🌼 Yogini Ekadashi 🌼

💐Significance Of Yogini Ekadashi💐

               Yogini Ekadashi is an auspicious day, and by keeping strictly to the Ekadashi regulations and fasting on this day, one can achieve redemption and atone for all of their sins. The importance of Yogini Ekadashi is further demonstrated by the notion that following Yogini Ekadashi will cure bodily diseases and grant devotees excellent health.  
                   The significance of the Ekadashi fast, or vrat, is mentioned in ancient Hindu literature by Lord Sri Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who states that it is more significant than other forms of sacrifice, such as almsgiving to the poor, horse sacrifice (Ashvamedha), or even seeing Lord Vishnu. It is stated that anyone who follows the laws and maintains a fast on this day will be set free and granted a spot in Lord Vishnu’s dwelling.  

              Lord Sri Krishna says in the Yogini Ekadashi katha that following Yogini Ekadashi gives Yogini Ekadashi a unique meaning by helping devotees return to the spiritual path rather than drowning in the world’s materialistic ocean. 

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🍀Apara Ekadashi Puja Vidhi:🍀

              The ancient Hindu literature details the Yogini Ekadashi ceremonies, which are said to have been given by Lord Sri Krishna in response to a question posed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, in the Mahabharata. The Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi Yoginis are:

• The person should have a full dental cleaning in the afternoon the day before Yogini Ekadashi, the tenth day of the Krishna Paksha, and dinner at sunset.
  
  
• The person should plan to observe the fast religiously on the morning of Yogini Ekadashi. The individual should take a bath in a lake or river, as these are considered to be the most cleansing, or, if neither is accessible, they should use pond water.
  
  
• The individual should smear mud all over their body while saying a prayer to Mother Earth. The invocation, “O Asvakrante!” Dear Rathakrante, Salutations, Vishnukrante! Dear Vasundhare, Mrttike,! Oh, Earth Mother! Please take away all of my sins from previous lifetimes so that I can go to the dwelling place of the Almighty Lord Vishnu.
  
  
• With total devotion, worship Lord Govinda and present the Divine with a delicious ‘Bhog’ (meal) as well as flowers, sandalwood paste, tulsi leaves, dhoop, and other offerings.
  
  
• To honor the Lord, light a ghee lamp at home.
  
  
• Sing or chant Lord Vishnu’s praises all day long, and during the fast, stay in a really happy mood.
  
  
• Maintain complete consciousness throughout the entire night. To satisfy the Lord, try to play an instrument all night long.
  
  
• The individual should offer alms to Brahmanas the following morning and politely request their pardon for any transgressions.
  
  
• The prayer “O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat” should be said by those who maintain a strict fast until the next day. Please provide for me.
  
  
• Following the prayer, the follower is supposed to place flowers and water at Lord Vishnu’s lotus feet and ask the Lord to eat by reciting the eight-syllable mantra three times. The devotee must drink water that has been dedicated to the Lord in order to receive the full benefits of the fast.
  
  
• If the devotee so desires, they can offer sacrifices of fire.
  
  
• During the entire day of Ekadashi and into the next morning, the devotee is expected to take baths, engage in devotional activities, perform acts of charity, and sing. and chant praises to Lord Vishnu. Additionally, a devotee can go to a temple and make prayers.

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🌻 Don’ts for Apara Ekadashi Fasting🌻

• Avoid Grains and Cereals.
• No Meat, Fish, or Eggs.
• Avoid Onion, Garlic, and Certain Spices.
• No Alcohol or Intoxicants.
• Don’t Eat More Than Once.
• Don’t Break the Fast at the Wrong Time.
• Don’t Sleep During the Day (if observing strictly).
• Avoid Gossip, Anger, and Negative Speech.
• Don’t Neglect Spiritual Practices.
• Don’t Harm Any Living Being.

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🍀Mantras of yogini Ekadashi:🍀

शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं 

विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्ण शुभाङ्गम्। 

लक्ष्मीकान्तं कमलनयनं योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यम् 

वन्दे विष्णुं भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम्॥ 

  
Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresh 

Vishwadharam gagansdsham meghvran shubhaangm. 

Lakshmikantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyanagamyam 

Vande Vishnu Bhavabhayaharam Sarvlokaikanatham. 

  
ओम नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नम:। 

Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay Namah. 

  
ओम नारायणाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि तन्नो विष्णु प्रचोदयात्। 

Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat. 

  
ओम ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मीवासुदेवाय नमः। 

Om Hreem Shree Lakshmivasudevay Namah. 

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💐Conclusion 💐

             In the Hindu calendar, Yogini Ekadashi is a day of spiritual elevation and hope, providing a way to atone for sins and receive divine favors. A dedication to spiritual development and the pursuit of redemption is demonstrated by the careful observance of the fast and its related customs, which include the holy bath at daybreak and the distribution of sacred food.

              This auspicious day culminates in the achievement of peace, prosperity, and ultimate emancipation and is not just about self-denial but also about generosity, dedication, and the reading of sacred scriptures. Let’s embrace the values that Yogini Ekadashi represents and continue to bring the light of tradition and faith into our lives as we consider its significance.

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