Yogini Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi falls on Jeth Vad 11. The vratt of Yogini Ekadashi is described in detail in the Brahmavaivarta Purana.
Lord Krishna told Yudhisthira, “O King, Yogini Ekadashi destroys all sins and grants salvation. This vratt removes suffering and brings peace and harmony to one’s life.”
In the kingdom of Alka, King Kuberdev ruled with devotion and righteousness. He regularly performed poojan and offered flowers to the Gods. His servant, Hemmali, was responsible for collecting flowers daily from the sacred Mansarovar Lake.
One morning, Hemmali gathered the flowers but on the way home, he became captivated by his wife's beauty and stayed with her, forgetting his duty. Meanwhile, at the palace, the king waited for the flowers, and upon discovering Hemmali’s negligence, became furious and summoned him.
Learning the truth, King Kuber cursed Hemmali: “Because you have neglected your sacred duty, you will live in misery, disease, hunger, and suffering.”
The curse took effect immediately. Hemmali wandered through forests and mountains without food or rest. One day, in the Himalayas, he reached the hermitage of the great Markanday Rishi. With tears in his eyes, he bowed before the sage and told him everything.
Markanday Rishi compassionately said, “O child, since you have confessed your mistake truthfully, I shall show you the way to liberation. Observe the vratt of Yogini Ekadashi. Do a complete fast—no food, no water. Spend the entire day and night chanting the name of God with full faith. This vratt will free you from the curse.”
Hemmali followed the rishi’s instructions, observing the vratt with devotion. Through the divine power of Yogini Ekadashi, he was freed from all suffering and regained his original healthy form. He returned to his city and lived a peaceful life.
The Brahmavaivarta Purana states that one who observes Yogini Ekadashi receives merit equal to feeding 88,000 Brahmins and becomes completely free from all sins.