योगिनी एकादशी व्रत कथा (आषाढ़ कृष्ण एकादशी) · Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Ashadh Krishna Ekadashi)

When Yudhishthira asked, Bhagwan Vasudev said: the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Ashadh is called Yogini Ekadashi (counted under the month of Jyeshtha in the Gujarat-Maharashtra reckoning). It is a tithi that pacifies great sins, and is like an eternal boat for beings drowning in the ocean of worldly existence.

Kuber, the sovereign of Alkapuri, was ever devoted to the worship of Bhagwan Shiv. His yaksha servant Hemamali's task was to bring flowers daily from Mansarovar for Kuber's offering in the Shiva puja. Hemamali's wife was named Vishalakshi, and, bound in the noose of desire, he remained ever absorbed in her company. One day he returned with the flowers from Mansarovar but, instead of delivering them, stayed home lost in love for his wife and did not present himself before Kuber. Kuber waited at the place of worship until midday for the flowers, and when the time passed with none arriving, he grew furious and asked the other yakshas the reason for Hemamali's delay. The servants told him that Hemamali was at home, absorbed in pleasure with his wife. Hearing this, Kuber at once summoned Hemamali and, calling him sinful, wicked, and one who disrespects the divine, cursed him — that he would be afflicted with leprosy and separated from his beloved wife.

As soon as the curse was uttered, Hemamali's whole body became afflicted with leprosy, though the effect of his earlier Shiva-service kept his memory intact. He made his way to the peak of Mount Meru, best among mountains, where he had darshan of the great sage Markandeya. Trembling with fear, the sin-afflicted yaksha bowed at the sage's feet. Seeing his condition, Markandeya ji asked how the leprosy had come upon him. Hemamali told his whole story — that he was Kuber's servant, whose task was to bring flowers daily from Mansarovar, and that one day, losing track of time in the joy of his wife's company, he had drawn Kuber's wrath and been cursed. He prayed to the sage, saying that the minds of saints naturally incline toward the welfare of others, to guide him on his duty. Knowing Hemamali spoke the truth, Markandeya ji instructed him to observe the vow of Yogini Ekadashi, assuring him that by the power of this vow his leprosy would certainly be removed.

Bhagwan Vasudev continues: following Markandeya ji's instruction, Hemamali properly performed the vow of Yogini Ekadashi, and his leprosy was removed, and he became fully happy. O Yudhishthira, this Yogini vow is so great that its fruit equals feeding eighty-eight thousand Brahmins; it pacifies great sins and grants excellent merit. Merely hearing or reading this glory frees a person from all sins.