| Date | Ashadha Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (July 10) |
| Duration | Single day with twilight break (Parana on July 11) |
| Observance | Religious fast/vow (Vaishnava tradition) |
| Celebrated in | Across Vaishnava communities in Nepal and India |
| Observing Communities | Vaishnavas, Krishna devotees, ISKCON communities |
| Type of Event | Ekadashi vrat (Vishnu-focused) |
| Purpose of Event | Spiritual liberation, elimination of disease, and attainment of merits equivalent to feeding 88 Brahmin priests. |
| Holiday Status | Not an official public holiday |
| First Observed in | Vedic period (documented in Brahma Vaivarta Purana) |
Quick Fact: Yogini Ekadashi Vrata (Vaishnava) is observed on the 11th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Ashadha month. Lord Krishna himself explained its rituals and merits to Maharaja Yudhisthira in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. Observing this ekadashi grants merits equivalent to feeding 88 Brahmin priests and ensures freedom from all sins.
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Yogini Ekadashi Vrata is one of the most revered fasting observances in the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Observed on the 11th day of the waning lunar fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Ashadha month (June-July), this sacred vrat is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its glory is personally narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira in the ancient Brahma Vaivarta Purana, making it an exceptionally authoritative and spiritually potent observance for Vaishnava devotees.
Yogini Ekadashi occurs on the 11th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in Ashadha month. This sacred observance is documented in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, where Lord Krishna himself explained its rituals and merits to Maharaja Yudhisthira. The term "Yogini" references the yoginis, divine feminine energies, who are believed to manifest their supreme power on this auspicious day. According to the Purana, a celestial attendant named Hemamali was cursed to suffer from leprosy for neglecting his duties. By observing Yogini Ekadashi with devotion, he was liberated from his curse and restored to his original divine form. By observing this ekadashi, devotees attain merits equivalent to feeding 88 Brahmin priests and are blessed with freedom from all accumulated sins.
This vrata is mainly observed to:
Free individuals from all sinful reactions and accumulated karmic burdens.
Award supreme spiritual liberation and help devotees attain moksha.
Eliminate sickness, ailments, and chronic health afflictions through divine grace.
Bring devotees back to the spiritual path from materialistic and worldly pursuits.
Vaishnava devotees observe this ekadashi through strict spiritual discipline:
The fast begins on the morning of July 10 and concludes on July 11 during Parana time (1:52 PM - 4:32 PM IST).
Ekadashi Tithi spans from July 10 (8:16 AM) to July 11 (5:23 AM) per Vaishnava Brahma Muharat calculations.
Strict observers maintain complete abstinence from food and water throughout the entire day.
Devotional practices include chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, recitation of sacred Puranic texts, and kirtan.
Temple visits and elaborate worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna are performed throughout the day.
This ekadashi holds immense significance in the Vaishnava tradition:
It is one of the most significant ekadashis for eliminating diseases and restoring physical and spiritual health.
It is revered in Vaishnava tradition as bestowing supreme liberation upon sincere devotees.
The merit earned is equivalent to the pious act of feeding 88 Brahmin priests.
Its glory is documented in ancient Puranic scriptures, lending it unquestionable scriptural authority.
It eradicates accumulated karmic sins and removes all forms of negative spiritual influences.
Yogini Ekadashi Vrata stands as a beacon of devotion in the Vaishnava calendar. By observing this powerful fast with unwavering faith and sincere prayer to Lord Vishnu, devotees can overcome illness, dissolve karmic debts, and take firm strides on the path to ultimate spiritual liberation. Its ancient Puranic authority makes it a cornerstone observance for Vaishnavas across Nepal and India.