In accordance with Hindu beliefs, time is divided into four epochs: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. The current era is Kali Yuga, also known as Kali Yuga. This epoch is considered the most difficult. According to sacred scriptures, the total duration of Kali Yuga is 432,000 years, of which about 5,000 years have passed, meaning we are in the early stages of this era. Many astrologers consider this period the golden age of Kali Yuga.
Unlike previous eras such as Treta Yuga (where Ravana was mentioned) and Dwapara Yuga (where Kans was present), when evil was limited to individual personalities, in Kali Yuga, vice is inherent in every member of society. This manifests as the appearance of a 'rakshasi inclination' in humans, such as the growth of greed, violence, deceit, and egoism.
According to the Kalki Purana, as Kali Yuga progresses, human lifespan, strength, and moral qualities decrease. Spirituality, truth, and trust weaken, while egoism, avarice, and pride increase. Relationships become based on benefit and personal interest, and wealth and power begin to be valued above all else.
According to religious beliefs, when sin and injustice reach their peak, the last avatar of Vishnu—the avatar Kalki—will appear. It is said that he will appear riding a white horse, holding a sword, to destroy injustice and restore righteousness. This implies that when the imbalance in society becomes too great, a divine force or major change inevitably comes to restore it.
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita does not directly speak about the end of Kali Yuga. However, Lord Krishna laid down an important principle: 'When dharma declines and adharma increases on earth, then I manifest.' This means that whenever evil intensifies, God incarnates in some form to eradicate it. This idea is connected to the concept of the Kalki avatar.
The Kalki Purana provides a more detailed description of the end of Kali Yuga. It asserts that at the end of times, people will become excessively selfish, aggressive, and far removed from morality. Lies and deception will become commonplace, kings will be unjust, and the common people will suffer. At this moment, the avatar Kalki of Vishnu will be born, who will destroy injustice and begin a new Satya Yuga.
According to the scriptures, some signs of the end of Kali Yuga include the near-complete disappearance of truth and dharma in society, absolute egoism in relationships, an increase in natural disasters, reaching the peak of injustice and violence, and a complete departure of people from spirituality. Nevertheless, these signs are viewed more as a warning than a literal prediction, indicating a possible intensification of chaos in society if people do not correct their behavior.
People have a strong interest in the question of the end of Kali Yuga. According to mythological beliefs, Pralaya signifies not only destruction but also a time of purification of creation and the beginning of a new era. Among the specific signs of the end of Kali Yuga, it is mentioned that Lord Kalki will be born in Sambal, Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, there is a belief that the four pillars in the Kedarnath temple in Maharashtra symbolize the four epochs, and now only one pillar remains, indicating Kali Yuga. Also, events in Joshimath and the worship associated with the Narasimha idol make people contemplate a possible major change.
The Yogini Ekadashi fast is currently being observed. This day is celebrated on the eleventh day of the dark month of Ashadha, and Yogini Ekadashi is considered one of the most significant dates in Hinduism.
According to religious beliefs, observing this fast brings liberation from all sins and attracts well-being and prosperity into a person's life. Sacred scriptures state that sincerely observing this holy fast earns merits equivalent to feeding thousands of needy people. This fast promotes not only physical purification but also grants peace of mind and spiritual growth.
According to Drik Panchang, the Ekadashi date will begin on July 10th at 8:16 AM and end on July 11th at 5:22 AM. The time for ending the fast (Paran) is scheduled from 1:50 PM to 4:36 PM on July 11, 2026.
The first auspicious moment for worship on this day is in the morning, from 4:54 AM to 5:26 AM. The second auspicious moment, known as Abhijit Muhurta, will last from 1:24 PM to 2:28 PM.
This time, Ekadashi falls on a Friday, which is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, and Ekadashi itself is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Joint worship of both brings abundance of wealth and food into life. Furthermore, auspicious combinations such as Shivaas Yoga and Sukarma Yoga form on this day, which multiply the fruits of any religious rituals and meditations manifold.
On the day of the fast, one should wake up early, take a bath, and then first offer a tribute to the Sun from a copper vessel. After this, an image or statue of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu must be placed in the home temple in a clean spot. Then, a lamp made of pure ghee and incense sticks should be lit before the deities. Following this, yellow flowers, which are dear to Lord Vishnu, and red flowers for Goddess Lakshmi should be offered. During this part of the worship, one should listen to or read the mythological story of the Ekadashi fast with complete devotion.
It is considered extremely auspicious and fruitful to calmly repeat the mantras of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi during or after worship. Among such mantras are mentioned: 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' and 'Lakshmi Narayanaya Namah.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
