YoginiEkadashi

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   The merit of feeding 88,000 brahmins

   According to the Padma Purana, the Yogini Ekadashi fast bears fruit equal to feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmins. It is held to destroy sin and free the keeper from disease.

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   The story of Hemamali

   Hemamali, Kubera's gardener, failed in bringing flowers for Shiva's worship and was cursed with leprosy. On Sage Markandeya's advice he kept the Yogini Ekadashi fast, was freed of the disease and regained his form — which is why this fast is held special for healing.

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   Yogini Ekadashi at Khatu

   Far from the crowds of the Falgun Mela, this Ashadha Ekadashi is quiet and intimate at the Khatu Shyam temple — devotees find close darshan of Baba with ease. The evening bhajan-kirtan tradition is kept here in full devotion.

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   Sattvic food and restraint from the night of Dashami.
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   On Ekadashi, bathe at dawn, worship Vishnu / Shyam Baba and take the vow.
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   Keep a fruit fast or full fast through the day, as you are able, in bhajan and remembrance.
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   Worship the peepal tree and serve the sick — held especially meritorious on this Ekadashi.
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   Break the fast (paran) on Dwadashi morning after bathing and puja, giving food as you can.

Yogini Ekadashi — FAQ

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   Why is the Yogini Ekadashi fast kept?

   The Yogini Ekadashi fast is kept for freedom from sin and disease. The Padma Purana says its fruit equals feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmins.
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   What is the story of Yogini Ekadashi?

   Kubera's gardener Hemamali failed in bringing flowers for Shiva's worship and was cursed with leprosy. On Sage Markandeya's advice he kept the Yogini Ekadashi fast and was healed, regaining his true form.
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   When does Yogini Ekadashi fall?

   Yogini Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of Ashadha — after Nirjala Ekadashi and just before Devshayani Ekadashi, when Chaturmas begins.