Specialty of Yogini Ekadashi
Discover the importance of Yogini Ekadashi, a Hindu festivity celebrated in India during the Ashadha month. Learn about the customs, rituals, and stories associated with this auspicious day, believed to bring happiness, wealth, and spiritual liberation to Lord Vishnu’s followers.
Introduction:
Yogini Ekadashi is an auspicious Hindu festival observed across various regions of India. Celebrated during the Ashadha month, which typically falls in June or July according to the Gregorian calendar, this festivity holds great significance for followers of Lord Vishnu. Fasting on Yogini Ekadashi is believed to cleanse one’s wrongdoings and lead to deliverance, while also bringing blessings from the divine deity. This article explores the importance of Yogini Ekadashi, its customs, and the associated tale, highlighting its potential to bestow happiness, wealth, and spiritual well-being upon devotees.
Importance of Yogini Ekadashi:
Yogini Ekadashi holds a special place in the hearts of Lord Vishnu’s followers. It is a day dedicated to worshipping Lord Narayan, an alternate title for Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that observing a fast on Yogini Ekadashi can bring about profound transformations in their lives. This once-a-year fast is believed to grant merits equivalent to feeding 88 thousand Brahmins, symbolizing the importance and magnitude of the occasion. Furthermore, it is believed that this fasting ritual can cure physical ailments and bestow overall well-being upon the devotee.
Customs and Practices of Yogini Ekadashi:
Fasting is a key aspect of Yogini Ekadashi and is practiced in various regions across the country. The fast is observed on the 11th day of the waning lunar cycle, also known as Krishna Paksha, in the Hindu month of Ashadha (Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi). Devotees begin their day by waking up early, taking a purifying bath, and donning fresh attire. They then offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and observe a rigorous fast throughout the day. The fast concludes on the following day, known as Dwadashi, with the performance of special worship rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The Tale of Yogini Ekadashi:
According to the Padma Purana, an ancient Hindu scripture, the tale of Yogini Ekadashi is narrated. It tells the story of King Suketuman, who ruled over the city of Bhadravati. Due to his ignorance and sinful acts, the kingdom faced severe droughts and hardships. In search of a solution, the king consulted the sage Vashishtha, who advised him to observe the sacred fast of Yogini Ekadashi. Following the sage’s instructions, the king and his subjects faithfully observed the fast, which pleased Lord Vishnu. Consequently, the kingdom’s misfortunes were transformed into abundance, and the king’s sins were washed away. This tale serves as an inspiration for devotees to observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast, seeking divine blessings and liberation from their own wrongdoings.
Conclusion:
Yogini Ekadashi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated during Ashadha month. Fasting on this auspicious day is believed to bring happiness, wealth, and spiritual liberation to Lord Vishnu’s followers. By observing the customs and rituals associated with Yogini Ekadashi, devotees seek to cleanse their sins, experience transformations in their lives, and attain physical and mental well-being.
