Khalilagi Ekadashi, also known as Yogini Ekadashi, is a sacred observance held on the 11th day of the waning moon in June-July, during the Odia month of Asadha. In 2024, Yogini Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, July 2.
The Legend Behind Yogini Ekadashi The origins of this Ekadashi are rooted in a fascinating legend. There once was a king named Dhanoda Kuber, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Each day, he offered flowers to Shiva, sourced by his gardener, Hemamali. One day, Hemamali, distracted by his wife while collecting flowers from Mansarovar, failed to bring the flowers to the king. As a result, King Dhanoda Kuber cursed Hemamali with leprosy and dismissed him from service.
Desperate to rid himself of the curse, Hemamali wandered through the forest for years until he encountered Sage Markandeya in the Himalayas. Hemamali explained his predicament to the sage, who advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi Vrat and worship Lord Vishnu. Following the sage's advice, Hemamali performed the Vrat with deep devotion, pleasing Lord Vishnu, who then lifted the curse.
Observing Yogini Ekadashi is believed to bring benefits equivalent to feeding 88,000 Brahmin priests. Listening to the Yogini Ekadashi katha is also said to absolve all sins.
Khalilagi Ekadashi at Srimandir Khalilagi Ekadashi, also known as Anasara Ekadashi, is primarily observed in Jagannath temples and precedes the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. A significant ritual called Sarbhanga Neeti, which involves applying a large amount of sandalwood paste, is performed at the Jagannath temple on this day.
During Khalilagi Ekadashi, the idols of Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra are not present in the temple as they are recuperating after Snana Purnima. On this day, a special paste made by the Suddha Suaras is applied to the idols' bodies, and they are offered basil leaves.
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