Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Vrat Katha, Rules & Benefits (July 10)

After the great Nirjala Ekadashi, the next major Vaishnava fast is Yogini Ekadashi, observed on Friday, July 10, 2026 — the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Ashadha month. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Yogini Ekadashi is renowned in the Puranas as a powerful remover of sins and afflictions.

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

The Brahma Vaivarta Purana declares that observing Yogini Ekadashi yields merit equal to feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmins. It is especially associated with healing — freedom from disease, curses and the residue of past misdeeds — making it one of the most sought-after Ekadashis for those seeking relief and a fresh spiritual start.

The Vrat Katha of Hem Mali

The story tells of Hem Mali, a yaksha in the service of Kubera, whose duty was to bring lotus flowers daily for Lord Shiva’s worship. Distracted by his love for his wife, he failed in his duty one day. Kubera, enraged, cursed him with leprosy and separation from his wife. Wandering in suffering, Hem Mali met the sage Markandeya, who advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi vrat. By its power, his leprosy was cured and he was restored to grace — illustrating the vrat’s extraordinary cleansing potency.

How to Observe the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat

• Begin discipline from the Dashami evening; eat a simple sattvic meal and avoid grains thereafter.
• On Ekadashi, observe the fast — Nirjala (waterless) for the able, or with fruits and milk as per capacity.
• Avoid rice, grains, beans and onion-garlic; worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi, flowers and a ghee lamp.
• Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”, read the Ekadashi katha, and stay awake in devotion (jagaran) if possible.
• Break the fast (Parana) on Dwadashi morning within the prescribed window, first with water, then light sattvic food.

Benefits of Yogini Ekadashi

• Freedom from accumulated sins and the effects of past karma.
• Relief from disease and afflictions; physical and mental purification.
• Peace of mind, the grace of Lord Vishnu and progress toward Vaikuntha.

For NRIs and Devotees Abroad

• Adjust the fast to your local sunrise/sunset and observe Parana at the correct local time.
• Chant the Vishnu Sahasranama and offer a simple home puja of Lord Vishnu or Krishna.
• Join an online Ekadashi katha or kirtan if you cannot visit a temple.

Yogini is the first of the two great Ashadha-month Ekadashis; it is followed by Devshayani Ekadashi on July 25, when Lord Vishnu begins his cosmic sleep and Chaturmas begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Yogini Ekadashi in 2026?

Yogini Ekadashi 2026 is observed on Friday, July 10, 2026 — the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of the Ashadha month.

What is the significance of Yogini Ekadashi?

It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to grant freedom from sins and afflictions; the Brahma Vaivarta Purana states its merit equals feeding thousands of brahmins.

How is the Yogini Ekadashi fast observed?

Devotees fast from the Dashami evening, avoid grains and beans, worship Lord Vishnu, stay awake in devotion, and break the fast (Parana) on Dwadashi morning.

What is the story behind Yogini Ekadashi?

It tells of Hem Mali, a yaksha cursed with leprosy for neglecting his duty to Lord Shiva, who was freed of the curse by observing the Yogini Ekadashi vrat.

Which Ekadashi comes after Yogini Ekadashi?

Devshayani Ekadashi (July 25, 2026), the Shukla Ekadashi of Ashadha, when Lord Vishnu begins his cosmic sleep and Chaturmas starts.

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Jai Shri Hari!