In Sanātana Dharma, Ekādaśī vrata holds significant importance, and among these, Yoginī Ekādaśī is considered exceptionally auspicious. In 2025, this sacred date falls on Saturday, June 21st. This fast is not only a superior means of attaining the grace of Lord Viṣṇu but is also considered excellent for liberation from sins, attaining happiness, prosperity, health, and ultimately, mokṣa (liberation).
Significance of Yoginī Ekādaśī
Yoginī Ekādaśī is observed on the Ekādaśī tithi of the Krishna Pakṣa (dark fortnight) in the Āṣāḍha month. Paurāṇik śāstras mention that observing the Yoginī Ekādaśī fast earns merit equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. This date is specifically dedicated to the worship of Lord Viṣṇu and Goddess Lakṣmī. The Viṣṇu Purāṇa and Padma Purāṇa detail this fast, describing Yoginī Ekādaśī as one of the most meritorious and liberating fasts. Individuals who observe this fast with devotion and faith are believed to never face a shortage of food, wealth, and happiness in their lives.
- Yoginī Ekādaśī 2025: Date, Muhūrta, and Pāraṇa Time
- Ekādaśī Tithi Begins: June 21, 2025, at 7:19 AM
- Ekādaśī Tithi Ends: June 22, 2025, at 4:28 AM
- Fasting Date: June 21, 2025 (Saturday)
- Pāraṇa Date: June 22, 2025
- Auspicious Muhūrta for Pāraṇa: 1:47 PM to 4:35 PM
- Harivaṣara Ends: 9:41 AM
The Legendary Story of Yoginī Ekādaśī
The Padma Purāṇa narrates the story of Yoginī Ekādaśī as a dialogue between Pulastya Muni and Hemavatī. According to the story, King Kubera had a gardener named Hemamāli, who daily brought flowers for the worship of Lord Śiva. One day, entangled in his wife's love, he neglected his duty. Enraged, Kubera cursed him with leprosy.
Wandering from place to place in the forest, Hemamāli encountered Muni Markaṇḍeya. After listening to his plight, the muni advised him to observe the Yoginī Ekādaśī fast. Hemamāli performed the fast devoutly; all his sins were absolved, he regained his former handsome physique, and attained mokṣa.
Yoginī Ekādaśī Worship Method
- The Yoginī Ekādaśī puja is unique. Devotees should wake up during Brahmāmuhūrta (before sunrise), purify themselves, and make a Sankalpa (resolution).
- After bathing, wear yellow clothes.
- Offer incense, lamp, flowers, sandalwood, Tulsi leaves, etc., before the image or picture of Lord Viṣṇu.
- Recite the Yoginī Ekādaśī Vrata Kathā (story).
- Recite the Viṣṇu Gāyatrī Mantra and Viṣṇu Maṅgala Mantra:
- ॐ श्री विष्णवे च विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि। तन्नो विष्णुः प्रचोदयात्॥ (oṃ śrī viṣṇave ca vidmahe vāsudevāya dhīmahi tanno viṣṇuḥ pracodayāt)
- मङ्गलम् भगवान विष्णुः, मङ्गलम् गरुणध्वजः। मङ्गलम् पुण्डरीकाक्षः, मङ्गलाय तनो हरिः॥ (maṅgalam bhagavān viṣṇuḥ, maṅgalam garuṇadhvajaḥ, maṅgalam puṇḍarīkākhaḥ, maṅgalāya tano hariḥ)
- Worshipping the Peepal tree and offering water is also considered very auspicious on this day.
- In the evening, perform Āratī, distribute Prasad (holy offering), and hold Bhajan-Kīrtan (devotional singing).
Rules of the Yoginī Ekādaśī Fast
- Consumption of grains and rice is prohibited on this day. Even those not observing the fast should avoid rice.
- Nirjalā vrata (fasting without water) is a special occasion for penance.
- Cutting hair, shaving, or cutting nails is forbidden.
- Donating food, clothes, or Dakṣiṇā (offering) to Brahmins is particularly meritorious.
- Pāraṇa (breaking the fast) is mandatory after the Harivaṣara ends.
Special Significance in the Vaiṣṇava Community
- Followers of the Vaiṣṇava Sampradāya celebrate this day with utmost devotion. Temples hold special Hari-kīrtan (devotional singing), Bhagavad Gītā recitations, and discourses. Many places also observe night vigils and Bhajan Sandhyās (devotional evenings).
- It is believed to bring wealth, prosperity, and opulence.
- It leads to the destruction of sins and paves the way for mokṣa.
- It is believed that observing this fast destroys sins from past lives.
- It brings success in important aspects of life such as progeny, marriage, employment, and business.
Yoginī Ekādaśī: A Scientific Perspective
According to Ayurveda, fasting helps detoxify the body. In the Ekādaśī vrata, the consumption of fruits and water, in particular, provides energy to the body. Mentally, this day is also an excellent time for meditation and contemplation. Yoginī Ekādaśī is not merely a religious occasion but a powerful means of purifying the soul, maturing karma, and connecting with God.
This occasion arrives once again on June 21st, 2025, offering devotees the opportunity to seek refuge in Lord Viṣṇu and gain liberation from life's obstacles. This day is a golden opportunity for anyone seeking spiritual elevation, accumulating merit, and a happy life.
