|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||
Brahma
Vaivarta Puranam describes the glory of Yogini Ekadashi which occurs on the
waning period of the moon, Lord Krishna narrates to King Yudhishtira about the
glories of Yogini Ekadashi which is capable to destroy all
the sins committed in one’s life and capable to liberate
from the material bondage and elevate to spiritual world.
The legend
has that there was a magnificent city named Alakapuri, which was ruled by Lord
Kubera - an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He had a very sincere gardener
Hemamali who attentively gathers flowers from the Lake Manasarovar and provide
to Lord Kubera for the daily worship of Lord Shiva. Hemamali had a
beautiful wife Visalakshy, both were highly devoted to each other. As
usual, one day Hemamali while returning after gathering flowers from the Lake
Manasarovar, instead of visiting the palace he went home. There he found
his beautiful wife, got attracted towards her made him stop thinking about
everything. The beautiful time he had spent with his wife made him to
forget his duty to visit the palace. As a result, Lord Kubera’s worship
of Lord Shiva on the day got delayed consequently could not complete his
daily rituals. Lord Kubera was extremely disappointed at the
irresponsible act of Hemamali and sent a messenger to find out the reason for
his absence.
The
messenger brought the news that Hemamali was having pleasurable time with
his wife Vishalakshi. Lord Kubera ordered his men to produce Hemamali
before the assembly. Hemamali appeared before the assembly with great
anguish, trembling feet and ashamed of his lustful act. In a fury Lord
Kubera cursed him for his immoral act that caused obstacle for the daily
worship of Lord Shiva. He cursed Hemamali to afflict leprosy; this would
cause him to remain separated from his dearest wife forever.
Being cursed
by Lord Kubera, Hemamali discarded from Alakapuri and moved to Earth.
Hemamali’s life has become miserable with the physical and mental distress; he wandered
aimlessly through the dense forest, with all sorts of mental agonies, physical
pains, lack of sleep doubled with hunger and thirst Hemamali arrived at Mount
Himalaya. Fortunately, he met with the Sage Markandeya.
Hemamali kept fair distance from the Sage and repeatedly paid obeisance to
him. The most compassionate Sage Markandeya called for him and enquired
the reason for his dreadful condition. Hemamali explained the reason for
the curse of Lord Kubera and his pitiable state of living. After
listening to Hemamali, Sage Markandeya advised him to observe the auspicious
and the most rewarding Yogini Ekadashi. Hemamali’s joy has no
bounds. As instructed by the great Sage Markandeya, Hemamali
observed Yogini Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion. The piety
he has achieved by the observance of Yogini Ekadashi made him to regain
his original form. Once again, Hemamali reunited with his wife and lived
happily ever after.
Lord Krishna
concluded, the devoutness attained by observing Yogini Ekadashi would be equal
to the piety of feeding eighty eight thousands of Brahmins. Whoever
observes Yogini Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion would eradicates all
their sins and provide highest of the merit known as ‘Salvation’.
|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||
