Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha 2024
Puja Vidhi:
- According to a belief related to Yogini Ekadashi, it is auspicious to use the soil of Mother Earth for bathing on this day. Apart from this, sesame paste should be applied on the body before bathing.
- On this day, after taking a bath in the morning, make a pledge to start fasting.
- Then install an earthen pot for worship.
- Put water, rice and currency in that pot, place a lamp on it and put rice in it.
- Now install the idol of Lord Vishnu on that lamp.
- Apply a tilak of roli or vermillion to the idol and offer rice.
- After that, light a lamp of pure desi ghee in front of the pot.
- Now they offer Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers.
- They offer seasonal fruits, sweets etc. as prasad and worship Lord Vishnu with rituals.
- Listen to the story of Ekadashi.
- Finally, do the aarti of Shri Hari Vishnu Ji.
- Chant the mantras of Shri Hari and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Stay awake the night and spend time singing bhajans, kirtans and meditating on Shri Vishnu.
- Do not eat food on this day, eat only fruit.
- Before breaking the fast on Dwadashi Tithi, donate to Brahmins and the poor and then break the fast.
Vrat Katha:
The city of Alkapuri was dominated by King Kubera, the ruler of the Yakshas and a devotee of Shiva. Hemmali, one of Kubera’s servants, was responsible for procuring flowers from Manasarovar for the worship of the deity. Hemmali was married to a beautiful woman named Vishalakshi. One day, after collecting flowers from Manasarovar, Hemamali became overcome with lust and indulged in pleasures with his wife, neglecting to give the flowers to Kubera.
As the appointed time for Kubera’s puja approached, the angry king ordered his servants to investigate why Hemamaali had not yet offered flowers. Upon learning of the situation, the servants returned to Kubera and informed him, “O King! The gardener is still engrossed in enjoying his wife.” Angered by this news, Kuber called Hemamali.
Trembling with fear, Hemamali appeared before Kuber. Seeing his presence, Kubera was consumed with anger, causing his lips to tremble. He chastised Hemmali by saying, “O sinful and despicable rogue! You have disrespected the Lord of the Gods, my most revered deity, Lord Shiva. I curse you to suffer separation from your wife and become a leper.” Upon reaching the mortal world!”
Thus, due to the curse of Kuber, Hemamali fell to earth and was transformed into a leper. Wandering in pain, he finally reached the ashram of Sage Markandeya. Seeing Hemamaali’s pitiful condition, the sage asked, “What misfortune has happened to you that has taken away your once beautiful form? Through my spiritual powers, I have learned that your body was once magnificent.”
With folded hands, Hemmali explained, “O sage! I was the personal servant of Yaksharaj Kubera, named Hemmali. It was my daily duty to bring flowers for the king’s worship. However, one day, while indulging in moments of pleasure, I delayed my return. As a result, I failed to deliver the flowers before noon, due to which Kubera cursed me to be separated from my wife. I suffered from leprosy and suffering in the mortal world (Earth); thus, I became a leper after being separated from my wife. I am troubled by my sorrow and request that you tell me some solutions to remove it.
In response, Markandeya Rishi said, “Since you have spoken truthfully before me, I will tell you a fast that will bring liberation. If you faithfully observe the Ekadashi called Yogini falling in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashadha, all your sins are destroyed.” You will be exonerated, and you will be fine.”
Very pleased to hear these wise words of Sage Markandeya, Hemmali immediately started observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast. As a result of this ritual, he regained his former form and lived happily with his wife.
Concluding the narrative, Lord Krishna said, “O King! The virtue gained by telling or hearing the story of Yogini Ekadashi is equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. By fasting on this holy day, all sins are destroyed, thereby ultimately attaining salvation and becoming eligible to attain heaven.
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