Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha | Legends of Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Arjuna said, "O Lord of the Three Worlds! I have heard the story of Nirjala Ekadashi, which falls on the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshtha month. Now, please be kind enough to narrate the story of the Ekadashi that occurs in the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month. What is the name of this Ekadashi and what is its significance? Please explain this to me in detail."

Lord Krishna said, "O son of Pandu! The Ekadashi in the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month is known as Yogini Ekadashi. Observing this fast destroys all sins. This fast bestows enjoyment in this world and liberation in the afterlife. O Arjuna! This Ekadashi is famous in all three Lokas. By observing this fast, all sins are eradicated. I will narrate to you a story from the Puranas, listen attentively. There was a king named Kubera, who ruled over the city of Alakapuri. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He had a servant named Hemamali, who was a Yaksha. Hemamali used to bring flowers for worship. Hemamali had a very beautiful wife named Vishalakshi. One day, he brought flowers from Lake Manasarovar, but due to being overwhelmed by desire, he placed the flowers aside and started spending time with his wife. Because of this indulgence, it became midday.

While King Kubera was waiting for Hemamali, it became noon. He angrily ordered his servants to find out why Hemamali had not yet brought the flowers. When the servants found Hemamali, they returned to the king and said, "O King! Hemamali is spending time with his wife."

Hearing this, King Kubera commanded that Hemamali be brought before him. Trembling with fear, Hemamali appeared before the king. Seeing him, Kubera became extremely angry and his lips began to quiver.

The king said, "You wretch! You have insulted Lord Shiva, the most revered deity of mine. I curse you to suffer the pain of separation from your wife and live a life as a leper in the mortal world."

Due to the curse of Kubera, Hemamali was immediately cast down from heaven to earth and became a leper. He was separated from his wife as well. Upon arriving in the mortal world, he endured many terrible hardships. However, by Lord Shiva's grace, his intellect did not deteriorate and he retained the memory of his past life. Suffering from numerous afflictions and recalling his past misdeeds, he made his way towards the Himalayas.

While wandering, Hemamali reached the Ashrama of Sage Markandeya. The sage was a very old ascetic, appearing like another Brahma and his Ashrama shone with the splendour of Brahma's assembly. Seeing the sage, Hemamali approached him, bowed down and fell at his feet.

Seeing Hemamali, Sage Markandeya said, "What vile deeds have you committed that you have become a leper and are enduring such terrible hardships?"

Hearing the sage's words, Hemamali replied, "O great sage! I was a servant of King Kubera. My name is Hemamali. Every day, I used to bring flowers from Lake Manasarovar for Kubera to offer during Lord Shiva's worship. One day, I was caught up in the pleasure of spending time with my wife, I lost track of time and failed to deliver the flowers by midday. As a result, Kubera cursed me, saying that I would suffer the pain of separation from my wife and live as a leper in the mortal world, enduring great suffering. Hence, I have become a leper and am enduring terrible hardships on Earth. Therefore, please suggest a way for my liberation."

Sage Markandeya said, "O Hemamali! You have spoken the truth before me; therefore, I will tell you about a fast for your salvation. If you observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast, which falls in the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month, with proper rituals, all your sins will be destroyed."

Hearing the sage's words, Hemamali was overjoyed and began observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast with proper rituals as instructed by the sage. Due to the effect of this fast, he returned to his original form and happily reunited with his wife.

O King! The merit of hearing the story of this Yogini Ekadashi is equivalent to feeding eighty-eight thousand Brahmins. By observing this fast, all sins are destroyed and ultimately, the devotee attains liberation and becomes eligible for heaven."

Synopsis (Katha-Saar)

A person should not be lazy or negligent in performing religious duties like worship. Instead, one should always remain disciplined and devoted to serving God with a controlled mind.