Ekadashi fast is considered to have special significance in Hindu religion. Ekadashi tithi that comes every month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. is one of these Yogini Ekadashiwhich is celebrated on the Ekadashi date of Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month.
According to religious beliefs, fasting on Yogini Ekadashi and listening to its story destroys sins and grants the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
It is said that the devotee who observes Yogini Ekadashi fast with devotion and rituals, gets the blessings of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu and remains happy and peaceful in life.
Yogini Ekadashi fast story
According to the legend, there was a king named Kuber in heaven. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and used to worship Lord Shiva every day. There lived a gardener named Hem in his kingdom, whose job was to bring puja flowers for the king every day.
Hem Mali lived a happy life with his wife Vishalakshi. One day he went to Manasarovar to collect flowers for the worship of Lord Shiva. But he was so lost in his wife’s love and attraction that he did not arrive on time with flowers for King Kuber.
When King Kuber did not see Hem Mali bringing flowers even after the puja time had passed, he became very angry. He ordered his servants to call Hem Mali.
When Hem Mali arrived, the king asked him the reason for the delay. Then Hem Mali accepted his mistake. King Kuber became angry and cursed Hem Mali that he would go to earth and live the life of a leper, suffering separation from his wife.
Due to the curse, Hem Mali came from heaven to earth and had to face many troubles. He kept wandering in the forests and started living a miserable life.
One day while wandering he reached the ashram of sage Markandeya. The sage, with his divine vision, knew the reason for his sorrow. He sent Hem Mali on Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month. Yogini Ekadashi Advised to fast.
Hem Mali observed the fast of Yogini Ekadashi with devotion. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, all his sins were destroyed and he came back to his old form. After this he again reached heaven and started living a happy life.
Importance of Yogini Ekadashi fast
According to religious beliefs, by fasting on Yogini Ekadashi, a person gets freedom from sins and gets the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Observing this fast is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in life.
It is believed that the devotee who observes Yogini Ekadashi fast with devotion and remembers Lord Vishnu, attains salvation.
Worship Lord Vishnu on Yogini Ekadashi
On this day, worship should be done by lighting a lamp in front of the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu. Offering yellow flowers, fruits and basil leaves to him is considered auspicious. After this, reciting or listening to Yogini Ekadashi fast story is considered fruitful.
According to religious beliefs, listening to the story and fasting on Yogini Ekadashi pleases Lord Shri Hari and blesses the devotees with happiness, peace and spiritual progress in life.