Yogini Ekadashi is celebrated on the eleventh day of the dark lunar
fortnight in the month of Ashada (July-August), according to Hindu
calendar. People observe fast on this day in order to eliminate past
sins and gain materialistic pleasures.
In 2015, Yogini Ekadishi is commemorated on 12th June, 2015
The auspicious time for the prayers is as follows:
05:27 - 10:37
12:21 - 14:04
17:31 - 19:15
A king named Kuvera was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. It was his daily ritual to worship the God and offer prayers to him. He had a gardener named Hema Mali, and he was given the duty of collecting flowers and so that Kuvera could offer them to the idol after finishing his prayers.
Hema Mali was deeply in love with his wife and was attracted to her. One day, in order to fulfill his physical desires, he forgot his duty. When Kuvera came to known about this mistake, he got very angry and cursed Hema Mali. Despite of all the pleading, Kuvera didn’t forgive him and thus Hema Mali was affected by white leprosy. Because of the disease, Hema Mali’s wife also distanced herself from him.
Hema Mali was left alone, wandering in forests for several years. One day he met a sage named Markandeya, who told him all about the Yogini Ekadashi fast. He suggested that keeping this fast would free Hema Mali of all his problems (disease and his marriage). Hema Mali thanked the sage and presented his gratitude by touching his feet. He then observed the fast with devotion and soon he was back to his normal, healthy self. He also reunited with his wife. The fast liberated him from his past sin and gave him happiness and health.
This legend was narrated to Yudhisthira (the eldest Pandava) by Krishna to learn about Yogini Ekadashi.
Rituals
People observe a fast on this day that should begin from the sunrise on Ekadashi and end after the sunrise on next day. While taking a bath, early in the morning, people clean themselves using sandalwood paste or sesame oil. People worship peepal tree (Ficusreligiosa). Devotees may also perform overnight vigil (Jagaran) and sing hymns and prayers throughout the night and next day. Meditate to attain peace and clarity of thought. Reading Hindu scriptures is also considered auspicious. One may also recite Vishnu stotras (a list of 1000 names of Vishnu). People unable to observe a complete fast can opt for a partial one and eat fruits or vegetables. Grains are to be avoided, especially rice. Even while completing the fast, do not consume rice and eat salt less food.
One may visit temples dedicated to Vishnu and his incarnations, or one can also place his idol at home and worship him. Offer flowers, incense sticks, tulsi leaves (holy basil) and lamps. Also read the above-mentioned story to understand the power and significance of the day.
Donation and charity work is also the part of the ritual. It is believed that Lord Vishnu (to whom all the Ekadashis are dedicated) can be pleased if needy people are helped and given charity. One can also offer money to priests and seek their blessings.
Significance
Observing a fast on Yogini Ekadashi is considered equivalent to feeding 88 thousand Brahmins (the learned class, one who had knowledge about Hindu scriptures)... Read More
In 2015, Yogini Ekadishi is commemorated on 12th June, 2015
The auspicious time for the prayers is as follows:
05:27 - 10:37
12:21 - 14:04
17:31 - 19:15
A king named Kuvera was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. It was his daily ritual to worship the God and offer prayers to him. He had a gardener named Hema Mali, and he was given the duty of collecting flowers and so that Kuvera could offer them to the idol after finishing his prayers.
Hema Mali was deeply in love with his wife and was attracted to her. One day, in order to fulfill his physical desires, he forgot his duty. When Kuvera came to known about this mistake, he got very angry and cursed Hema Mali. Despite of all the pleading, Kuvera didn’t forgive him and thus Hema Mali was affected by white leprosy. Because of the disease, Hema Mali’s wife also distanced herself from him.
Hema Mali was left alone, wandering in forests for several years. One day he met a sage named Markandeya, who told him all about the Yogini Ekadashi fast. He suggested that keeping this fast would free Hema Mali of all his problems (disease and his marriage). Hema Mali thanked the sage and presented his gratitude by touching his feet. He then observed the fast with devotion and soon he was back to his normal, healthy self. He also reunited with his wife. The fast liberated him from his past sin and gave him happiness and health.
This legend was narrated to Yudhisthira (the eldest Pandava) by Krishna to learn about Yogini Ekadashi.
Rituals
People observe a fast on this day that should begin from the sunrise on Ekadashi and end after the sunrise on next day. While taking a bath, early in the morning, people clean themselves using sandalwood paste or sesame oil. People worship peepal tree (Ficusreligiosa). Devotees may also perform overnight vigil (Jagaran) and sing hymns and prayers throughout the night and next day. Meditate to attain peace and clarity of thought. Reading Hindu scriptures is also considered auspicious. One may also recite Vishnu stotras (a list of 1000 names of Vishnu). People unable to observe a complete fast can opt for a partial one and eat fruits or vegetables. Grains are to be avoided, especially rice. Even while completing the fast, do not consume rice and eat salt less food.
One may visit temples dedicated to Vishnu and his incarnations, or one can also place his idol at home and worship him. Offer flowers, incense sticks, tulsi leaves (holy basil) and lamps. Also read the above-mentioned story to understand the power and significance of the day.
Donation and charity work is also the part of the ritual. It is believed that Lord Vishnu (to whom all the Ekadashis are dedicated) can be pleased if needy people are helped and given charity. One can also offer money to priests and seek their blessings.
Significance
Observing a fast on Yogini Ekadashi is considered equivalent to feeding 88 thousand Brahmins (the learned class, one who had knowledge about Hindu scriptures)... Read More
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