Ekadashi Vrat holds a special place in Sanātana Dharma. This fast is not only a path to spiritual purification but also to mental and physical cleansing. The Ekadashi tithi, occurring twice each month, is considered the most auspicious day for worshipping Lord Vishnu. In 2025, the Yogini Ekadashi and Devshyani Ekadashi in the Āṣāḍha month are approaching, ushering in the beginning of Chaturmas and bringing new energy and merit to the lives of devotees.
Yogini Ekadashi 2025: The Path to Liberation and Freedom from Illness
Yogini Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Āṣāḍha month. This fast is specifically undertaken for liberation from illnesses, the destruction of sins, and the attainment of moksha (liberation). Scriptures state that observing this fast yields the same merit as feeding 88,000 Brahmins. This fast is particularly beneficial for those seeking health, prosperity, and spiritual advancement in their lives.
Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Date and Muhurta (2025)
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: June 21, 2025, at 7:18 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: June 22, 2025, at 4:27 AM
- Fasting Date: June 21, 2025 (Udaya Tithi)
- Parana Time: After sunrise on June 22, 2025
Religious Significance of Yogini Ekadashi Vrat
It is believed that observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast removes suffering, illness, and poverty from a devotee's life. This fast is considered particularly auspicious for those with planetary afflictions in their horoscope or those who frequently fall ill. Along with the worship of Lord Vishnu, on this day, the observer reads the Vrat Katha and bathes the images of Lakshmi Narayan with water, Tulsi, flowers, fruits, and Panchamrit before performing puja.
This Ekadashi is also connected with the spiritual purification of the body. Scriptures also say that a person observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast walks the path of restraint, brahmacharya (celibacy), and service in their life, leading to both worldly pleasures and moksha.
Worship Method for Yogini Ekadashi Vrat
- Morning Bath and Sankalpa: Wake up before sunrise on Yogini Ekadashi day and bathe. Wear clean clothes and purify the home's worship place with Ganga water or clean water. Then, meditating on Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, make a Sankalpa for the fast – 'I am observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast today, please grant me strength and blessings.'
- Establish the Murti or Image of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi: Place the murti or picture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi in the worship place. Light a lamp and incense sticks in front of them. Offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, and sandalwood.
- Offer Bhog and Chant Mantras: Offer sattvic bhog such as fruits, mishri, panjiri, or kheer to the Lord. Then chant the Vishnu Sahasranama, 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' or 'Om Vishnave Namah' mantra at least 108 times.
- Fasting and Devotion Throughout the Day: Observe a fruit fast or a Nirjala Vrat (complete fast without water) on this day. Remember Lord Vishnu throughout the day, read religious texts, and perform bhajan-kirtan. Donate food, clothes, or dakshina to the poor.
- Night Vigil and Parana the Next Day: Perform a night vigil and perform the aarti of the Lord. Break the fast (Parana) after sunrise on the next day, Dvadashi. First, feed a needy person or give fodder to a cow, then partake in a fruit-based meal yourself.
Devshyani Ekadashi 2025:
Devshyani Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Āṣāḍha. This Ekadashi marks the day Lord Vishnu goes to sleep. It is also called 'Harishyani Ekadashi' or 'Padma Ekadashi'. From this day, Lord Vishnu goes into yogic sleep in the Kshir Sagar for four months, known as Chaturmas. During this period, auspicious events like weddings, mundan (tonsure), and housewarmings are not performed.
Devshyani Ekadashi Vrat Date and Muhurta (2025)
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 5, 2025, at 6:58 PM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 6, 2025, at 9:14 PM
- Fasting Date: July 6, 2025 (Sunrise)
- Parana Time: After sunrise on July 7, 2025
Significance of Devshyani Ekadashi
Devshyani Ekadashi is not just a fast but the beginning of four months of spiritual discipline. Performing this fast removes all sins of a person, and they progress towards dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Lord Vishnu is awakened on this day with special mantras; He is worshipped with yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, a yellow garment, incense, and lamps.
On this day, the observer especially recites the Vishnu Sahasranama. Chanting the 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' mantra is also considered highly beneficial. Observing this fast brings stability to life and develops the ability to make the right decisions.
Worship Method for Devshyani Ekadashi Vrat
Morning Bath and Sankalpa: Wake up during Brahmamuhurta (before sunrise) on Devshyani Ekadashi and bathe. Wear clean and sattvic clothes. Then clean the home's worship place and purify it by sprinkling Ganga water. After this, meditating on Lord Vishnu, make a Sankalpa for the fast—'I am observing the Devshyani Ekadashi fast today, please keep your grace upon me.'
Establish Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi: Place the murti or photo of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi in the worship place. Light a lamp, incense sticks, and incense. Offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, sandalwood, and Akshat to the Lord. Offering a yellow garment and conch-chakra to Lord Vishnu is also considered auspicious.
Chant Mantras and Listen to the Katha: During the puja, chant the 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' mantra. Also recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or Vishnu Stuti. Listen to or tell others the Devshyani Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Listening to this story is extremely meritorious.
Observe Fruit-Based Diet and Fasting: Follow a sattvic diet throughout the day. Some people observe a fruit-based fast, while others observe a Nirjala Vrat. Avoid garlic, onions, tamasic food, and grains. Remember Lord Vishnu throughout the day, perform bhajan-kirtan, and maintain positive thoughts.
Night Vigil and Breaking the Fast the Next Day: Perform a night vigil and perform the aarti of Lord Vishnu with devotion. Break the fast after sunrise on the Dvadashi tithi the next day. First, feed a Brahmin or a poor person, then partake in a fruit-based meal yourself. This way, the fast concludes auspiciously and yields full results.
Chaturmas: A Time of Restraint, Sadhana, and Service
The four months from Devshyani Ekadashi to Devuthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla Paksha) are called Chaturmas. This period symbolizes spiritual sadhana, penance, fasting, and restraint. It is believed that during this time, Lord Vishnu is in yogic sleep, and Lord Shiva runs the universe. During this period:
- One should give up meat, alcohol, onions, garlic, and tamasic food.
- One should spend as much time as possible in bhajan, kirtan, satsang, and meditation.
- One should avoid criticizing anyone, lying, anger, and laziness.
Both Yogini and Devshyani Ekadashi are dates that bestow spiritual progress, mental peace, and liberation from sins. In 2025, both these Ekadashis are arriving with a special conjunction and are providing seekers with an opportunity to infuse new awareness and positive energy into their lives. With the beginning of Chaturmas, this period of restraint and sadhana can make our lives more disciplined, pure, and peaceful. Therefore, every individual should take advantage of these fasts and direct their lives towards divinity.
