Yogini Ekadashi

Story of Yogini Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

Hemamali, a yaksha gardener of Kubera, had to bring fresh flowers daily for Lord Shiva's puja. One day he stayed at home with his beautiful wife Vishalakshi and forgot the flowers. Kubera, angry at the delay, cursed him with leprosy and exile from Alaka. Hemamali wandered in pain until he reached the ashram of Sage Markandeya, who told him to observe Ashadha Krishna Yogini Ekadashi. He did, and his body became healthy and radiant again.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi falls just before Devshayani Ekadashi, so it is seen as a cleansing step before the sacred Chaturmas months begin.

The tradition says that keeping Yogini Ekadashi gives relief from illness and the merit of feeding thousands of Brahmins. It falls in Ashadha Krishna Paksha (Purnimanta) · Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha (Amanta) and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

How to keep Yogini Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.