Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Yogini Ekadashi fast is observed on the Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Ashadh month. This fast is considered to destroy sins and provide salvation. With the effect of this fast, all the troubles of a person are removed, and he gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to the mythological story, a king named Kuber ruled in a city named Alakapuri. Kuber was a devotee of Lord Shiva and used to offer Belpatra on Shivling every day. There was a gardener named Hemmali in his royal court, whose job was to bring flowers for Shivling and offer them. One day Hemmali got engrossed in spending time with his wife and forgot to bring flowers for the king. Due to this, King Kuber could not get flowers for worship. This made the king very angry and he cursed Hemmali for being negligent in his duty, "You are so attached to your wife that you have forgotten to serve the Lord. Now you will have leprosy and you will keep wandering in the forest." Due to the king's curse, Hemmali immediately got leprosy and was expelled from the kingdom. Hemmali started wandering in the forest sadly. One day, he met Sage Markandeya. He heard Hemmali's woes and said, "If you observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast on Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi and worship Lord Vishnu, all your sins will be destroyed and you will be free from disease." Hemmali observed the Yogini Ekadashi fast with devotion as per the sage's instructions. Due to the effect of the fast, Hemmali's leprosy was cured and he became healthy and beautiful like before. He thanked Lord Vishnu and Sage Markandeya.

Yogini Ekadashi fasting method

Bathing and purification

1. Take bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Take a vow to fast before Lord Vishnu.

Pooja material:

1. Keep basil, sandalwood, lamp, flowers, incense, and fruits.
2. Install the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.

Method of worship

1. Bathe Lord Vishnu with Ganga water and Panchamrit.
2. Offer him Tulsi and flowers.
3. Chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay".
4. Listen or read the story of Yogini Ekadashi.

Night vigil

Do bhajan and kirtan of Lord Vishnu throughout the night.

Paran

Conclude the fast by feeding and donating to Brahmins on Dwadashi Tithi.

Importance of fasting

1. Yogini Ekadashi fasting destroys all sins.
2. This fast provides freedom from diseases and a healthy life.
3. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, happiness, peace and prosperity come in life.
4. By the effect of this fast, a person attains salvation.

   "Jai Shri Hari!"