Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 10:26 AM on 1st July 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 08:42 AM on 02nd July 2024
Parana Time: 05:28 AM to 07:10 AM on 3rd July
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
Significance of Yogini Ekadashi:
Yogini Ekadashi is a revered occasion dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, the worship of the Peepal tree is also considered highly auspicious on this day, a tradition observed across India.
According to the Padma Purana, those who observe the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat are bestowed with blessings of good health, prosperity, and a joyous and fulfilling life.
Yogini Ekadashi falls in the month of Ashadha, specifically on the Ekadashi Tithi (eleventh day), occurring during the dark half of the lunar month, known as Krishna Paksha. Consequently, it typically falls in June or July according to the English Calendar.
Hindus hold the belief that observing the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat has the power to cleanse one of all sins and bestow upon them all the luxuries and comforts in their present life. It is also said that observing this Ekadashi Vrat is as meritorious as feeding as many as 88 thousand Brahmins.
Katha of Yogini Ekadashi:
A captivating tale from the Puranas underscores the significance of the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat. King Kuber, the Lord of wealth, reigned over the kingdom of Alkapuri in Swargaloka. Deeply devoted to Lord Shiva, he diligently performed Shiva Puja every day.
Hemamali, his appointed gardener, was responsible for gathering fresh garden flowers each morning for the Shiva puja. This routine persisted for some time until one day, Hemamali, married to the beautiful Visalakshi, became distracted after collecting the flowers and indulged in revelry with his wife, forgetting his duty to deliver the flowers to King Kuber.
Meanwhile, King Kuber awaited the flowers, but they never arrived. Growing anxious, he instructed his soldiers to investigate the delay.
Upon learning of Hemamali’s neglect, King Kuber, incensed, summoned him to court and pronounced a curse upon him. He decreed that Hemamali would suffer from leprosy and be separated from his beloved wife, Visalakshi, as punishment for his negligence.
Instantly, Hemamali transformed into a leper and was parted from his wife, wandering in agony through the forests until he reached the Himalayas. There, he encountered Sage Markandeya, deeply engaged in penance.
Hemamali recounted his tale to the sage and implored him for guidance to escape his wretched state. Sage Markandeya advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat to lift the curse.
With unwavering devotion, Hemamali observed the Ekadashi fast, and as a result, he regained his health and was reunited with his wife. Henceforth, Hemamali and Visalakshi lived out the remainder of their days in blissful harmony.
Thus concludes the tale of Yogini Ekadashi.