Yogini Ekadashi 2025

What is Yogini Ekadashi?

Yogini Ekadashi is observed in Sanatan Dharma on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Ashadha month. This fast is a path to liberation from sins and destruction of diseases. It is believed that observing the fast of Yogini Ekadashi grants merit equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. This fast is especially considered to bring about liberation (moksha) and freedom from all ailments.

Yogini Ekadashi 2025: Date and Time

Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 07:20 AM on June 21, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 04:27 AM on June 22, 2025

The Story of Yogini Ekadashi

In the divine city of Alkapuri, Lord of Wealth King Kubera resided. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, constantly engaged in his worship. Among his attendants was a Yaksha named Hemamali, whose duty was to fetch flowers for Kubera's daily worship. Hemamali had a stunningly beautiful wife named Vishalakshi, to whom he was deeply attached and obsessed due to his desires.

One day, Hemamali brought flowers from Lake Manasarovar, but instead of delivering them to the temple, he stayed home, lost in the pleasures of his wife's company. Meanwhile, King Kubera waited in the temple for the flowers, but they did not arrive. After waiting until noon, Kubera grew angry and asked his other attendants, "Why hasn't the wicked Hemamali arrived yet?"

The Yakshas replied, "O King, Hemamali is indulging in pleasure at home with his wife, ignoring your worship." On hearing this, Kubera's anger knew no bounds. He immediately summoned Hemamali. Knowing he was at fault, Hemamali came in fear, trembling before the king. Kubera, with eyes red with rage, thundered, "O sinner! You've insulted Lord Shiva by neglecting his worship. As a result, you shall suffer from leprosy and be separated from your beloved wife, banished from this place."

As soon as Kubera cursed him, Hemamali fell to the ground, his body afflicted with disease and pain. Despite his condition, he did not forget Lord Shiva, thanks to the past merit of worship. Remembering his sins, he wandered through forests and mountains, eventually reaching the summit of Mount Meru, where he met the great sage, Markandeya.

Seeing the trembling and diseased Yaksha from a distance, Markandeya Muni, filled with compassion, called him closer and asked, "Who are you? What has brought you to such a pitiful state?"

Hemamali humbly replied, "O Sage, I am Hemamali, a servant of King Kubera. My duty was to bring flowers daily for Shiva's worship. But one day, lost in sensual pleasure with my wife, I neglected my service. As a result, I was cursed to suffer from leprosy and live away from my beloved. By divine grace, I have reached you. Please instruct me in a way to redeem myself."

Impressed by his honesty, Markandeya Rishi said, "Since you've spoken the truth and shown repentance, I will tell you about a sacred fast. Observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashadha. With sincere devotion, if you perform this fast, you will be freed from your disease and suffering."

Lord Krishna said, "Following the sage's advice, Hemamali observed the Yogini Ekadashi vrat with full devotion. As a result, he was completely cured of his leprosy and reunited with his beloved. This is the power and greatness of Yogini Ekadashi."

This fast is known to free a person from grave sins and diseases and leads the devotee toward happiness and salvation.

Yogini Ekadashi 2025: Worship Method

• Fasting Preparation (Dashami Tithi – the day before):
The person observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast should take a bath in the morning on Dashami (the day before Ekadashi). Eat only once during the day with a simple satvik (pure vegetarian) meal and sleep on the floor at night.

• Fasting Resolution (Ekadashi Tithi – the main day):
On the next morning, i.e., on Ekadashi, complete your daily morning routine and take a bath. Then, while meditating on Lord Vishnu, make a fasting resolution. The essence of the resolution is as follows:

"हे भगवान कमलनयन नारायण! आज मैं भोजन और सभी भोगों से दूर रहकर उपवास करूंगा, और कल भोजन करूंगा। आप मुझे अपनी शरण में ले।"

• Worship of Lord Vishnu:
After taking the vow, offer incense, lamp, flowers, fragrance, and devotion to worship Lord Vishnu.

• Night Vigil:
Stay awake at night near Lord Vishnu by singing devotional songs (bhajans) and hymns. Try not to sleep.

• Dwadashi Tithi (The Next Day):
On the next morning, i.e., on Dwadashi, take a bath again and worship Lord Vishnu. Then offer food to a deserving Brahmin.

• Breaking the Fast:
Finally, along with your family members, break the fast by eating in silence.

Yogini Ekadashi 2025: Mantra Chanting

• Vishnu Mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"

• Ekadashi Vrat Mantra:
"Ekadashyam narah snatva japet Vishnum Janardanam। Sarva-paapa-vinir mukto Vishnu-lokam sa gacchati॥"

Chanting these mantras brings mental peace and grants spiritual merit (punya).

Yogini Ekadashi 2025: Benefits

Freedom from Sins
Yogini Ekadashi is known for destroying even the gravest of sins. According to the Skanda Purana, this fast can erase sins accumulated over many lifetimes, even those considered equal to heinous acts like Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin).

Attainment of Moksha
Scriptures describe this fast as a divine boat that saves souls destined for hell. It helps break the cycle of birth and death and leads the devotee toward ultimate liberation (moksha). Those who observe this fast regularly are believed to attain salvation.

Relief from Kaal Sarp Dosha, Pitra Dosha, and Planetary Afflictions
From an astrological point of view, this fast is highly beneficial. It helps relieve afflictions in the birth chart such as Kaal Sarp Dosha, Pitru Dosha, and malefic effects of Rahu-Ketu, thus removing obstacles from one's life.

Improved Health and Mental Peace
Observing this fast promotes physical well-being and mental stability. The practice of fasting and meditation on this day helps calm the mind and brings positive energy.

Debt Relief and Financial Growth
It is believed that sincere observance of this fast can lead to freedom from debt. Those burdened with loans may experience financial recovery and progress through this vrat.

Family Harmony and Marital Bliss
Yogini Ekadashi fosters love, unity, and peace within the family. If there are conflicts in marital life, they are believed to get resolved. The fast is especially effective for improving marital harmony.

Purification of Actions and the Soul
These fast transforms one's negative actions into virtuous deeds. It purifies the soul and strengthens devotion to God.

Yogini Ekadashi 2025: Significance

Yogini Ekadashi holds a special place among all Ekadashis. Fasting and night vigil on this day help eliminate all sins. It symbolizes physical, mental, and spiritual purification. On this occasion, Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped alongside Lord Vishnu, bringing happiness, peace, and prosperity into one's life.

FAQ

1. Why Do We Observe Yogini Ekadashi?
Yogini Ekadashi is observed for liberation (moksha), freedom from sins, and relief from diseases. This vrat (fast) is a powerful means to receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

2. What Should Be Done on Yogini Ekadashi?
• Observe a fast and take the vow (sankalp).
• Worship Lord Vishnu with devotion.
• Listen to the vrat katha and chant mantras.
• Stay awake at night and engage in bhajan-kirtan.

3. How to Perform Yogini Ekadashi Puja at Home?

• Morning Bath & vow: Wake up before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean clothes. Stand before Lord Vishnu and take a vow such as:
"Today I shall observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast and perform special worship of Lord Vishnu."

• Prepare the Puja Area: Clean the home temple or worship space. Place a yellow cloth on a wooden seat (chauki) and install a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu. Use yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, lamp, incense, sandalwood, and Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar) during the worship.

• Panchamrit ablution: Bathe the idol or image with Panchamrit, followed by Ganga water. Apply turmeric and vermillion, offer yellow flowers, and light a ghee lamp for the deity.

• Offer Fruits & Prasad: Offer grains, fruits, sweets, and tulsi leaves for Lord Vishnu. Before that, offer food or fruits to a cow or Brahmin if possible.

• Chanting of Mantras: After worship, chant Vishnu mantras sincerely. Especially chant: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and "Om Vishnave Namah". Also, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (1,000 names of Vishnu).

• Bhajan-Kirtan & Meditation: Spend the day in devotion, listen to bhajans, read scriptures, and meditate. Stay awake at night, singing aarti and bhajans for Lord Vishnu.

4. How to Perform Yogini Ekadashi Puja Step by Step?

• Dashami Tithi (Preparation for the Fast):
On the day before Ekadashi (Dashami), bathe in the morning. Eat only once during the day with satvik food and sleep on the floor at night.

• Ekadashi Tithi (Sankalp & Puja):
On Ekadashi morning, bathe and take the vow while remembering Lord Vishnu. Worship Lord Vishnu with incense, lamp, flowers, etc., and stay awake at night while doing bhajans and kirtans.

• Dwadashi Tithi (Breaking the Fast):
The next morning (Dwadashi), bathe again and worship Lord Vishnu. Feed a Brahmin and then break your fast quietly with your family.

5. What Not to Do on Yogini Ekadashi?
• Do not tell lies.
• Avoid tamasic foods like garlic and onion.
• Refrain from anger and greed.
• Do not dig the earth or harm plants.

6. What to Do on Yogini Ekadashi?
• Take a vow after morning bath.
• Worship Lord Vishnu.
• Recite the vrat katha and chant mantras.
• Light a lamp in the evening and sing bhajans.

7. What to Eat During Yogini Ekadashi Fast?
Only satvik and fruit-based meals should be taken. Devotees either remain without food or consume fruits while worshipping Lord Vishnu. Light and pure food is considered ideal during this fast.

8. What Not to Eat During Yogini Ekadashi Fast?
On Yogini Ekadashi, devotees avoid grains, especially rice, wheat, and tamasic food. Also avoid oily, spicy, heavy food to maintain the sanctity of the fast. Junk food and intoxicants should be strictly avoided.