Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Date, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi, Muhurat & Significance

Yogini Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Ashadha. In 2026, Yogini Ekadashi will be observed on July 10. It is named 'Yogini' because observing this fast liberates the devotee from all worldly attachments and grants Moksha (salvation). This Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and offers a highly significant opportunity to seek His divine grace. Yogini Ekadashi holds a special place among all Ekadashis. It is also known as 'Sarvapapa-hara' Ekadashi, meaning it destroys all types of sins. According to the Puranas, observing the fast on this day bestows merit equivalent to performing the Ashwamedha Yajna and liberates the individual from all forms of suffering.

Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Date and Auspicious Timings

According to the Hindu calendar, the start and end times for the Ekadashi Tithi of the Ashadha Krishna Paksha in 2026 are as follows:

Date of the Fast: July 10, 2026 (Friday)

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: July 10, 2026, at 08:10 AM

Ekadashi Tithi Ends: July 11, 2026, at 05:22 AM

Time to Break the Fast (Parana)

Date of Parana: July 11, 2026 (Saturday)

Auspicious Time for Parana: From 07:03 AM to 09:10 AM

Harivasar prevails until 07:02 AM on July 11. According to scriptures, the fast should not be broken during Harivasar; therefore, it is considered auspicious to break the fast only after Harivasar has concluded.

The Story of Yogini Ekadashi

It was during the era of the Mahabharata that Dharmaraj Yudhishthira once said to Lord Shri Krishna, "O Lord of the Three Worlds! I have heard the story of Nirjala Ekadashi, which falls during the bright fortnight of the Jyeshtha month. Now, please narrate the story of the Ekadashi that falls during the dark fortnight of the Ashadha month. What is the name and significance of this Ekadashi? Please tell me in detail."

Shri Krishna replied, "O son of Pandu! The Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of the Ashadha month is known as Yogini Ekadashi. Observing this fast destroys all sins. It grants worldly pleasures in this life and liberation in the afterlife.

O Dharmaraj! This Ekadashi is renowned across the three worlds. Observing it eradicates all sins. Let me narrate to you the story found in the Puranas; listen carefully. A king named Kubera ruled over the city of Alakapuri. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He had a Yaksha attendant named Hemamali, whose duty was to fetch flowers for worship. Hemamali had a very beautiful wife named Vishalakshi. One day, he returned with flowers from Lake Manasarovar, but overcome by lust, he set the flowers aside and began to dally with his wife. He became so engrossed in these pleasures that it turned into afternoon.

When it was already afternoon and Hemamali had not yet arrived, King Kubera grew impatient. Angrily, he ordered his attendants to go and find out why Hemamali had not yet returned with the flowers. Upon locating him, the attendants returned to the king and reported, 'O King! Hemamali is currently engaged in amorous play with his wife.'

Hearing this, King Kubera ordered Hemamali to be summoned. Trembling with fear, Hemamali appeared before the king. Seeing him, Kubera was filled with rage, and his lips began to quiver.

The king said, 'O wretch! You have insulted Lord Shivathe Supreme Deity and the God of even the most revered gods.'" "I curse you to suffer the agony of separation from your wife and to live the life of a leper in the mortal realm."

Cursed by Kubera, he instantly fell from heaven to earth and became a leper. He was also separated from his wife. Upon arriving in the mortal world, he endured immense suffering; yet, by the grace of Shiva, his mind remained unclouded, and he retained the memory of his past life. Enduring these hardships and reflecting on the misdeeds of his previous life, he set out towards the Himalayas.

As he journeyed, he arrived at the ashram of the sage Markandeya. The sage was an extremely elderly ascetic; he appeared like a second Brahma, and his ashram shone with the splendor of Brahma’s celestial assembly. Upon seeing the sage, Hemamali approached him, offered his salutations, and prostrated himself at his feet.

Seeing Hemamali, the sage Markandeya asked, "What vile deeds have you committed that caused you to become a leper and endure such terrible suffering?" Hearing the great sage's words, Hemamali replied, "O eminent sage! I was an attendant of King Kubera; my name is Hemamali. Every day, I would fetch flowers from Lake Manasarovar to present to Kubera for the worship of Shiva. One day, however, I became so engrossed in the pleasures of intimacy with my wife that I lost all track of time and failed to deliver the flowers by midday. Consequently, he cursed me to suffer separation from my wife and to endure the misery of leprosy in the mortal realm. That is why I have become a leper and am suffering greatly on earth; please, I beg you to suggest a remedy that might grant me deliverance."

 Sage Markandeya said, "O Hemamali! Since you have spoken the truth before me, I shall prescribe a sacred vow for your redemption. If you observe the Yogini Ekadashi  fast which falls during the dark fortnight of the month of Ashadha in accordance with the prescribed rituals, all your sins will be absolved." Hearing the words of the great sage, Hemmali was overjoyed and began observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast according to the prescribed rituals. Through the power of this fast, he regained his original form and began living happily with his wife.

Lord Shri Krishna said: "O King! The merit gained from the story of this Yogini Ekadashi is equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. Observing this fast destroys all sins, and ultimately, the soul attains liberation and becomes entitled to enter heaven."

Yogini Ekadashi Fasting Rituals

• If you intend to observe the Ekadashi fast, keep in mind that the associated rules must be followed starting from the Dashami (tenth) day. To observe the Ekadashi fast properly, one should abstain from consuming Tamasic food on Dashami.
• Consume only Sattvic food on Dashami, and avoid eating moong dal, masoor dal, wheat, barley, or eggplant at night on this day.
• On the Ashadh Krishna Ekadashi day, the devotee should wake up early and complete their morning ablutions. Bathing before sunrise and wearing clean clothes is considered ideal.
• After bathing on Ekadashi, one should first take a solemn vow (Sankalp) to observe the fast. Subsequently, perform a ritualistic worship of Lord Vishnu by installing an idol or a Kalash (sacred pot).
• The Padma Purana highlights the special significance of charity on Ekadashi. One must perform acts of charity on Dwadashi (the twelfth day) before breaking the fast. The fast should be broken only after this.
• Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, incense, a Diya (lamp), and Naivedya (food offering).
• Chant the Vishnu mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Conclude the fast on Dwadashi (twelfth) day by performing the Paran (breaking of the fast) according to the prescribed rituals.

Precautions to Observe During the Fast

• It is believed that devotees should not pluck Tulsi (holy basil) leaves on Ekadashi or Dwadashi. Therefore, one should pluck and keep the Tulsi leaves ready a day in advance. Additionally, one must strictly avoid consuming rice on Ekadashi; family members should also observe this rule.
• One should not consume rice on the day of Ekadashi.
• Along with the person observing the fast, other family members should also abstain from eating rice.
• Adhering to these rules regarding Tulsi and grains is considered auspicious from a religious perspective.
• It is believed that following these guidelines ensures one receives the full spiritual benefits of the Ekadashi fast.
• Maintain a state of purity (sattvic nature), self-restraint, and devotion to Lord Vishnu throughout the fast.

Remedies for yogini ekadashi:

To Overcome Financial Problems

On the day of Yogini Ekadashi, wake up early, bathe, and wear yellow clothing. Then, perform the ritual worship of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Doing so invokes the blessings of Lord Vishnu upon the devotee and resolves the financial troubles in their life.

For the Fulfillment of Wishes

On Yogini Ekadashi, offer coconut and almonds to Lord Krishna. It is believed that this practice is highly auspicious and fulfills every wish of the devotee.

For a Job Promotion

If a person's promotion has been stalled for a long time, they should take a betel leaf (with its stalk intact) on the day of Yogini Ekadashi. They should then write 'Shri' on it using kumkum (vermilion), offer it to Lord Vishnu, and perform worship. Once the worship is concluded, the leaf should be wrapped in a red cloth and placed in the safe or treasury. Doing this facilitates a quick promotion in one's job.

To Bring Harmony to Married Life

If there is persistent discord in one's married life and frequent conflict with one's spouse, one should worship Goddess Tulsi on the day of Yogini Ekadashi. Additionally, one should offer items of adornment (*shringar*) to Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Tulsi on this day. Doing so helps restore harmony and sweetness to the individual's married life.

Conclusion

Yogini Ekadashi holds unique spiritual significance. Observing this fast is a powerful means to please Lord Vishnu and attain His boundless grace. Lord Vishnu grants the boon of fulfilling all desires to devotees who observe this Ekadashi with devotion. For this reason, it is considered the supreme among all Ekadashis; it destroys all sins and paves the way for salvation (Moksha). All devotees should observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast with complete faith and devotion. This fast not only bestows worldly happiness but also leads to spiritual progress and, ultimately, the attainment of salvation.