व्रत · Vrat & Vrat Katha
Yogini Ekadashi
योगिनी एकादशी
The ekadashi that releases curses — and the redemption of Hema, the cursed gardener
- When
- Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi — typically June or July, just before Devshayani
- आषाढ़ कृष्ण एकादशी
- Deity
- Lord Vishnu
- भगवान विष्णु
- Purpose
- Release from curses (shrap), cure of skin diseases of karmic origin, atonement for past wrongs
About this vrat
Yogini Ekadashi (योगिनी एकादशी) is observed on the Krishna Ekadashi of Ashadha month, typically in late June or early July — just before Devshayani Ekadashi at the start of Chaturmas. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana describes Yogini Ekadashi as uniquely powerful for the dissolution of curses (shrap) and for the cure of skin diseases, leprosy-like conditions, and chronic ailments believed to arise from karmic patterns. Its merit is said to equal the feeding of eighty-eight thousand brahmins.
The vrat takes its name from the katha of Hema, a gardener of Kubera who was cursed and through observance of this very vrat received release. The day is observed by devotees seeking release from any difficult karmic pattern.
Yogini Ekadashi — Katha
The legendary story recited as part of the vrat. Read aloud during the morning puja.
The Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha is the story of Hema, a gardener in the celestial city of Alkapuri who served Kubera, the lord of wealth. Hema was a fortunate being — a beautiful wife Vishalakshi, a respectable position in Kubera's court, and a daily duty: gathering flowers from the celestial gardens for Kubera's morning Shiva-puja.
But Hema was deeply attached to his wife. One morning, returning from the gardens with the morning's flowers, he stopped at home and was so absorbed in her company that he forgot the time entirely. By the time he reached Kubera's court, Kubera had already missed his morning puja to Lord Shiva — a profound transgression.
Kubera was outraged. He summoned Hema and said: "For this transgression of attachment over duty, I curse you: you will become a leper, you will lose Vishalakshi, you will descend from Alkapuri to the mortal earth, and you will wander as a diseased outcast until you find your own redemption."
The curse fell instantly. Hema's body broke out in white leprous spots; his beauty was destroyed; he was banished from Alkapuri; his wife was taken from him. He fell to the mortal earth and wandered for years as a leper.
After many years, Hema came to the ashram of the great sage Markandeya. He prostrated and begged: "Maharishi, I am cursed. I have been a leper for years. Is there any release?"
Markandeya, looking at Hema with compassion, said: "Son, your curse is from Kubera himself, and only one practice can release it. Tomorrow is the Krishna Ekadashi of Ashadha — the Yogini Ekadashi. Observe the vrat with full sincerity. Worship Lord Vishnu. Recite his thousand names. Hold your repentance for the broken duty as a sankalpa through the day. The Yogini Ekadashi vrat dissolves curses; it cures the diseases that arise from broken dharma."
Hema observed the Yogini Ekadashi vrat the next day with full sincerity — fasting, reciting Vishnu's name continuously, repenting through the night for the broken sacred duty. By dawn the next morning, his leprous spots had begun to fade. By noon, his body was healed. By the third day, he had returned to his original celestial form; Vishalakshi was restored to him; he was allowed to return to Alkapuri.
The katha closes with the affirmation that no curse is so deep, no disease so chronic, that the merit of a sincerely observed Yogini Ekadashi vrat cannot reach Lord Vishnu and dissolve it.
Vrat Vidhi — How to observe
- Begin from Dashami evening. Standard ekadashi preparation.
- Pre-dawn bath on Ekadashi. Wear yellow.
- Vishnu puja with intensified focus on personal repentance. The unique element of Yogini Ekadashi is the silent repentance — for any past wrong, any broken duty, any karmic transgression that may underlie the affliction or curse.
- Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama. This is the central recitation of Yogini Ekadashi.
- Maintain the fast through Ekadashi. Standard rules. Strict observers fast nirjala.
- Parana on Dwadashi morning.
Mantras
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Salutations to the divine Vasudeva.
ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने । प्रणतक्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥
Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane · Pranata-Klesha-Nashaya Govindaya Namo Namah
Salutations to Krishna Vasudeva, the destroyer of suffering of those who surrender.
Udyapan — The concluding ceremony
For specific-sankalpa observances (release from a curse, cure of a chronic disease), continue observing Yogini Ekadashi annually until the affliction dissolves. When release is received, perform a special udyapan: complete Vishnu Sahasranama recitation, feeding eleven brahmins, and substantial daan to a Vishnu temple or to those facing similar afflictions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Yogini Ekadashi?
Yogini Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Ekadashi of Ashadha month, typically in June or July. It is uniquely powerful for the release from curses (shrap), the cure of skin diseases (leprosy-like conditions in particular), and the dissolution of difficult karmic patterns. Its merit is said to equal feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmins.
Can Yogini Ekadashi help with chronic skin diseases?
The Yogini Ekadashi katha specifically describes the curing of leprosy in the celestial gardener Hema. Tradition holds that the vrat is the most powerful spiritual practice for chronic skin afflictions — particularly those that have resisted medical treatment. Observe in parallel with medical treatment.
What does it mean that Yogini Ekadashi 'releases curses'?
A 'shrap' (curse) is understood as a karmic pattern formally invoked by the wronged party. Curses can manifest as illness, infertility, or family discord. Yogini Ekadashi is described in tradition as having the unique power to dissolve such patterns — provided the devotee observes it with sincere repentance for the underlying wrong.
When is Yogini Ekadashi 2026?
Yogini Ekadashi 2026 falls in mid-June 2026. Verify the exact date with the Daanyam Panchang.
What is the difference between Yogini Ekadashi and Mokshada Ekadashi?
Yogini Ekadashi (Ashadha Krishna) specifically dissolves curses and diseases of karmic origin, working on present-life karma. Mokshada Ekadashi (Margashirsha Shukla) reaches the seven preceding generations of ancestors. Many serious observers keep both.
Should I observe Yogini Ekadashi if I have no curse or chronic illness?
Yes. While most strongly recommended for those facing curses or chronic diseases, the merit is universal. Observed simply as part of the annual cycle, it dissolves the smaller karmic patterns we all carry.