In the Vaishnava tradition, each Ekadashi holds a special purpose, but Yogini Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually cleansing. It is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Ashadha. This Ekadashi is known for its power to purify deep-rooted sins and restore spiritual balance.
The word “Yogini” means one who possesses spiritual union, pointing toward the soul’s ability to reconnect with Shri Krishna through sincere bhakti. According to scriptures, this Ekadashi helps a devotee attain the virtues of a yogi—detachment, clarity, and divine connection. It is also known as Ashadhi Krishna Ekadashi. It is considered a divine preparation for the holy month of Chaturmasya.
At ISKCON Ghaziabad, this day is observed with devotion, fasting, and remembrance of Shri Krishna, who is the Supreme Lord. Devotees fast not just to give up food, but to give up distraction, pride, and material desires.
In return, they fill their day with chanting, kirtan, and humble service—offering every action to the lotus feet of the Lord.
Yogini Ekadashi 2025 Date and Time
According to the Yogini Ekadashi 2025 ISKCON calendar, this sacred fast will be observed on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The fast will begin at sunrise and will continue until the next morning.
The parana (breaking of the fast) must be done on the Dwadashi tithi. At ISKCON Ghaziabad, devotees are guided to follow the proper fasting and parana times.
The temple usually announces the exact time during the morning aarti or Satsang one day before Ekadashi.
Significance of Yogini Ekadashi
The significance of Yogini Ekadashi lies in its power to destroy past sinful reactions and to help one attain peace and purity. This Ekadashi is described in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and other holy texts. It is said that observing this fast can cleanse sins equal to those committed over several lifetimes.
Devotees believe that this Ekadashi not only brings external success and inner peace but also brings one closer to Shri Krishna, who accepts even a small offering made with love. It helps remove negative thoughts, heals past karma, and fills the heart with divine knowledge. Those who observe this fast sincerely receive spiritual beauty, good health, mental clarity, and strength on the path of bhakti.
Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story)
The Yogini Ekadashi vrat katha tells the story of a royal gardener named Hemamali. He worked in the heavenly kingdom of Lord Kubera and was responsible for bringing fresh flowers every day for the worship of Lord Shiva. Hemamali was blessed, but one day he became careless. He decided to spend time with his wife instead of completing his duty. As a result, he was cursed by his master and became diseased, poor, and miserable.
Wandering in pain, Hemamali met the great sage Markandeya. He fell at the sage’s feet and asked for help. Seeing his sincere heart, the sage advised him to observe Yogini Ekadashi. Hemamali followed the instructions, fasted on the sacred day, and prayed with a pure heart. Slowly, his body healed, his sins were removed, and his life became peaceful again.
This story shows us the true power of Ekadashi and the mercy of the Shri Krishna. Even one who has fallen into deep sin can rise again through sincere devotion. The story teaches that fasting with faith, hearing spiritual stories, and surrendering to Shri Krishna can transform any life.
How ISKCON Celebrates Yogini Ekadashi
i) Early Morning Mangala Aarti
Devotees gather before sunrise to attend Mangala Aarti. The temple begins the day with bells, conch sounds, and beautiful singing in front of Shri Radha-Krishna.
ii) Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra: After aarti, devotees sit peacefully and chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra on japa beads.
iii) Scripture Reading and Vrat Katha: The Yogini Ekadashi vrat katha is read or narrated. Spiritual classes and talks explain the glories of this fast and how it pleases Shri Krishna.
iv) Kirtan and Bhajans: The temple echoes with uplifting bhajans and kirtans throughout the day. Devotees sing together, dance, and glorify the Lord’s names.
v) Strict Ekadashi Fasting: ISKCON devotees avoid grains, pulses, and regular food. They take only Ekadashi prasadam like fruits, nuts, sabudana, or milk-based dishes; all offered to Shri Krishna before eating.
vi) Seva and Volunteering: Devotees engage in temple services like cleaning, flower decorations, or helping in the kitchen to serve prasadam.
vii) Evening Sandhya Aarti: The day ends with a calm and heart-touching Sandhya Aarti. Lamps are waved before the deities, and everyone sings together in a prayerful mood.
How to Observe Yogini Ekadashi at Home
If you are unable to visit ISKCON Ghaziabad, you can still observe Yogini Ekadashi at home with love and faith. Begin your day before sunrise. After bathing, clean your altar and offer incense, a ghee lamp, flowers, and fruits to Shri Krishna. Sit quietly and chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Even one round done with faith pleases the Lord.
Read or listen to the Yogini Ekadashi vrat katha with your family. Reflect on its meaning and connect your heart to the Lord. Avoid grains and pulses and take only Ekadashi-friendly prasadam like fruits, milk, and nuts. If health allows, observe a complete fast or even nirjala vrat (no food or water) with devotion.
ISKCON Fasting Rules for Yogini Ekadashi
In ISKCON, fasting is not only about food. It’s also about controlling the mind and focusing on Shri Krishna.
- Avoid all grains, lentils, and beans.
- Do not consume onions, garlic, or processed foods.
- Take only food offered to the Lord (prasadam).
- Refrain from gossip, laziness, and time-wasting activities.
- Spend the day chanting, reading scriptures, and serving others.
Breaking the fast at the correct parana time the next morning is important. ISKCON usually announces the exact time, and following it brings full benefit.
Power of Chanting, Prayer, and Satsang
Chanting is the heart of every Ekadashi. Spend time repeating the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and listening to devotional songs. If you are at home, play online kirtans or ISKCON discourses.
Join satsang if possible. Hearing about Shri Krishna, talking with other devotees, or reading scripture strengthens the mind and brings peace. Even a single round of Japa chanted sincerely is valuable.
Importance of Food Donation and Charity
On Yogini Ekadashi, food donation and offering charity bring great blessings. Shri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita (9.27)
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत् |
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् ||
Transliteration:
yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam
Meaning: Whatever you do, eat, offer or give, you do as an offering to me.
Feeding the poor or supporting temples pleases the Lord deeply.
You can offer fruits, milk, or prasadam to the needy. Even simple gifts, given with love, purify the heart. Donating to ISKCON Ghaziabad helps serve devotees, cows service (Guaseva), and support temple programs.
Acts of kindness done on this day bring spiritual growth. Charity cleanses pride and brings peace. Even a small offering is powerful when made with devotion. Shri Krishna accepts every act of love.
On Yogini Ekadashi, donate not just with your hands, but with your heart.
Conclusion:
Yogini Ekadashi is a sacred opportunity to reset your life through devotion. Whether you are fasting at home or celebrating it at ISKCON Ghaziabad, the ultimate goal is to connect with Shri Krishna.
Fast sincerely, chant with devotion, and donate with a kind heart. Remember, even a small step in devotion brings the soul closer to Shri Krishna. On this day, open your heart and Shri Krishna will fill it with his mercy.
