Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, please tell me about the Ekadasi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Āṣāḍha (June–July). What is its name, and what merit does one obtain by observing it? Kindly describe its glories and the process for observing it.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, I shall now tell you about the sacred Ekadasi known as Yoginī Ekadasi. This day is most meritorious and powerful in destroying sins and granting liberation.
Among all the Ekadasis, Yoginī Ekadasi delivers one not only from sins but also from disease, poverty, and misfortune. By observing this Ekadasi, one attains good health, spiritual progress, and eternal happiness.
Now hear from Me the ancient history that illustrates its glories.”
The Story of Kubera, the Lord of Wealth
“In ancient times, there lived a great king named Kubera, the treasurer of the demigods. He ruled over the city of Alakāpurī and worshiped Lord Śiva with great devotion. Each day he offered prayers, flowers, incense, and lamps at the shrine of Lord Śiva.
Kubera had a gardener named Hemamālī. His duty was to bring fresh flowers from the heavenly Manasā Lake and offer them to Lord Śiva on behalf of the king.
One day, however, Hemamālī was overcome by lust for his beautiful wife, Viśālā. Forgetting his duty, he stayed with her the whole day, enjoying her company. Because of his negligence, the worship of Lord Śiva was not performed that day.”
Kubera’s Anger and the Curse
“When King Kubera learned that his gardener had failed to perform his service, he became furious. He immediately sent his servants to summon Hemamālī.
When the gardener appeared before him trembling, Kubera shouted, ‘O sinful one! You have disrespected Lord Śiva by neglecting His worship! For this offense, I curse you to fall from the heavenly planets and suffer among mortals on earth!’
At that very moment, Hemamālī was cast down from Alakāpurī to the mortal world. He fell into a desolate forest filled with wild animals, serpents, and thorns. His celestial body vanished, and he became covered in disease and filth. He suffered from hunger, thirst, and sorrow day and night.”
The Suffering of Hemamālī
“Living in that dreadful forest, Hemamālī wandered hopelessly. He had no food, no shelter, and no peace. His body became weak, and his mind restless. He remembered his previous life and constantly lamented, ‘This suffering is the result of my offense to Lord Śiva and my disobedience to King Kubera. O Lord, please forgive me and show me the way to be freed from this misery!’
One day, by divine arrangement, the sage Mārkaṇḍeya came to that forest. The sage was radiant, compassionate, and full of spiritual wisdom. Seeing him, Hemamālī immediately fell at his feet and said, ‘O great sage, please save me! I was once a servant of King Kubera in Alakāpurī, but due to my negligence in service to Lord Śiva, I have been cursed to live in this miserable condition. Kindly tell me a way by which I may be freed from this suffering and regain my former position.’”
Sage Mārkaṇḍeya’s Compassion
“The great sage, moved by compassion, said, ‘O unfortunate one, listen carefully. There is a sacred day known as Yoginī Ekadasi, which falls during the dark fortnight of the month of Āṣāḍha. If you observe fasting on that day and worship Lord Viṣṇu with full devotion, all your sins will be destroyed.
By observing this vow, you will regain your previous glory and attain spiritual perfection. Fasting on Yoginī Ekadasi frees one from all reactions caused by neglect of duty, offenses to deities, and transgressions in spiritual life.’
Hearing this, Hemamālī bowed down to the sage and promised to observe the vow exactly as instructed.”
Observance of the Fast
“When the day of Yoginī Ekadasi arrived, Hemamālī bathed in the sacred lake, controlled his senses, and fasted completely. He worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with flowers, incense, lamps, and tulasī leaves, reciting prayers of surrender.
Throughout the night, he remained awake, chanting the holy names of the Lord and listening to the stories of His divine pastimes.
The next morning, Dvādaśī, he offered food and charity to brāhmaṇas and then broke his fast with humility and devotion.”
The Deliverance of Hemamālī
“As soon as Hemamālī completed his observance of Yoginī Ekadasi, a shower of celestial flowers fell from the sky. A radiant chariot appeared, drawn by divine swans. The messengers of Lord Viṣṇu descended from the heavens and said, ‘O Hemamālī, your sins have been destroyed by the power of Yoginī Ekadasi. Now come with us to Alakāpurī and resume your service to King Kubera.’
Hearing these words, Hemamālī bowed to the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya in gratitude, and then, shining with a golden effulgence, ascended into the celestial chariot.
Within moments, he reached the heavenly realm, regained his beautiful divine form, and was reunited with his wife Viśālā. He once again began to serve King Kubera faithfully, always remembering the mercy of Yoginī Ekadasi.”
The Glories of Yoginī Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, the merit gained by observing Yoginī Ekadasi is so great that it surpasses that of giving one thousand cows in charity or bathing in all holy rivers.
Fasting on this day removes all sins committed in previous births and frees one even from the reactions of offenses against demigods, sages, and ancestors.
This Ekadasi is especially powerful for those who have broken vows, disrespected holy persons, or neglected their spiritual practices. Observing it brings forgiveness, prosperity, and devotion to Me.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O King, whoever observes this sacred fast with faith and devotion will attain health, happiness, and liberation. At the time of death, Lord Viṣṇu’s messengers will come and carry that person to My supreme abode.
Even one who merely hears or recites the glories of Yoginī Ekadasi gains immense merit and is freed from the sins of a hundred lifetimes.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Yoginī Ekadasi is found in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of Hemamālī, the gardener of King Kubera. By observing Yoginī Ekadasi, one attains purification, divine forgiveness, and eternal service to the Supreme Lord.
