Yogini Ekadasi

Yoginī Ekādaśī is a sacred Ekādaśī dedicated to Lord Viṣṇu. According to the Purāṇas, Lord Kṛṣṇa narrated its glories to King Yudhiṣṭhira.

Long ago, in the heavenly city of Alakāpuri, there lived a servant of Kubera named Hemamāli. His duty was to bring fresh flowers daily from Mānasarovara Lake for Lord Śiva’s worship.

Hemamāli was deeply attached to his beautiful wife and one day forgot his service. Because the flowers did not arrive on time, Kubera became angry and cursed him to suffer from leprosy and separation from his wife. Hemamāli lost his divine beauty and wandered miserably in the forests.

After many years, he met the great sage Markandeya and begged for mercy. Seeing his repentance, the sage advised him to observe Yoginī Ekādaśī with sincerity and devotion to Lord Viṣṇu.

Hemamāli faithfully observed the fast, and by the power of Yoginī Ekādaśī, he became free from disease, regained his divine form, and reunited with his wife.

Devotees explain that this story teaches:

• the importance of sincere service,

• avoiding negligence in devotional duties,

• and the purifying mercy of Ekādaśī when observed with devotion to Lord Hari.