Yogini Ekadasi

Fasting for Yogini Ekadasi

Date of Fasting: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Break Fast (Parana): Sunday, June 22, 2025,

Time: 5:28 AM to 10:29 AM (EST) - For NJ devotees

Introduction

Yogini Ekadasi is one of the most significant Ekadasis mentioned in the Padma Purāṇa. Falling in the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) during the month of Āṣāḍha, it is celebrated as a sacred day for cleansing sins, curing diseases, and developing devotion to Lord Viṣṇu.

This Ekadasi is especially noted for its power to heal physical suffering and liberate one from sinful reactions, even those accumulated over lifetimes. By observing this vrata, a devotee pleases the Supreme Personality of Godhead and receives His divine blessings.

The Legend of Yogini Ekadasi

As narrated by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira in the Padma Purāṇa, there once lived a celestial gardener named Hema Māli, who served Kubera, the treasurer of the demigods. Hema Māli had a beautiful wife named Viśālākṣī, and though his duty was to collect flowers daily for Kubera’s worship of Lord Śiva, he once neglected his service to spend time with his wife.

When Kubera discovered this, he cursed Hema Māli to suffer from leprosy and fall to Earth, losing his heavenly position. Hema Māli wandered for years in pain and suffering until he met the sage Mārkaṇḍeya, who compassionately instructed him to observe Yogini Ekadasi. Upon sincerely observing the fast, Hema Māli was cured, and he regained his celestial form.

This story emphasizes how even the gravest of sins and diseases can be neutralized by observing this sacred Ekadasi with devotion.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Yogini Ekadasi

Removes grave sins committed knowingly or unknowingly

Heals physical afflictions and purifies bodily karma

PURIFICATION

Awakens devotion and steadiness in spiritual practice

Grants mental peace and freedom from fear and anxiety

PEACE

Leads to liberation (moksha) by pleasing Lord Viṣṇu

LIBERATION

How to Observe Yogini Ekadasi ?

At Home or in the Temple:

Fast strictly, avoiding grains, beans, and prohibited items
Chant extra rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahāmantra
Read the story of Yogini Ekadasi from Padma Purāṇa
Offer tulasi, flowers, lamp, and fruits to Lord Krishna
Spend time hearing or reading Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, or other scriptures
Reflect on the themes of discipline, repentance, and surrender

Parana (Breaking the Fast)

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Time: Between 5:28 AM and 10:29 AM EST (For NJ devotees)
Begin by offering water with tulasī leaves, then honor prasādam offered to the Lord.