Yogini Ekadashi

A Giver of Wealth and Fame

Yogini Ekadashi is a special day in the Hindu calendar, which is celebrated in honour of Lord Vishnu. The festival falls in the month of Ashadh or Ashadha. It is also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi. The devotees observe partial fasting on this auspicious day and perform puja to please Lord Vishnu.

Yoga means to unite, and it is particularly considered as a kind of unification of the individual soul with Paramatma or God. This concept is widespread in the Hindu spiritual tradition.

For those who follow Hinduism, there are many things that have to be done on this day and also certain things that have to be avoided at all costs.

An individual who fasts on this Ekadashi gets wealth, fame and all the sins are forgiven. In Vrat Katha, devotees are advised to get up early in the morning and take bath, break their fast and take their meals after sunset.

What is Yogini Ekadashi?

Yogini Ekadashi is an auspicious festival celebrated in the Hindu religion. According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha, or the waning phase of the moon during Shukla Paksha in Ashad month.

Hence, the date changes every year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar each year. Yogini Ekadashi falls four days before Nirjala Ekadashi, which is a fasting day for devout Hindus, who abstain from all types of food and water for 24 hours. Yogini Ekadashi is especially significant for married women who observe a partial fast from sunrise to evening.

The rituals performed on this day cleanse the mind and soul from impure thoughts, help devotees attain liberation from the cycles of births and deaths, and bless them with love, compassion and happiness.

Importance of Yogini Ekadashi

• One gets rid of all the sins committed till date and there is no hindrance to good deeds in the future.
• On this day, fasting and chanting of Vishnu Mantras during midnight enable one to successfully win over the perils of life.
• By donating gifts and other things on this occasion, people can get much amount of benefits.
• On this day, devotees observe a complete fast to appease Goddess Lakshmi who blesses them with immense wealth and prosperity.
• Lord Vishnu himself advises many saints in the scriptures that observing a fast on this day leads to spiritual liberation.
• The effect of fasting on Yogini Ekadashi is like visiting four sacred shrines at a time.
• People usually fast on this day and keep themselves pure by cleaning their body and soul.

Know About Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi is more inclined towards piety and renunciation than any other occasion. This is the reason why devotees take a vow to eat ekadashi prasad comprising vegetarian dishes only.

• After taking bath, devotees should offer oblations to the forefathers, perform Puja of Lord Vishnu by using the flowers.
• Devotees then should cook a nice meal for themselves and the family. There is no need for too many types of food during fasts. Individuals can cook normal cuisine and eat as much as they want in a limited amount.
• On this day, charity is considered to be one of the most important tasks. Visit a nearby temple of Lord Vishnu and offer some food items to the Brahmins so that they can eat it as Prasadam.
• One can also observe a partial fast that involves complete abstention from rice, wheat and other cereals but includes taking juices, fruits or milk.
• This Ekadashi day is considered highly auspicious as leading a compassionate life, performing good deeds and observing a holy fast will please Lord Vishnu.
• Even those devotees who cannot perform it in a proper way can attain the benefits by performing it in a partial way.
• On this particular day, pilgrims are strictly advised not to sit, eat or take rest during ‘shayan’ time of Vishnu-worship in the night and devotees shouldn't leave the deity during their prayers until they finish them all.