Read the history of Yogini Ekadashi 2026 to earn the grace of Shrihari

In Hinduism, the Ekadashi fast holds a special place, and Ekadashi during the Ashadha month in the waning phase is called Yogini Ekadashi. It is believed that this fast can destroy all sins and bring happiness and prosperity into life. According to ancient scriptures, observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast brings the same deserved blessing as feeding eighty-eight thousand Brahmins.

Dates and Auspicious Time

This year, Yogini Ekadashi will be celebrated on July 10th. The start of the Ekadashi date begins on July 9, 2026, at 09:31 AM, and concludes on the night of July 10th at 10:11 PM. The time for opening the fast (Paran) is scheduled for July 11th, from 05:40 AM to 08:24 AM.

Rituals of Celebrating Yogini Ekadashi

On the day of Ekadashi, one must wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean yellow clothing. After this, an oath is taken by holding water in the hands. Then, an image or statue of Lord Vishnu is placed on a spread-out yellow cloth in the prayer corner. Yellow flowers, akshat (whole rice grains), fruits, sandalwood, and offerings are presented to him. The presence of Tulsi leaves is mandatory when worshipping Vishnu, but it should be remembered that Tulsi leaves cannot be plucked on the day of Ekadashi, so they must be collected the day before, on Dashami.

After this, a ghee lamp is lit before Lord Vishnu, a story about Yogini Ekadashi is read or listened to, followed by chanting the Vishnu Sarasranama and concluding with Aarti. Sleeping is forbidden on the night of Ekadashi; instead, vigils are observed by engaging in kirtan or repeating mantras in the presence of divine chants. The next day, on Dwadashi, the fast is broken at an auspicious time. Before breaking the fast, it is necessary to feed and give charity to Brahmins or the needy.

Rules of Conduct on This Day

Since Lord Vishnu favors the color yellow, it is recommended to wear yellow-toned clothing and offer yellow items as gifts. It is also considered very beneficial to donate water, grains, umbrellas, or clothes. It is important to maintain complete purity of thoughts, words, and actions, following the principles of Brahmacharya.

History of Yogini Ekadashi

According to legend, there lived a gardener named Hem in the city of Alkapuri, which belonged to King Kubera. He used to bring flowers from Mansarovar daily to worship Shiva. However, being bound by his wife's love, he once forgot to bring the flowers on time. Enraged, Kubera cursed him, condemning him to suffer separation from his wife and turning him into a leper in the mortal world. Under the influence of this curse, Hem wandered and reached the ashram of the sage Markandeya. Hearing of his sorrow, the sage advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast in the month of Ashadha. Hem diligently observed this fast, due to which his leprosy completely disappeared, and he regained his divine appearance and union with his wife. Since then, it has been believed that observing this fast frees one from physical ailments and unintentional sins.

Jyeshtha Purnima is considered an extremely sacred date in Hinduism as it brings a message of spiritual peace and prosperity. In 2026, this date holds special significance due to the formation of several rare auspicious alignments.

Date and Astrological Features

This year, Jyeshtha Purnima is observed on June 29, 2026, a Monday. According to the rising date, the main day for bathing, offering sacrifices, and worship falls specifically on June 29. The Purnima period will begin on June 29 at 4:02 AM and last until 5:53 AM on June 30.

The importance of this day is increased by the simultaneous occurrence of the yogas Savarta Siddhi, Amrit Siddhi, and the Nakshatra Mula. Since the day falls on a Monday, it is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva will be particularly fruitful.

Deities and Worship Rituals

On Jyeshtha Purnima, it is best recommended to worship Lord Vishnu, Mother Lakshmi, Lord Shiva, and the moon. Worshiping Mother Tulasi is also considered especially auspicious.

Ritual Instructions

To appease the deities, one should start by waking up early in the morning and taking a bath, preferably with a small amount of Gangajal. After this, one must wear clean clothes and perform vows and worship. Offerings of sandalwood paste (shandan), akshat, tulsi, and sweets should be made to Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi, while Lord Shiva should receive Jalabhishek.

In the evening, at moonrise, it is recommended to perform Arghya with milk or water. This ritual is considered an ideal means to achieve mental peace and relieve stress.

Importance of Giving and Prohibitions

According to sacred scriptures, Jyeshtha Purnima has special significance for giving. Depending on one's capacity, one can donate the following items.

The article also mentions lists of what to do and what to avoid on this day.