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Yogini Ekadashi fasting story: Ekadashi date has special significance in Sanatan Dharma. This holy day is considered best for worshiping Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe. On Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month Yogini Ekadashi It is said. It is believed that any devotee who observes fast on this day with full devotion and rituals, all the accumulated sins of his life are destroyed. Along with this, happiness and prosperity reside in the house and the immense blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, remain. Today, devotees across the country have taken a pledge for this holy fast by taking bath in holy rivers.
Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Date, auspicious time and time of Paran
According to the Panchang, following are the important times for puja and fast this year:
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Start of Ekadashi Tithi: On July 10 from 08:16 am.
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End of Ekadashi Tithi: On July 11 at 05:22 am.
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Best Puja Muhurta (Chaughadiya): On July 10, from 08:59 am to 10:42 am. This time is best for special worship of Lord Vishnu.
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Time of fasting: On July 11, from 01:50 pm to 04:36 pm.
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Hari Vasar End Time: On July 11 at 10:32 am.
Special Rules: According to the scriptures, the fast of Ekadashi is not considered complete until the fast holder listens or reads the mythological story of Yogini Ekadashi.
Yogini Ekadashi fast story: When Yaksha was cursed to be a leper
During the Mahabharata period, when Dharmaraja Yudhishthir and Arjun asked Lord Shri Krishna about the greatness of Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Ashadh month, then Leeladhar Shri Krishna told them this story described in the Puranas:
Alkapuri city and king Kuber’s devotion to Shiva
in ancient times Alkapuri There was a very beautiful and glorious city named, where king kuber Used to rule. King Kuber was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and used to worship Mahadev regularly. in the service of the king Hemmali There was a servant named Yaksha appointed, whose main duty was to bring fresh flowers from Manasarovar every day for the worship of Lord Shiva.
Hemmali deviated from duty
Hemmali’s wife’s name Vishalakshi Who was very beautiful like an Apsara. One day Hemmali plucked beautiful flowers from Manasarovar as usual, but as soon as he returned home, he became fascinated by the beauty of his wife and forgetting his sense of duty, he indulged in luxury with her. On the other hand, King Kuber kept waiting for Hemmali in the palace after preparing the plate for worshiping Lord Shiva in the palace.
King Kuber’s fierce anger and curse
When the puja time passed, King Kuber became angry and sent his servants to find Hemmali. The servants came back and told the king the truth that Hemamali was currently busy having fun with his wife without caring about the puja. Hearing this, Kuber’s anger knew no bounds. He immediately ordered Hemamali to be present in the court.
As soon as Hemamali appeared before the king trembling with fear, Kuber roared and said –
“O wretched one! Being under the influence of lust, you have insulted my most revered God Mahadev. I curse you that at this very moment you will fall from heaven to earth, will suffer in separation from your beloved woman and will live the painful life of a leper (leprosy patient) in the mortal world.”
Terrible suffering on earth and meeting with sage Markandeya
Due to the curse of Kuber, Hemamali fell from heaven to earth at that very moment and his entire body became afflicted with severe leprosy. His beautiful wife also got separated from him. Coming to earth, he endured unbearable sufferings of hunger, thirst and disease for many years. However, due to the secret grace of Mahadev, his intellect did not get tarnished and he fully remembered the misdeeds of his previous birth.
While suffering, one day he wandered to a place situated in the Himalayan Mountains. Maharishi Markandeya Reached the ashram. Sage Markandeya was looking as brilliant as the second Brahma. Without any delay Hemmali prostrated himself at the feet of the sage.
Maharishi told the path of salvation
Seeing Hemmali’s pitiful condition, sage Markandeya asked, “Son! What bad or sinful deed have you done that has caused you to be in this condition?” Hemmali very honestly told the story of her entire mistake and the curse of King Kuber to the sage and tearfully begged for her salvation.
Pleased with Hemamaali’s truthfulness, Maharishi Markandeya said smilingly –
“Hemmali! You have spoken true words in front of me, hence I will tell you the way to get relief from this suffering. You will come in the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month. Yogini Ekadashi Observe the fast with full rituals and devotion. With the effect of this fast, all your sins will be destroyed.”
Effect of fast and reunion
There was no limit to Hemamali’s joy after hearing Maharishi’s words. He observed the fast of Yogini Ekadashi with full devotion on the day of Ashadh Ekadashi and worshiped Lord Vishnu. Due to the divine effect of this Mahavrat, his leprosy was completely cured, he again returned to his divine Yaksha form and went to heaven and started living happily with his wife Vishalakshi.
Result and importance of Yogini Ekadashi fast
Lord Shri Krishna told Arjun at the end of the story that the result of fasting on this Yogini Ekadashi will be Like feeding 88 thousand (eighty-eight thousand) Brahmins with devotion. Bestows virtue. Whoever listens or reads this holy story, after enjoying all the pleasures in this world, he finally attains salvation and becomes the owner of heaven.