Ekadashi date is very dear to Lord Vishnu. On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshiped with rituals. By worshiping Lord Vishnu all the wishes are fulfilled. Ekadashi date has great importance in Hindu religion. Ekadashi tithi falls twice every month. One in Krishna Paksha and one in Shukla Paksha. There are a total of 24 Ekadashis in a year. Ekadashi falling in Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month is known as Yogini Ekadashi. Yogini Ekadashi is on 2nd July this year. Ekadashi fast is broken on the next day. Yogini Ekadashi fast is on 2nd July and the fast will be broken the next day i.e. tomorrow on 3rd July. Before breaking the Ekadashi fast, the devotee must recite the Ekadashi fast story. It is believed that by reciting Vrat Katha, all the wishes are fulfilled by the grace of Lord Vishnu and one attains salvation after death and gets freedom from all sins.
Yogini Ekadashi said:
In ancient times, a gardener named Hem lived in the house of King Kuber in Alkapuri city. His job was to bring flowers from Mansarovar every day for the worship of Lord Shiva. One day he was very late in bringing flowers because he was out roaming freely with his wife. He reached the court late.
Angered by this, Kuber cursed him to become a leper. Due to the influence of the curse, Hem Mali kept wandering here and there and one day by divine happenstance he reached the ashram of sage Markandeya. The sage, through the power of yoga, found out the reason for his unhappiness. Then he asked him to observe a fast on Yogini Ekadashi. Due to the effect of fasting, Hem Mali’s leprosy was cured and he attained salvation.
Ekadashi puja method:
Get up early in the morning and take bath etc.
Light a lamp in the home temple.
Anoint Lord Vishnu with Ganga water.
Offer flowers and basil leaves to Lord Vishnu.
If possible, keep a fast on this day.
Perform Aarti of God.
Offer food to God. Keep in mind that only virtuous things are offered to God. Be sure to include Tulsi in the offerings to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Vishnu does not accept food without Tulsi.
On this auspicious day, along with Lord Vishnu, also worship Goddess Lakshmi.
Meditate on God as much as possible on this day.
