses. 
But the most important thing is to dedicate more time for chanting the holy names of the Lord and hearing His divine pastimes. Performing charity on Ekadashi’s, is considered very auspicious, so one should try to offer some donation in the service of the Lord, as per their capacity. 

 

When is Yogini Ekadashi in 2025? 

In 2025, Yogini Ekadashi will be observed on 22nd of June, Saturday, by all Vaishnavas, in India. The devotees should break the fast on 23rd of June, Sunday, between 06:03 AM and 10:28 AM.  

 

Spiritual Benefits of observing Yogini Ekadashi 

Ekadashi is the one of the dearest days to Lord Krishna, and naturally, observing the Ekadashi fast catches His attention.  
According to the revealed Scriptures, by wholeheartedly observing Ekadashi, even a materialistic person can attain Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Devotees grow closer to the Lord on this auspicious day as they spend more time engaging in Krishna-conscious activities like chanting, hearing, and remembering Him. 

May we grow closer to Lord Krishna as we grow closer to Lord Krishna as we celebrate Yogini Ekadashi, a fast for body but a feast for the soul. Even a small but sincere effort made with love on this day can invite the unlimited mercy of Lord into our lives.