Yogini Ekadashi: Date, Timings, Vrat Katha, Significance, and Rituals

The Ekadashi tithi of Krishna paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Ashadha is dedicated to Lord Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known by the name Yogini Ekadashi. The vrat or fast observed by Vishnu devotees on this day is Yogini ekadashi vrat. As per English calendar, this day falls in June-July every year.

Yogini Ekadashi 2023 is on June 14 Wednesday

2 days to go for the event

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 13, 9:29 am
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 14, 8:48 am
Parana Time: June 15, 05:45 AM - 08:25 AM
Yogini Ekadashi 2023 timings.
(The mentioned timings are in IST, for Ujjain. To change the location, visit the Panchang page.)

Yogini Ekadashi comes after Nirjala Ekadashi (Jyeshta shukla paksha ekadashi) and before Dev Shayini Ekadashi (Ashadha shukla paksha).

Yogini ekadashi fast can be observed by anyone, young or old, and is for individuals who want to avoid any kind of disease or health problems. This fast is especially important to be observed by people who are suffering from any skin related problems including leprosy. This vrat, like many other Ekadashi fasts, is quite rewarding and removes all past sins and bad deeds and provides good health.

Yogini ekadashi 2023 Puja Timings, Muhurat

Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Listen to Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha In English

The story mentioned in the Padma Puran goes like this:

Once, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir approached Lord Krishna and asked, "Hey Janardan, please narrate the tale of Yogini Ekadashi." Lord Krishna addressed the king in response, saying, "O Rajan! Yogini is the name of the Ekadashi, which falls on the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashadha. Observing a fast on this day eradicates all sins and brings joy in this world, while leading to liberation in the afterlife. Hey Raj Rajeshwar! This Ekadashi is renowned in all three realms and its observance purges sins. Allow me to recount the story mentioned in the Purana. Pay close attention."

Listen to Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha in Hindi

In the city of Alkapuri, King Kubera, the ruler of the Yakshas and a devotee of Shiva, held sway. Hemmali, one of Kubera's servants, was responsible for procuring flowers from Mansarovar for the deity's worship. Hemmali was married to a gorgeous woman named Vishalakshi. One day, after collecting flowers from Mansarovar, Hemmali succumbed to lustful desires and engaged in pleasure with his wife, neglecting to deliver the flowers to Kubera.

As the appointed time for Kubera's worship approached, the growing angry king commanded his attendants to investigate why Hemmali had not yet presented the flowers. Upon discovering the situation, the servants returned to Kubera and informed him, saying, "O king! The gardener is still engrossed in enjoying his wife." Enraged by this news, Kubera summoned Hemmali.

Trembling with fear, Hemmali appeared before Kubera. Witnessing his presence, Kubera became consumed with anger, causing his lips to tremble. He chastised Hemmali, saying, "O sinful and despicable wretch! You have shown disrespect to Lord Shiva, the lord of even the gods, the most revered deity of mine. I curse you to endure the separation from your wife and to become a leper upon reaching the realm of death!"

Thus cursed by Kubera, Hemmali fell onto Earth and transformed into a leper. While wandering in pain, he eventually arrived at the hermitage of Markandeya Rishi. Observing Hemmali's pitiful state, the sage inquired, "What misfortune has befallen you, taking away your once beautiful appearance? Through my spiritual powers, I have learned that your body was once magnificent."

With folded hands, Hemmali narrated, "O Muni! I was a personal servant of Yaksharaj Kubera named Hemmali. It was my daily duty to fetch flowers for the king's worship. However, one day I delayed my return due to indulging in moments of pleasure with my wife. Consequently, I failed to deliver the flowers before noon, leading to Kubera cursing me with separation from my wife, leprosy, and suffering in the realm of death (Earth). Thus, I became a leper, separated from my wife, tormented by my misery. I plead with you to advise me on a remedy to relieve my suffering."

In response, Markandeya Rishi spoke, "Since you have spoken truthfully before me, I shall reveal a fast that will bring salvation. If you faithfully observe the Ekadashi named Yogini, which falls on the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashadha, all your sins shall be absolved, and you shall be cured."

Overjoyed upon hearing these wise words from Markandeya Rishi, Hemmali promptly began observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast. As a result of this observance, he regained his former appearance and lived happily with his wife.

Concluding the tale, Lord Krishna stated, "Hey Rajan! The merits obtained from narrating or listening to the story of Yogini Ekadashi are equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. Fasting on this sacred day eradicates all sins, ultimately leading to salvation and eligibility for attaining heaven."

Rituals of the Yogini Ekadashi vrat

The puja and fast of Yogini Ekadashi starts from dashami tithi (the tenth day of the Hindu calendar) until dwadashi tithi (the twelfth day of the Hindu calendar). Those observing this vrat should completely give up tamasic food and adopt a satvik diet. He or she should also abstain from all physical pleasures. The devotee should think positive and pray for well-being to Lord Vishnu while offering flowers and sweets to the picture or idol of the diety.

Other puja items like incense stick, deepak (lamp), water container and bell should be kept in a plate to offer to the God. Tulsi leaves should be bought on the previous day, so that one does not have to pluck it on the day of Ekadashi. All the devotees offer it to Lord Vishnu. It is also considered auspicious to workship Peepal tree on this day.

Other family members can also get involved in the puja even if they are not fasting and sing the bhajans and aarti loudly for family health and happiness.

After the puja is over Prasad is disturbed to everyone and it should consist of either sweets or fruits.

The observer of the fast has to remember to eat one or maximum two meals without grains and salt. He or she must avoid drinking water too frequently.

The next day, during sunrise the devotee offers prayer to the Lord, and lit lamp, along with distributing prasad (sweets), which completes his/her fast.

Importance of Yogini Ekadashi 2023

Yogini Ekadashi like other Ekadashi fasts has a great significance and is observed by many Hindus all over the world. It is mentioned in the Padma Puran that whoever follows the rituals of the Yogini Ekadashi is able to achieve good health, becomes prosperous, and in return leads a happy life.

This fast comes once every year and its effect is as strong as serving and feeding around 80,000 brahmins.

Yogini Ekadashi has a strong effect on one’s life if the fast and puja is followed strictly. The fast like other Ekadashi fasts begin from sunrise and continues until the next day sunrise. The person observing the vrat should not consume any kind of cereal or grain like wheat, barley, or rice.

The food eaten should be made separately without salt. He/she should wake up before sunrise of the day of yogini Ekadashi and have a bath. It is also important that one remains clean throughout the day and chant Lord Vishnu chants. As per the fast demands, the devotee should remain awake during the night and pray for good health to Lord Vishnu.

FAQs

What to eat on Ekadashi?

As per the scriptures, it is prohibited to have food during Ekadashi vrat. Among all the Ekadashi, only during Nirjala Ekadashi one must not drink water either. In addition, the book Dharma Sindhu provides guidelines for what food can be eaten during an Ekadashi fast for people who are unable to observe complete fasting. The food mentioned in the scripture is as follows, sorted from the best to the least preferred: Air (Complete Fast), Panchagavya (Mixture of cow's Milk, Curd, Ghee, Urine, Dung), Ghee (Clarified butter), Water, Cow Milk, Sesame seeds, Fruits, Roti made of wheat, Plain Rice. According to the scripture, the observer must eat only once during fasting.

What is Khalilagi Ekadashi?

Yogini Ekadashi is called Khalilagi Ekadashi or Anasara Ekadashi in Odisha. This Ekadashi is unique for the devotees of Jagannath, the living god, as, on this day, the idols of Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Balabhadra (Krishna's elder brother Balarama), and Subhadra (their younger sister) are treated with medicines because they are believed to be suffering from fever after taking a bath during the Snana Purnima. The idols are placed in a different room from the sanctum sanctorum as the deities are quarantined for recuperation. The rituals on this day use Sandalwood and an organic paste called Khali, which gives it the name Khalilagi Ekadashi. A few days after the Ekadashi, the deities are fully recovered, and they go to their aunt's place, which is observed as the famous Rath Yatra.

What is the Parana time for Yogini Ekadashi?

The Parana time, the time to break the fast, for Yogini Ekadashi 2023 is from June 15, 5:45 am to 8:25 am. Click here for the important timings of the Yogini Ekadashi.
(The mentioned timings are in IST for Ujjain)
Click here for the day's Auspicious Muhurat, Panchang, Choghadiya, etc.