Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Story, significance, puja rituals & how to observe the fast

Yogini Ekadashi is observed every year during the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashadha. It falls just before Devshayani Ekadashi, which signals the beginning of the sacred period of Chaturmas. According to Panchang calculations for 2026, the Ekadashi tithi begins on the morning of July 10 and continues beyond sunrise the following day, ending on July 11.

Yogini Ekadashi Katha

Like most Ekadashi fasts, Yogini Ekadashi is linked with a story that highlights its spiritual importance.

According to Puranic legend, a gardener named Hemmali served in the court of Kubera, the treasurer of the gods. His duty was to bring fresh flowers every day for worship. However, one day, due to carelessness and distraction, he failed to deliver the flowers on time.


Enraged by this negligence, Kubera cursed him. As a result, Hemmali was afflicted with a severe skin disease and forced to wander the earth in pain, separated from his wife and all comforts.

After enduring prolonged suffering, he eventually met the sage Markandeya, who listened to his troubles with compassion. The sage advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi vrat with complete devotion.

Hemmali followed the guidance sincerely. As the story goes, upon completing the fast, he was freed from his affliction and restored to his former state.

Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Parana (Fast Breaking) Timings

• Ekadashi tithi begins on July 10, 2026 at 8:16 AM
• Ekadashi tithi ends on July 11, 2026 at approximately 5:22 AM

Fasting Dates

• Smarta (householders) will observe the fast on Friday, July 10, 2026
• Vaishnava devotees and sanyasis will observe it on Saturday, July 11, 2026

Parana (Breaking the Fast) Timings
For those fasting on July 10 (Smarta tradition):
The fast should be broken on July 11, typically between 1:50 PM and 4:40 PM

For Vaishnava devotees fasting on July 11:
Parana should be done on Sunday, July 12, during the early morning hours, before the Dwadashi tithi ends.

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi holds great religious importance in Hindu tradition:

• It is believed to cleanse past sins and negative karma
• Devotees observe the vrat to seek good health and relief from suffering
• The fast is said to bring prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth
• Scriptures suggest that observing this vrat gives the merit of feeding thousands of Brahmins
• It is considered highly effective for those seeking mental and physical healing

Yogini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

• Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta and take a bath
• Clean the house and prepare a puja space
• Take a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast with devotion
• Install an idol or image of Lord Vishnu
• Offer flowers, fruits, incense, and दीप (lamp)
• Offer Tulsi leaves, which are considered very sacred to Lord Vishnu
• Chant Vishnu mantras or recite Vishnu Sahasranama
• Perform aarti and continue prayers
• Many devotees stay awake at night (jagran), singing bhajans and kirtans
• Read or listen to the Yogini Ekadashi Katha

Vrat Rules (Fasting Guidelines)

• Strict devotees observe a nirjala fast (without water)
• Others may take fruits, milk, and satvik food (phalahar)
• Avoid grains, rice, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food
• Maintain purity in thoughts, speech, and actions
• Practice charity and help the needy

Ekadashi Mantra

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
“Om Namo Narayanaya”