Yogini Ekadashi Vrat Katha: Here's the story that explains the significance of this auspicious day

Lord Vishnu's devotees observe the Yogini Ekadashi vrat on the Ekadashi Tithi (eleventh day), Ashadha Krishna Paksha/waning phase of the Moon (as per the Purnimant calendar) and Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha (according to the Amavasyant calendar). The fasting lasts from the night of Dashami Tithi (tenth day) to the morning of Dwadashi Tithi (twelfth day). And this vrat usually falls in June or July per the Gregorian calendar.

Check out this link to know the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat 2022 date, and scroll down to read the Vrat Katha.

A gardener called Hem lived in a heavenly kingdom named Alkapuri, ruled by King Kuber, a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

The King would perform puja daily and offer flowers Hem would fetch from Manasarovar. But, one day, when Hem went for his routine work, he was enticed by his wife, Vishalakshi's beauty. As a result, he lost complete control over himself and forgot all about his duty.

Meanwhile, the King anticipated Hem's arrival, but after waiting for a while, he sent his men to find the gardener. Finally, after searching for hours, the King's men found Hem with his wife in Manasarovar.

Subsequently, Hem appeared before the King, who fumed with rage. And in a fit of rage, the King cursed Hem and expelled him from heaven. Thus, Hem faced the King's ire and drew flak. He also got separated from his wife and even contracted a skin disease. He wandered in the forest searching for food and water and felt guilty for offending the King.

Subsequently, one day, Hem unknowingly visited Sage Markandeya's ashram and sought his advice. He wondered what he could do to seek forgiveness for the blunder he had committed. Therefore, the sage suggested he must observe a vrat on the Ekadashi Tithi of Ashadha, Krishna Paksha and worship Lord Vishnu. Subsequently, Hem kept the vrat to regain good health.