Yogini Ekadashi 2023

Yogini Ekadashi is a Ekadashi vrat observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.

Yogini Ekadashi's vrat-katha concerns Hemamali, a Yaksha serving Kubera, the lord of wealth in Alakapuri. Kubera worships Shiva every day, and Hemamali's duty is to bring fresh flowers, traditionally from the Manasarovar region, for the ritual. Hemamali loves his wife Vishalakshi and one morning becomes absorbed in her company instead of delivering the flowers. When the appointed hour passes, Kubera sends attendants to find him. Learning why his servant has neglected the duty, Kubera angrily curses him to lose his position and be separated from his wife while suffering a severe skin condition on earth.

Hemamali wanders in distress and eventually reaches Sage Markandeya in the Himalayas. He honestly explains the broken duty and its consequences. Markandeya advises worship of Vishnu through the observance of Yogini Ekadashi, the Krishna Ekadashi of Ashadha in northern purnimanta reckoning. Hemamali follows the vow and, according to the religious account, is restored to his earlier form and reunited with Vishalakshi. The story emphasizes responsibility, repentance and compassion; its miraculous cure does not establish that fasting treats Hansen's disease or another skin condition.

Devotees worship Vishnu, listen to the katha, give charity and may fast according to medical needs, followed by Dwadashi parana. The current Gujarati calendar names the day Jeth Vad Agiyaras. Smarta and Vaishnava observance and the appropriate parana time require local calculation. A serious skin condition warrants medical assessment and treatment.

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.

Vishnu worship, Hemamali's katha, optional health-appropriate fasting and locally timed Dwadashi parana.

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.

Gujarati Jeth Krishna corresponds to northern Ashadha Krishna; Smarta/Vaishnava selections differ.