Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi is one of the most significant Ekadashi fasts observed by Hindus. It falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the month of Ashadha (June-July). This Ekadashi is particularly known for its power to eliminate sins and purify the mind and body. It is believed that observing Yogini Ekadashi helps devotees attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha) and removes obstacles in their spiritual path. The fast is especially beneficial for those seeking to purify themselves of past misdeeds and achieve spiritual growth.

History:

The history of Yogini Ekadashi is narrated in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. According to the legend, there was a gardener named Hemamali who served a king named Kuvera by bringing flowers for the worship of Lord Shiva. One day, Hemamali was distracted by his wife and forgot to bring the flowers. Angered by this, King Kuvera cursed him to suffer from leprosy and endure separation from his wife. Wandering in pain and misery, Hemamali met the sage Markandeya, who advised him to observe the fast of Yogini Ekadashi to atone for his sins. Hemamali followed the sage's advice, and as a result, he was cured of his disease and reunited with his wife. This story highlights the transformative and redemptive power of observing Yogini Ekadashi.

Rituals:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. The fast can be Nirjala (without water) or with limited consumption of fruits, milk, and nuts.

2. Morning Rituals: The day begins with an early morning bath, often in a holy river or with sanctified water at home. Devotees wear clean, preferably new clothes.

3. Prayer and Worship: Special pujas are performed to Lord Vishnu, including offering flowers, incense, lamps, and fruits. Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama and other mantras dedicated to Vishnu.

4. Reading Scriptures: Reading or listening to the stories and significance of Yogini Ekadashi from sacred texts like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana is a common practice.

5. Charity: Acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, and money to the needy, are encouraged. Feeding Brahmins and providing for animals are considered particularly meritorious.

6. Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake the entire night, chanting the names of Lord Vishnu, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and engaging in spiritual discussions.

7. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken the next day, Dwadashi, after performing morning rituals and offering food to a Brahmin or the needy. Devotees typically break the fast with light and sattvic (pure) food.

Bhog (Offerings):

Offerings made to Lord Vishnu on Yogini Ekadashi are prepared with great devotion and adhere to fasting guidelines. Typical offerings include:

1. Fruits: Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, and pomegranates.

2. Nuts and Dry Fruits: Almonds, raisins, cashews, and dates.

3. Milk and Dairy Products: Milk, curd, paneer, and sweets made from milk like kheer and pedas.

4. Sweets: Ladoo, barfi, and halwa made from fasting-compliant ingredients.

5. Tulsi Leaves: Offering Tulsi (holy basil) leaves is highly auspicious.

Temples:

Yogini Ekadashi is celebrated with special fervor in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. Some prominent temples include:

1. Tirupati Balaji Temple: Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is one of the most visited and revered temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.

2. Badrinath Temple: In Uttarakhand, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, this temple witnesses grand celebrations.

3. Ranganathaswamy Temple: Located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, this temple is renowned for its magnificent architecture and elaborate rituals.

4. Jagannath Temple: In Puri, Odisha, famous for its Rath Yatra, observes Ekadashi with great devotion.

5. Venkateswara Temple: In Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, it is known for its rich traditions and large gatherings of devotees.

Arti (Ritual of Light):

Arti is an essential part of the worship ritual on Yogini Ekadashi. It involves the waving of lit lamps before the deity to the accompaniment of devotional songs.

1. Lighting the Lamps: Lamps filled with ghee or oil are lit.

2. Singing Bhajans: Devotional songs and bhajans praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

3. Waving the Lamp: The lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.

4. Ringing Bells: Bells are rung continuously during the Arti to invite positive vibrations.

5. Offering Flowers: Flowers and incense are also offered during the Arti.

6. Distributing Prasad: After the Arti, the offerings (bhog) are distributed as prasad among the devotees.

Mantras:

Chanting mantras is an integral part of the Ekadashi observance. Some important mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are:

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

                                      Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..! ..

Watch : Shree Vishu Amritwani

Summary:

Yogini Ekadashi is a day of profound spiritual significance, observed with devotion through fasting, prayer, and various rituals. Devotees prepare special offerings (bhog), visit temples, perform Arti, and chant mantras to honor Lord Vishnu. These practices help devotees purify their minds and souls, seek divine blessings, and strive for spiritual liberation. Observing Yogini Ekadashi is believed to help devotees atone for past misdeeds and achieve spiritual growth, making it a highly revered fast in the Hindu tradition.