Yogini Ekadashi, one of the most significant Ekadashi observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will be observed on Friday, July 10, 2026. Falling during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashadha month, the sacred fast is believed to remove sins, promote good health, and bring spiritual liberation. Devotees across India observe the vrat with prayers, fasting, and Vishnu worship.

According to Hindu scriptures, Yogini Ekadashi is associated with Lord Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The observance is mentioned in the Padma Purana, where it is said that observing the fast grants the spiritual merit equivalent to feeding thousands of Brahmins.

Yogini Ekadashi 2026 Date and Timings (IST)

Timings are based on Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (IST).

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most powerful fasting days in the Hindu calendar. Scriptures state that sincere observance of this vrat:

• Removes accumulated sins.

• Promotes physical and mental well-being.

• Helps devotees attain prosperity and peace.

• Is believed to be especially beneficial for those suffering from skin ailments.

• Leads devotees towards spiritual liberation (moksha).

The Padma Purana describes the spiritual merit of observing this Ekadashi as being equal to feeding 88,000 Brahmins.

Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to the Padma Purana, King Yudhishthira once asked Lord Krishna about the importance of Yogini Ekadashi. Lord Krishna narrated the story of Hemmali, a servant of Kubera, the king of Yakshas.

Hemmali's duty was to bring fresh flowers daily from Mansarovar for Lord Shiva's worship. One day, he became engrossed in spending time with his wife Vishalakshi and neglected his responsibility.

Enraged by this negligence, Kubera cursed Hemmali to suffer from leprosy and separation from his wife.

After wandering in misery, Hemmali met Sage Markandeya, who advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast. Hemmali followed the vrat with complete devotion, and as a result, he was freed from his curse, regained his health, and reunited with his wife.

Lord Krishna concluded that observing or even listening to the Yogini Ekadashi Katha destroys sins and grants salvation.

Rituals of Yogini Ekadashi

The observance begins from Dashami and continues until Dwadashi.

Devotees generally follow these rituals:

• Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath.

• Worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, incense, lamps, fruits and sweets.

• Offer Tulsi leaves (collected a day earlier, as Tulsi should not be plucked on Ekadashi).

• Observe a fast according to one's capacity.

• Consume only satvik food if complete fasting is not possible.

• Avoid grains, rice, wheat, barley and tamasic food.

• Spend the day chanting Vishnu mantras and reading sacred scriptures.

• Remain awake at night singing bhajans and performing devotional prayers.

• Break the fast during the prescribed Parana time on Dwadashi.

Shri Narayan Gayatri Mantra

Devotees often chant this mantra 108 times during Yogini Ekadashi:

"Om Narayanaya Vidmahe
Vasudevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat."

What to Eat During Yogini Ekadashi

Those unable to observe a complete fast may consume:

• Fruits

• Milk

• Dry fruits

• Water

• Ghee

• Sesame seeds

• Ekadashi-approved vrat foods

Grains, pulses, rice, wheat, barley and regular salt are traditionally avoided.

Parana (Breaking the Fast)

The Yogini Ekadashi fast should be concluded during the Parana Muhurat after Hari Vasara ends.

Parana Time: July 11, 2026 — 1:52 PM to 4:32 PM (IST)

Breaking the fast within the prescribed time is considered essential for completing the vrat.