Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Benefits

Yogini Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashadha. It arrives after the rigorous Nirjala Ekadashi and before the auspicious Devshayani Ekadashi. This Vrat is highly revered in the Padma Purana for its ability to cure physical ailments, particularly skin diseases and leprosy.

In 2026, Yogini Ekadashi falls on a Friday. It is believed that the merit of this fast is equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins.

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

Lord Krishna explained to King Yudhishthira that Yogini Ekadashi is like a boat for those drowning in the ocean of samsara (worldly existence). Its primary significance lies in:

• Health Restoration: It is a powerful remedy for skin disorders.
• Sin Removal: It absolves one of sins that result in physical suffering.
• Purification: It purifies the body and mind before the Chaturmas period begins.

Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story of Hemamali)

The legend revolves around Alkapuri, the kingdom of Lord Kuber (the God of Wealth). Kuber was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva and needed fresh flowers daily for his puja.

He had a Yaksha gardener named Hemamali. Hemamali was deeply in love with his beautiful wife, Swarupavati. One day, blinded by lust and attraction, Hemamali neglected his duty. Instead of delivering the flowers to Kuber, he stayed home with his wife.

Kuber waited for the flowers till noon. Enraged by the delay, he sent soldiers to find the gardener. Upon learning of Hemamali’s negligence, Kuber cursed him: “You have disrespected the Lord for your lust. You shall suffer from white leprosy and be separated from your beloved wife!”

Hemamali fell from Alkapuri to Earth, suffering in great pain. He wandered through dense forests until he reached the Himalayas and met the great Sage Markandeya. The sage, seeing his plight, advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat.

Hemamali observed the fast with full faith. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, his leprosy vanished, his body turned golden, and he returned to Alkapuri to be reunited with his wife.

Puja Vidhi for Yogini Ekadashi

1. Cleanliness: On Dashami night, sleep on the floor and avoid sensory pleasures.
2. Morning Ritual: Bathe with water mixed with sesame seeds or Kusha grass.
3. Worship: Place a Kalash and worship the idol of Lord Vishnu (specifically the form of Narayan).
4. Avoid: Do not use oil or eat salty food on this day.
5. Parana: Break the fast the next morning after donating food or clothes to the needy.

Frequently Asked Questions