Yogini
Ekadashi
2026

Yogini Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashadha. It arrives after the rigorous Nirjala Ekadashi and before the auspicious Devshayani Ekadashi. This Vrat is highly revered in the Padma Purana for its ability to cure physical ailments, particularly skin diseases.

Yogini Ekadashi is also known as "Gauna Yogini Ekadashi" and "Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi".

When is Yogini Ekadashi 2026? Date, Timings & Muhurat

Yogini Ekadashi 2026 Date: Friday, July 10, 2026

Ekadashi Tithi Starts: 08:16 AM on Friday, July 10

Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 05:22 AM on Saturday, July 11

Hari Vasara Ends: 10:32 AM on Saturday, July 11 (Do not break your fast before this time)

Parana Time (When to eat): 01:50 PM to 04:36 PM on Saturday, July 11

Why Yogini Ekadashi is observed?

The ancient text with Lord Krishna, (an avatar of Vishnu), specify the importance of Ekadashi fast/vrat. Bhagwan Krishna said observing Ekadashi fast is greater than all sacrifices or charity to the needy, the sacrifice of Horses (Ashvamedha), or even seeing the reason of existence, Vishnu. It is said that one who observes the fast on this day, adhering to the rules, will be liberated and get a place in Vishnu's abode.

In the Yogini Ekadashi katha, Sri Krishna mentions that observing Yogini Ekadashi brings back the devotees to the spiritual path from getting drowned in the materialistic ocean of the world, giving Yogini Ekadashi a special significance.

Significance of Yogini Ekadashi

Lord Krishna explained to King Yudhishthira that Yogini Ekadashi is like a boat for those drowning in the ocean of samsara (worldly existence). Its primary significance lies in:

• Health Restoration: It is a powerful remedy for skin disorders.
• Sin Removal: It absolves one of sins that result in physical suffering.
• Purification: It purifies the body and mind before the Chaturmaas period begins.

Yogini Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

Here is what you need to keep in mind and how to do the puja if you are observing this Ekadashi at home:

• The fast technically begins the night before. On Thursday night (Dashami), eat a very light dinner. Make sure there is no onion, garlic, or heavy spices in your food so your stomach is clean by Friday morning.
• On the Ekadashi day, get up early in the morning before sunrise and take a bath. You can chant the following mantra while bathing: 'Ganga Cha Yamuna Chaiva Godavari Saraswati, Narmada Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru' Translation: “In this water, I invoke the presence of divine waters from the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri.” These rivers are considered goddesses and I pray to them for considering me for their blessings.”
• After the bath, it is time for the Vishnu puja. Set up a small puja altar with a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu.
• Offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, dhoop and lamp to Lord Vishnu.
• You can read or recite Vishnu Sahasranama (A thousand names of Vishnu).
• Read the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
• Most people observe this fast as “Nirjala,” which means they don’t even drink water. Alternatively, you can do a fruit fast (Phalahar). Drink milk and eat fresh fruits, but avoid rice, wheat, dal, or any type of grain.
• Light a lamp in the evening, try to stay awake for a while at night, and chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

Yogini Ekadashi Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Ekadashi and the next day is on Dvadashi.
• On Dwadashi (the day after Ekadashi), devotees are not to eat in another person's house, have only one meal, Honey and Urad-dal (black lentil) been not to be consumed, eating on Bell metal plate or cutlery is prohibited and should not massage oil on the body.

What not to eat on Yogini Ekadashi

During Yogini Ekadashi fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Ekadashi fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Ekadashi fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Yogini Ekadashi Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Yogini Ekadashi fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha

There are two Yogini Ekadashi Stories. One is Yudhishthir, the Pandavas eldest son, and the other is Hem Mali, the gardener of Kubera, the Lord of Wealth.

Lord Krishna had also counselled his cousin Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, on the significance of the Yogini Ekadashi vrat. Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s Avatar on Earth, had stated: “Oh, king, I will tell you about the best of all fasting days, the Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark part of the month of Ashadha. It is known as Yogini Ekadasi, and it eliminates all types of immoral responses and grants ultimate salvation.

This Ekadasi carries people who sink in the vast ocean of material life and transports you to the shore of the spiritual realm. The day is the core of all holy fasting days in all three worlds. Fasting on Yogini Ekadashi is really strong and fortunate.

King Kuber was a devout Shiva devotee who offered flowers to the Lord on a daily basis. A Yaksha named Hem Mali worked as a gardener. He will get Kuber flowers from Mansarovar on a daily basis. However, he did receive the flowers but neglected to send them to Kuber because he was too preoccupied with his lovely wife. As a result, the king sent his servant to ascertain the true cause of Hem’s carelessness.

When Kuber found out, he became enraged and cursed Hem with the deadly disease leprosy and forced him to be divorced from his wife. Hem had left the palace and was suffering greatly as a result of the illness.

The hem came across the ashram of Rishi Markandeya after roaming for several years in the jungle, and after hearing his tale, he advised him to observe Yogini Ekadashi Vrat.

Hem Mali observed the fast with zeal and prayed for forgiveness to Lord Vishnu. As a consequence of the Lord’s acceptance of his prayers, Hem was cleansed of all his sins. He was no longer afflicted and was reunited with his loving wife.

Similarly, on Yogini Ekadashi, all devotees who observe this fast and pray to Lord Vishnu with pure thoughts and feelings will be liberated from all problems and health-related concerns.

On this day, you may offer prayers to the Lord of the Lotus Feet by reciting Vishnu Mantras or Vishnu Sahasranamam. Fasting on Yogini Ekadashi is said to be equivalent to feeding 88 Brahmins.

The best day to get rid of worrying health problems is Yogini Ekadashi.

What to donate on Yogini Ekadashi 2026

Charity (Daan) is what actually seals the good karma of your fast. But you should not just give away random things. Since it is July, handing out earthen pots filled with cold water, giving away umbrellas, or donating cotton clothes to the needy brings immense blessings. Give what you can easily afford, but do it with a full heart.

Other items that you can donate:

Food Items

• Rice, wheat, and other grains.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Cooked meals to the needy and hungry.

Clothes

• New clothes for the poor and underprivileged.
• Warm clothes, blankets, and shawls, especially in cold areas

Religious Items

• Items used in worship like incense sticks, diyas (lamps).

Benefits of Yogini Ekadashi 2026

Anyone who observed the Yogini Ekadashi in 2026 is blesses with:

• Health, Wealth and Success
• Blessings of Lord Vishnu
• Fulfillment of wishes
• Prosperity and Joy
• Gain virtues equivalent to feeding 88 thousand Brahmins