Yogini Ekadashi

Once, Maharaja Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna about the significance of Yogini Ekadashi. In response, Lord Krishna narrated an ancient history illustrating the extraordinary power of this sacred vrata.

Long ago, in the heavenly kingdom of Alakapuri, there lived a celestial gardener named Hema Mali, who served Kubera, the treasurer of the demigods. Every day, Hema Mali’s duty was to collect fresh flowers for Kubera’s worship of Lord Shiva. Hema Mali was married to a beautiful wife named Vishalakshi, and he was deeply attached to her. One day, while gathering flowers, he became absorbed in enjoying her company and completely neglected his sacred duty.

As a result, the flowers were not delivered on time for Kubera’s worship. When Kubera learned of Hema Mali’s negligence, he became extremely displeased.
Filled with anger, Kubera cursed him:
“Because you neglected your duty and disrespected the worship of the Lord, you shall lose your celestial position, suffer from leprosy, and fall to the earthly realm.”

The curse took effect immediately. Hema Mali lost his beautiful heavenly form and was cast down to Earth. His body became afflicted with severe disease, and he wandered through forests and mountains in misery. Separated from his wife, deprived of comfort, and burdened by suffering, he spent many years enduring the painful results of his offense. One day, while wandering helplessly in the Himalayas, Hema Mali came upon the ashram of the great sage Markandeya Rishi, one of the most revered sages in the universe.

Seeing the saintly sage, Hema Mali offered respectful obeisances and narrated the tragic story of his downfall. He begged for guidance and a way to become free from his suffering. Filled with compassion, Markandeya Rishi instructed him to observe the upcoming Yogini Ekadashi, which occurs during the Krishna Paksha of Ashadha.

The sage explained:
“This Ekadashi possesses immense spiritual power. By faithfully observing this sacred fast and worshipping Lord Hari, one can become freed from sinful reactions and attain great blessings.”

With hope and sincerity, Hema Mali followed the sage’s instructions. He observed Yogini Ekadashi with devotion, fasting, praying, remembering Lord Vishnu, and seeking forgiveness for his mistakes. By the extraordinary power of this Ekadashi, all the reactions of his offense were destroyed. His disease disappeared, his celestial beauty was restored, and he regained his original heavenly form.

Freed from suffering, Hema Mali returned to his celestial abode and was reunited with his beloved wife, glorifying the mercy of Lord Hari and the greatness of Yogini Ekadashi.