Yogini Ekadashi 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi: The Vrata That Lifted a Curse

Yogini Ekadashi is observed on Jyeshtha Bahula (Krishna) Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the waning fortnight of Jyeshtha in the Telugu calendar. Coming after Nirjala Ekadashi and before Toli Ekadashi, it is believed to remove sins and bring wellbeing of body and mind. Devotees fast and worship Lord Vishnu.

The Story of Hemamali

Kubera, lord of Alakapuri, was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. A yaksha named Hemamali had the duty of bringing flowers daily from Manasa Sarovar for Kubera's puja. One day, lost in the company of his wife Vishalakshi, Hemamali forgot to bring the flowers. Angered that his worship was disturbed, Kubera cursed him to suffer a severe skin disease on earth.

Wandering in misery, Hemamali reached the ashram of Sage Markandeya and honestly confessed what had happened. The sage told him to observe the Ekadashi of Jyeshtha Bahula. By keeping this vrata, Hemamali was freed from the curse and regained his divine form.

Puja Steps

From Dashami night, keep to satvik food and self-restraint.
Bathe early on Ekadashi; some families pour water at a peepal tree and bow to it.
Offer a yellow cloth, a tulasi garland and flowers to Lord Vishnu.
Light a ghee lamp and recite Vishnu Sahasranamam or Vishnu Ashtottaram.
Listen to the Yogini Ekadashi katha and offer fruits, jaggery and milk.
On Dwadashi, donate food or fruits and then break the fast.

Fasting Rules

Rice and grains are avoided and a phalahar diet is followed; some take only one meal of fruits and milk. Avoid anger, harsh speech and untruth, and spend the day in remembrance of the Lord. Choose the level of fasting according to your health.

Significance

Hemamali's story carries two lessons: neglecting one's duty brings suffering, and honest confession opens the way to release. The Puranas praise Yogini Ekadashi as giving merit equal to feeding many brahmins. Devotees believe it cleanses the mind and brings spiritual peace.

May Sri Hari bless all with health and happiness on Yogini Ekadashi.

Frequently asked questions

When is Yogini Ekadashi?

Yogini Ekadashi falls on Jyeshtha Bahula (Krishna) Ekadashi in the Telugu calendar; North Indian purnimant calendars list it as Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi.

What is the story of Yogini Ekadashi?

The yaksha Hemamali was cursed by Kubera for neglecting his duty of bringing flowers, and was freed by observing this Ekadashi on Sage Markandeya's advice.

Which deity is worshipped on Yogini Ekadashi?

Lord Vishnu is worshipped with tulasi, yellow flowers and a ghee lamp; some devotees also offer water to a peepal tree.

What can be eaten on Yogini Ekadashi?

Grains and rice are avoided; fruits, milk and sabudana-type phalahar are taken, according to one's health.

What are the benefits of Yogini Ekadashi?

The Puranas say it removes sins and gives merit equal to feeding many brahmins, along with peace of mind.

How is the Yogini Ekadashi fast broken?

On Dwadashi morning, after bath and puja and some charity, the fast is broken within the parana time.

Yogini Ekadashi 2026

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