Yogini Ekadashi 2026: Date & Rituals
Festival
Yogini Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, 10 July 2026. This sacred Ekadashi is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu and is observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashadha month.
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Yogini Ekadashi 2026 Tithi Timings
- Ekadashi Tithi starts at 08:16 AM on 10 July 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi ends at 05:22 AM on 11 July 2026
- Parana Time is between 02:03 PM and 04:42 PM on 11 July 2026
What is the Significance of Yogini Ekadashi?
- Yogini Ekadashi is considered one of the most important Ekadashis dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. On this auspicious day, devotees observe a vrat and offer prayers to Bhagwan Vishnu for forgiveness, good health, peace, and happiness.
- According to the Padma Purana, observing Yogini Ekadashi with faith helps wash away past sins. The scripture also says that the punya (spiritual merit) earned from observing this vrat is equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmins. . This is the reason why many devotees celebrate Yogini Ekadashi every year with immense faith and devotion.
- Devotees who want to express their devotion on this holy day can also participate in the Bhagwan Vishnu Puja and Sevas arranged by Sanatan Sansaar.
What is the Story Behind Yogini Ekadashi?
- According to the Padma Purana, there was a gardener by the name of Hemamali who used to serve Bhagwan Kubera, the treasurer of the gods. Hemamali’s duty was to bring fresh lotus flowers every morning from the holy Manasarovar lake for Bhagwan Kubera's daily worship of Bhagwan Shiv. But Hemamali became so absorbed in spending time with his wife that he frequently neglected his duties to be with her.
- One morning, Bhagwan Kubera noticed that the flowers were missing. Discovering Hemamali's neglect, Bhagwan Kubera became furious and cursed Hemamali to suffer from white leprosy (a disease) and separation from his wife.
- Hemamali fell from the heavens and landed in a dense, fearful forest on earth. Wracked with physical agony and immense sorrow, he survived in total misery. He lost everything and wandered from place to place, regretting his mistake.
- After many years, Hemamali reached the ashram of the immortal Sage Markandeya. Seeing his wretched state, the compassionate sage inquired about his past. Hemamali then narrated the events that had led to his curse. Upon learning the whole truth, the sage advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat with complete faith and devotion and pray to Bhagwan Vishnu.
- Hemamali followed the sage's advice and observed the vrat sincerely. By the grace of Bhagwan Vishnu, Hemamali was freed from the curse, his leprosy was completely cured, he regained his health, and he was reunited with his wife.
What Devotees Do on Yogini Ekadashi?
- On Yogini Ekadashi, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before beginning the vrat. Many people keep a strict fast and avoid grains (rice, oats, corn, etc.), onion, garlic, and other tamasic foods throughout the day. Meanwhile, some devotees consume only fruits, milk, and simple sattvic food as part of the falahar vrat.
- Throughout the day, devotees worship Bhagwan Vishnu with flowers, Tulsi leaves, incense, and diyas. Many spend time chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,” reading Vishnu Sahasranama (1,000 names of Bhagwan Vishnu), or listening to Shri Hari bhajans with devotion.
- Many devotees also stay awake at night and spend time in prayer, bhakti, and meditation. In the spirit of devotion, many Sanatanis also offer food, clothes, and other essentials to Brahmins and the needy as seva to Shri Hari.
Yogini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
- Follow the below-mentioned steps to worship Bhagwan Vishnu on Yogini Ekadashi:
- Wake up early
- Add a few drops of Ganga Jal to the water and take a bath
- Clean the puja area and light a diya
- Place an image or idol of Bhagwan Vishnu
- Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" or recite “Vishnu Sahasranama" while offering flowers, fruits, incense, and sweets
- Pray to Shri Hari for peace and prosperity
- End the puja with aarti and charity
FAQs
Is it necessary to keep Nirjala fast on Yogini Ekadashi?
No. You can observe the vrat according to your health and ability.
At what time can I break the Yogini Ekadashi fast?
You can break the fast on 11 July 2026, between 02:03 PM and 04:42 PM.
What colour clothes are commonly worn on Yogini Ekadashi?
Devotees commonly wear yellow colored clothes. Yellow is the most auspicious color for this occasion because it is associated with Bhagwan Vishnu (who is also known as Pitambari, the one who wears yellow robes).
What should devotees do if they accidentally break the fast?
It happens sometimes, so there is need to be worried. Pray to Bhagwan Vishnu with devotion and ask for his forgiveness, and complete the day with devotion
How can I prepare for Yogini Ekadashi?
You can prepare by arranging puja essential items like Tulsi leaves, diya, incense, and Ganga Jal in advance.