Significance of the Yogini Ekaadashi
Yogini
Ekaadashi has the potential to nullify the effects of sinful karmas of
the previous incarnations that might be manifesting as diseases or
curses in our present incarnation.
In
Brahma Vaivarta Puraana, there is the legend of a yaksha Hemamaali that
was narrated by Lord Krishna to the King Yudhishtra to explain the
glory of Yogini Ekaadashi. (I am giving a liberal translation of the
original legend from the purana just to bring out the significance of
the yoginii ekaadashi; those who are interested may refer the original
text in Brahma Vaivarta Puraana).
Hemamaali
was an attendant of the Yaksha-Raaja Kubera who failed to bring flowers
to Shiva Pooja of the king at the right moment and instead was
frolicking with his beautiful wife. Due to the curse of the Yaksha King
Kuberaa for this sin, Hemamaali took birth as a human being and was
afflicted with leprosy and suffered innumerable difficulties. But, he
was constantly meditating or chanting Lord Shiva's names and due to that
effect, he got memories of his previous birth and the sin he had
committed then.
Once,
he came across the ashram of Sage Maarkandeya in the course of his
wanderings. On seeing the radiant and Meritorious sage, Hemamaali
prostrated to him from a distance. The sage enquired kindly about his
condition; Hemamaali explained the reason for his disease without hiding
anything. Sage Maarkandeya appreciated the frankness of Hemamaali and
suggested this wonderful fast. Hemamaali observed this fast with all
devotion and got relief from his leprosy and also was reinstated back in
to the Yaksha world. He went on to live happily as before with his
beautiful wife again!
Apart
from the above benefit,strict observance of Yogini Ekaadasi (I think
strict observance must mean that the fast should be in the nirjalaa form
- without drinking even water) will give merit that is equivalent to
that accruing out of feeding eighty-eight thousand pious Brahmins!!!! -(
end of the version from Brahma vaivarta puraanaa).
It
must be noted that Ekaadashi can be even observed as Kaamya vrattam
(fast with the aim of getting some punya or achievement) though it is a
mandatory vrattam. So, those who wish to have the punya equivalent of
feeding 88,000 brahmins can fast fully in the Nirjalaa form. Those who
are observing it only as a pure religious duty in Honour of Our Lord
have the option of fasting in a relaxed manner (it is another matter
that most devotees observe all ekaadashis in the nirjalaa form). Those
opting for the relaxed form of the fast can take milk, and fruits. Avoid
grains and beans alone apart from the other prohibited food like
onions, garlic, etc.
Observance
of the Yogini Ekaadasi(even in its relaxed forms) can be a powerful
remedy for overcoming all karmic ailments (if astrologers had suggested
that your ailments are karmic in nature and if physicians have been
unable to cure your ailments, observance of this ekaadasi fast
religiously can help).
As
always, please let me reiterate that this fast is not mandatory for
those who are ailing and cannot fast due to medical complications,
lactating mothers, pregnant women, and those in the ages below 7 or
above 70 years. So, those falling in these categories, please avoid
straining your physical body - which is the Temple of God who resides in
his amsa as your own soul - unnecessarily. The real meaning of "Upa
Vaasa" is to "live near God" - which is an allegorical way of saying "be
in remembrance of God." So, if your physical situation does not permit
you to fast on ekaadasi day, just spend the day in Lord Hari's
Remembrance and the Ocean of Mercy will credit you with punya phala due
for an upavaasaa.
Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.
ASTROLOGICAL AND REMEDIAL CONSULTANT
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