The story of Yogini Ekadashi comes from the Brahmavaivarta Purana. Hem Mali was a yaksha in the service of Kubera, the lord of wealth, and his daily duty was to bring fresh flowers for Kubera’s worship of Lord Shiva. One day, lost in love for his wife, Hem Mali forgot his duty and failed to bring the flowers in time. Angered that his puja was delayed, Kubera cursed him with leprosy and banished him from his heavenly home, separating him from the wife he loved so dearly.
Wandering in suffering, Hem Mali came upon the ashram of the sage Markandeya, who saw his pain and advised him to observe the vrat of Yogini Ekadashi with full faith. Hem Mali kept the fast as told, and by its power his leprosy was cured, his body was made whole again, and he was reunited with his wife. This is why Yogini Ekadashi is believed to free a devotee from sins, heal illness, and restore what has been lost. The merit of keeping it is said to equal feeding thousands of brahmins.
Yogini Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of the monsoon, just before Devshayani Ekadashi, when Lord Vishnu is said to begin his cosmic sleep and the holy months of Chaturmas start. The vrat is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is especially valued for healing of body and mind. Devotees fast, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, and give food, water and medicine in charity, remembering that the vrat once cured Hem Mali of a terrible disease. It is seen as a day to let go of past mistakes and pray for health, forgiveness and a fresh start.
Yogini Ekadashi 2026 is on Friday, 10 July 2026. The tithi is kshaya this year, so it falls at no sunrise and the vrat is kept on the day it begins. Parana (breaking the fast) is on Saturday, 11 July 2026, between 14:05 and 16:44 in Ahmedabad.
Yogini Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to wash away sins, cure illness and grant moksha. Its merit is said to equal feeding thousands of brahmins, recalling how it once cured the yaksha Hem Mali of leprosy.
Begin the fast at sunrise, taking either nirjala or phalahar. Avoid grains, worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi, recite his names, give charity, and break the fast at Parana the next day on Dwadashi, within the window given for your city.
Parana for Yogini Ekadashi 2026 is on Saturday, 11 July 2026, between 14:05 and 16:44 in Ahmedabad. It is not at sunrise this year: Hari Vasara, the first quarter of Dwadashi, runs until 10:33 and the fast must not be broken during it. Check the 11 July Panchang for the timings in your city.