The Greatness of Yogini Ekadashi

The Greatness of Yogini Ekadashi

We all experience happiness and sorrows in this life, but no one wants it and also everyone wishes for joy, but do we even know what true pleasure is?

What Are the real sorrows? First, of course, problems are the most significant birth, death, old age and disease of life because no one can escape from them, and it will happen to everyone.

Birth is painful, and we forgot it, that doesn’t mean labour is not painful, as death is unfortunate, old age is not good, diseases are not good, it’s sad, so what pain is not good?

An incredible Story about Yogini Ekadashi 

Once upon a time, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira said,

O Lord, address the of Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi what it is thus?

Lord Krishna Said:

Rajan, Ashadh Krishna Ekadashi, is known as Yogini Ekadashi, observing this fast person’s serious sins and ocean of wins release.

Yogini Ekadashi is the liberator in heaven and the three worlds.

Donate on this Auspicious Yogini Ekadashi

The Story told by Supreme Lord Krishna.

Hey Rajan, “Now I tell you a beautiful story as described in the Puranas; listen carefully.

A place in heaven called “Alka Puri” was the kingdom, which was the treasurer of the gods.

There was a devotee of Shiva name Kubera. He used to worship Shiva every day; his Gardener was a Yaksha named Hem.

Who brought beautiful flowers from Mansarovar and give them to Kubera and which is for use in the worship of Shiva, used to do the same every day.

Hem Yaksha’s name Vishalakshi and this Gardener towards his wife was very infatuated.  

One day he bought flowers from Mansarovar, but because of his love for his wife, he started laughing with his wife and having fun with her, and here king Kubera kept watching his way till noon.

In the end, king Kubera ordered a soldier to find out why the Gardener was not coming because he had not yet brought flowers.

The soldier’s said that.

Maharaj! Hem Mali is with his wife and must have been doing fun, extreme humour, and pleasure.

Listening to this, Kubera got angry and called him trembling; Hem Mali reached near him, King Kubera got angry and said, ‘ oh sinner Lowly, hypocritical, mischievous. You have disrespected my most respected Shiva Ji. That’s why I curse you, that you will suffer the separation of the woman and go to the world of death and become a leper.

Hem, Mali fell from heaven due to the curse of Kubera, and he fell to earth at that very moment as soon as he came to earth, while got into the body and his woman also become introspective at the same time.

After coming to the world of death, the Gardener suffered great sorrow and wandered without food in the terrible forest, couldn’t even sleep at night. But due to the effect of worshipping Shiva, he must have known about the condition of previous birth.

One day while roaming around, he reached the ashram of ‘Saga Markandeya’, whose age is seven Kalpas. Seeing them, Mali bowed several times from a distance.

Seeing them, the merciful and compassionate Markandeya Rishi asked him, what is the sin you have committed? Due to this condition, has it happened to you? 

Hem Mali narrated the whole story to the sage; after hearing this, the saga said, “indeed you have spoken the truth in front of me, so I tell you a fast for your salvation.

‘If you observe fast on Ekadashi called Yogini Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Ashad month, then all your sins will be destroyed. Hearing this, Hem Mali was delighted and bowed the land to the sage; Markandeya Rishi raised her with affection.

Hem Mali observed this Yogini Ekadashi ritually according to the advice of the sage. 

As the effect of this fast, Hem Mali got freed again in his old form and started living happily with his wife.

As per Markanday Rishi’s guidance, Hem Mali become free from all the sufferings and misfortunes.

Benefits of Yogini Ekadashi 

Lord Krishna said, “O king, Yogini Ekadashi fasting, brings prosperity and joy in life and is popular in all three dimensions.

Observing this fast of Yogini Ekadashi, one gets good virtue equal offering food to 80 thousand Bramins, and a person becomes virtuous by being freed from his all sins.

Ekadashi, therefore we yogis, may one by one destroy our sins and proceed on the path of sweet loving devotion to the Lord.

 

Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.

Celebrate Independence Day

Celebrate Independence Day

On August 15th, people across India celebrate Independence Day with great enthusiasm. Whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying movies and restaurants with friends, or reflecting on the sacrifices of freedom fighters, this day is a symbol of joy, patriotism, and national pride for many Indians. We honor those who fought for our freedom and cherish the independence we gained in 1947. But in the midst of all the celebrations, have we ever stopped to question what independence truly means?

The Essence of Independence

The word “independence” generally means not being controlled by anything or anyone. But if we look closely, we might find that our so-called independence hasn’t freed us in the way we think. Consider this: we have little control over our own bodies. Our heartbeat, digestion, and many other bodily functions operate on their own, without any conscious control from us. Even if we wish to meet someone important, like the Prime Minister, we realize how difficult it is. Despite being independent citizens, we don’t have unrestricted access to those in power. Is this what true independence looks like?

A Comparison Between Then and Now

During British rule, many Indians worked for the British government in exchange for a salary. Today, many Indians are government employees too. When people went against the British, they were often met with violent suppression. Today, if large groups protest against the government, the police are called in to control the situation. So how different is independent India from the India under British rule?

Some might argue that the difference lies in our ability to follow our culture, social values, and traditions. But are we truly following our ancient Vedic culture? From the way we dress to the food we eat, we seem to be adopting more and more of a materialistic Western lifestyle. Our wardrobes are filled with branded jeans, our diets include pizza and burgers, and our best jobs are with multinational companies. Even our education system was introduced by the British. We may be politically independent, but are we culturally and spiritually independent?

Real Independence: A Spiritual Perspective

Most people don’t grasp the true meaning of independence. Real independence means returning to our original, constitutional position as servants of God. According to the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that all living entities are His eternal parts and parcels. However, due to their desire to enjoy the material world, they are struggling with the six senses, including the mind. This struggle is because we are not in our true home. Just as a fish out of water will eventually die, living entities suffer in this material world because it is not their natural environment.

The Illusion of Identity

In our material existence, we identify ourselves with our bodies, families, and nations. If someone is born in America, they identify as American; if someone is born in India, they identify as Indian. But these identities are superficial. The Srimad Bhagavatam says that a person who identifies with their body, considers their family as their own, or worships the land of their birth is no better than a cow or an ass. This verse reminds us that our true identity is spiritual, not material.

The Upanishads also teach that the living entity is uncontaminated by the material world. Just as oil and water don’t mix, the soul, even though it is in contact with matter, remains distinct from it. No amount of political or material change can bring true independence. Real independence means being free from the cycle of birth, old age, disease, and death. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna describes these as the real problems of life.

The Temporary Nature of the World

Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that this world is temporary and full of miseries. He describes it as “dukhalayam” (a place of misery) and “asasvatam” (temporary). The only way to escape this world is by attaining Him. Once a person attains Krishna, they never return to this miserable world. This is the real independence we should strive for: independence from the cycle of birth and death.

The Path to True Independence

Krishna outlines the path to true independence in the Bhagavad Gita. He advises Arjuna to always think of Him, become His devotee, worship Him, and offer homage to Him. By doing this, Arjuna is assured that he will come to Krishna without fail. Krishna also instructs us to abandon all other forms of religion and surrender to Him. He promises to protect us from all sinful reactions if we do so.
This process of surrender is made even easier by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who propagated the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. This 16-syllable mantra:

“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare”

can give us true independence – independence from the material world.

Independence Beyond the Material

To truly understand independence, we must look beyond the material realm. The body is temporary, but the soul is eternal. Real independence comes when we realize our spiritual nature and our eternal relationship with God. By focusing on our spiritual identity, we can transcend the temporary struggles of this world and attain eternal peace and happiness.

Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, teaches us that true knowledge includes humility, nonviolence, tolerance, and self-control. It also includes the understanding that birth, death, old age, and disease are inevitable as long as we remain in this material world. True independence, therefore, is not just about political freedom or the ability to live as we please. It is about freeing ourselves from the bondage of material existence.

The Role of Devotion in Achieving Independence

Devotion to God plays a crucial role in achieving true independence. Krishna emphasizes the importance of constant and unalloyed devotion to Him. He advises us to live a simple life, detached from material possessions and the general mass of people. By focusing on self-realization and the philosophical search for the Absolute Truth, we can attain true knowledge and independence.

Krishna also assures us that those who attain Him never return to this material world. They achieve the highest perfection, which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death. This is the ultimate goal of life – to attain Krishna and be free from the miseries of the material world.

The Power of the Hare Krishna Mantra

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered an incarnation of Krishna, introduced the simple yet powerful method of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. This mantra has the power to purify our hearts and minds and reconnect us with our original spiritual nature. By regularly chanting this mantra, we can gradually become free from material desires and attachments, and develop a deep love for Krishna.

The Hare Krishna mantra is not just a religious chant; it is a spiritual tool that can help us achieve true independence. It reminds us of our eternal connection with Krishna and helps us focus our minds on Him. In this way, we can transcend the temporary nature of this world and attain eternal happiness.

Conclusion: Embracing True Independence

As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to reflect on the true meaning of independence. Political freedom is important, but it is not the ultimate goal. True independence lies in understanding our spiritual nature and our eternal relationship with God. By following the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, we can free ourselves from the cycle of birth and death and attain eternal peace and happiness.

Let us strive for this true independence by focusing on our spiritual development, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and living a life of devotion to God. This is the real freedom that will bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment.