Yogini Ekadashi | Yogini Ekadashi – Vrat Katha, Vidhi and Benefits 2026

Yogini Ekadashi – Introduction

Yogini Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) in the month of Ashadha. In 2026, Yogini Ekadashi will be celebrated on July 10th. This Ekadashi is named 'Yogini' because it liberates the observer from all worldly attachments and grants salvation. This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it is a very important occasion to receive His grace.

Among all Ekadashis, Yogini Ekadashi holds a special place. It is also known as 'Sarvapaap-hara' Ekadashi, meaning it destroys all kinds of sins. According to the Puranas, observing this Ekadashi fast bestows merit equivalent to performing an Ashwamedha Yajna, and the individual is freed from all sufferings.

The Vrat Katha of Yogini Ekadashi

It is said that during the Mahabharata era, Dharmaraj Yudhishthira once asked Lord Shri Krishna: O Lord of the three worlds! I have heard the story of Nirjala Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month. Now, please kindly narrate the story of the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month. What is the name and significance of this Ekadashi? Please tell me in detail.

Shri Krishna said: O son of Pandu! The Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month is named Yogini Ekadashi. By observing its fast, all sins are destroyed. This fast bestows enjoyment in this world and liberation in the next.

O Dharmaraj! This Ekadashi is famous in all three worlds. By observing its fast, all sins are destroyed. I shall narrate to you the story told in the Puranas; listen attentively - There was a king named Kubera who ruled the city of Alkapuri. He was a devotee of Shiva. He had a Yaksha servant named Hemamali, who used to bring flowers for worship. Hemamali had a very beautiful wife named Vishalakshi.

One day, he brought flowers from Manasarovar, but being overcome by lust, he kept the flowers aside and engaged in amorous activities with his wife. By the time he finished, it was noon.

When King Kubera, waiting for Hemamali, found it was noon, he angrily ordered his servants to find out why Hemamali had not yet brought the flowers. When the servants found out, they reported to the king: O King! He is engaged in amorous activities with his wife.

Upon hearing this, King Kubera ordered Hemamali to be summoned. Trembling with fear, Hemamali appeared before the king. Seeing him, Kubera became extremely angry, and his lips began to tremble.

The king said: O wretch! You have insulted my most revered deity, the Lord of Lords, Lord Shiva. I curse you that you shall suffer separation from your wife and live the life of a leper in the mortal world.

By Kubera's curse, he immediately fell from heaven to earth and became a leper. His wife also became separated from him. In the mortal world, he endured many terrible sufferings, but by Shiva's grace, his intellect did not become clouded, and he retained the memory of his past life. Enduring many hardships and remembering his past misdeeds, he set off towards the Himalayas.

As he walked, he reached the hermitage of Sage Markandeya. That sage was extremely old and ascetic. He appeared like a second Brahma, and his hermitage shone like Brahma's assembly.

Seeing the sage, Hemamali went there, bowed to him, and fell at his feet.

Seeing Hemamali, Sage Markandeya said: What heinous deeds have you committed that you have become a leper and are suffering terrible hardships?

Hearing the sage's words, Hemamali said: O best of sages! I was a servant of King Kubera. My name is Hemamali. I used to bring flowers from Manasarovar daily and give them to Kubera during Shiva's worship. One day, being engrossed in the pleasure of conjugal union, I lost track of time and could not deliver the flowers by noon. Then he cursed me, saying I would suffer the separation from my wife and the misery of being a leper in the mortal world. Because of this, I have become a leper and am suffering terrible hardships on earth. Therefore, please tell me a way for my liberation.

Sage Markandeya said: O Hemamali! You have spoken the truth before me, so I shall tell you a fast for your redemption. If you observe the fast named Yogini Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month according to the prescribed method, all your sins will be destroyed.

Hearing the sage's words, Hemamali became extremely happy and began observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast according to the sage's instructions. By the power of this fast, he regained his former form and lived happily with his wife.

Lord Shri Krishna said: O King! The merit of hearing the story of this Yogini Ekadashi is equal to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. By observing its fast, all sins are destroyed, and in the end, the soul attains salvation and becomes worthy of heaven.

Vrat Vidhi (Observance Method)

On the night of Dashami (the day before Ekadashi), one should eat sattvic food and observe celibacy. One should not stay awake late into the night and should sleep on the ground.

On the day of Ekadashi, wake up before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean clothes. Then, sit before an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu and take a vow to observe the fast. Offer flowers, fruits, Tulsi leaves, incense, lamps, etc., for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Chant the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.

On the day of Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), after bathing at sunrise, offer charity to Brahmins according to your capacity. Then, break the fast during the Parana (breaking the fast) muhurta. For Parana, you can consume sattvic food such as fruits, yogurt, or halwa.

What to Eat and What Not to Eat During the Fast

During the Yogini Ekadashi fast, the observance of consuming fruits and milk products (Phalahar) is prescribed. You can eat fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, Kuttu flour, Singada flour, and sago. Consuming these food items maintains the sanctity of the fast.

Consumption of rice is strictly forbidden during the Yogini Ekadashi fast. Additionally, any type of lentils, garlic, onions, and non-vegetarian food should also not be consumed. The reason for abstaining from rice is that it is said to have a high water content, and consumption of water elements should be avoided on Ekadashi.

Benefits of Observing Yogini Ekadashi Vrat

• Absolution of Sins – By the power of this fast, the sins of a person's past and present lives are destroyed. According to the Puranas, this fast has the power to burn away all sins.
• Attainment of Salvation – By observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast, a person attains salvation after death and finds a place in the abode of Lord Vishnu.
• Worldly Benefits – This fast bestows happiness, prosperity, and opulence in life. All kinds of obstacles are removed, and desires are fulfilled.
• Health Benefits – Fasting improves the body's digestive system and helps eliminate toxins, leading to good health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The spiritual significance of Yogini Ekadashi is unparalleled. This fast is a powerful means to please Lord Vishnu and receive His boundless grace. Those devotees who observe this Ekadashi with devotion are blessed by Lord Vishnu with the fulfillment of all their desires. Therefore, it is considered the best among all Ekadashis, which destroys all sins and paves the path to salvation.

All devotees should observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast with complete faith and devotion. This fast not only bestows worldly happiness but also leads to spiritual progress and, ultimately, salvation. Jai Shri Hari! Jai Ekadashi Mata!