Yogini Ekadashi

In Sanatan Dharma, the Ekadashi dates hold immense significance, and among them, Yogini Ekadashi is considered particularly auspicious and beneficial. This Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi date of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Ashadha month. The term ‘Yogini’ means that which leads the practitioner towards ultimate yoga. This fast is especially known for purging sins and paving the way for liberation (moksha).

The Mythological Context and Importance of Yogini Ekadashi

According to religious scriptures, a person who observes the Yogini Ekadashi fast with devotion is freed from sins accumulated over many lifetimes and receives the grace of the Supreme Lord. This fast is said to relieve a person from diseases, sorrow, poverty, and sins.

The Padma Purana narrates a story where a servant named Hemmali from Alkapuri, who had become careless in his duties, contracted leprosy. He sought refuge with the sage Markandeya, and by following his advice to observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast, all his sins were eradicated, and he regained his original form and wealth.

The Importance of Donation and Service

Yogini Ekadashi is not only a day for fasting and penance but also a significant day for service and charity. The rewards for the virtuous deeds done on this day multiply manifold. Scriptures also state:

“Yajñadānatapaḥkarma na tyājyaṁ kāryameva tat.
Yajño dānaṁ tapaścaiva pāvanāni manīṣiṇām.”

This means, “Yajnas (sacrifices), donations, and penance are not to be abandoned. They are purifying actions for the righteous.”

The Merit of Donation and Service on Yogini Ekadashi

On Yogini Ekadashi, donating food, clothes, medicine, and other essentials to the needy, helpless, differently-abled, and poor people brings immense merit. Join in the service project of Narayan Seva Sansthan to provide lifetime food (once a year) to the differently-abled children and receive the supreme merit of this sacred day.