Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi is traditionally linked with Hemamali, a Yaksha in the service of Kubera. Hemamali's duty was to collect flowers for the worship of Shiva, but one day he became absorbed in time with his wife and neglected the service. Kubera, angered by the failure of duty, cursed him to lose his privileged life and suffer from a severe condition while wandering away from Alakapuri. After a long period of misery, Hemamali reached the hermitage of Sage Markandeya and honestly described what had happened. The sage advised him to observe Yogini Ekadashi. Hemamali followed the vrata with devotion and, according to the katha, was freed from the curse and restored to his former state. The story gives the observance a clear ethical theme: affection and pleasure are not condemned, but neglecting an entrusted responsibility has consequences. Discipline, repentance and Vishnu devotion provide the path back to balance.

Attached to a story of a curse of leprosy lifted, and kept for physical healing more than most. Ashadh vad, in the first heat of the monsoon.

Jeth's dark fortnight. Kept for release from an illness of the skin, and the katha is a gardener cursed with one for a carelessness.