Ekadasi is called Hari Vasara, the day of Lord Hari. Yogini Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi is famous in all three Loks. It falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Ashada month. This year, the auspicious occasion falls on June 17.
According to Hindu mythology and scriptures, the significance of Yogini Ekadashi is mentioned in Padma Purana. Yogini Ekadashi Vrat helps the observers to attain prosperity, good health, success, and recognition in their lives. The devotees get bestowed with the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu and are also blessed with longevity and well being.
Story of Yogini Ekadashi Vrat:
It is believed that in ancient times, a gardener named Hem lived at the place of King Kuber in the city of Alkapuri. His job was to bring flowers daily from Mansarovar for worshipping Lord Shiva. One day, he got a bit late to bring flowers as he spends too much time with his wife. He arrived late at court. As a result, Kuber got angry and cursed him to be a leper. Getting affected by the curse, he wandered around and fortunately one day, reached the hermitage (Ashram) of Markandeya Rishi. Using his powers, Rishi found out the reason for his condition and told him to perform the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat. With the influence of the fast, Hem’s leprosy ended and he attained salvation.
Yogini Ekadashi 2020 Date
Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 05:40 AM on Jun 16, 2020
Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 07:50 AM on Jun 17, 2020
Parana Time – 05:54 AM to 08:37 AM, 18th Jun
Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – 09:39 AM
Rituals of Yogini Ekadashi:
The puja and fast of Yogini Ekadashi start from the tenth day, and it lasts till the twelfth day.
- The devotee wakes up early and take a bath.
- Offer flowers, sweets, incense stick, deep (lamp), water container, and bell to the God.
- Tulsi leaves must be bought on the previous day so that one does not have to pluck it on Ekadashi.
- Donate to a priest or needy. It is believed that this action would please Lord Vishnu.
- Prasad should consist of either sweets or fruits.
- The devotees can consume one or two meals without grains and salt.
- On the next day, devotees must offer prayer to the Lord, and lit a lamp, along with distributing prasad (sweets), which completes his/her fast.
