Hartalika Teej

The Hartalika Teej is the most important of all the three Teej festivals observed by Hindu women. It is celebrated on the Tritiya (3rd day) of the Skukla Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapud. The festival of Hartalika Teej is observed by married women in the honour of Goddess Parvati and involves strict fast for three continuous days. The word Hartalika is made by joining the words �harat� meaning abduction and �Aalika� implying female friend. According to the Hindu mythology, it was on this day only that the incarnation of Goddess Parvati was abducted by her friends to stop her marriage to Lord Vishnu, against her wishes. Ultimately she was later married to Lord Shiva.

Being a significant festival for Hindus, Hartalika Teej is observed in most parts of the country with equal enthusiasm. But in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Bihar the celebrations are even more grandeur. The festivities can also be witnessed in some parts of Madhya Pradesh. In the state of Rajasthan there is a huge procession carrying an idol of Goddess Parvati, accompanied by music and singing. In the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the Hartalika Teej Vrat is celebrated as Gowri Habba. Married women on this day pray to obtain blessing of happy married life from Goddess Gowri.

Rituals of the Hartalika Teej:

• The festival of Hartalika Teej celebrates the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. On this day, big processions carrying beautifully clad idols of Goddess Parvati are taken out in different parts of the country. The procession is made more pleasurable by performances from varied artists. The idol of Parvati is escorted by several camels and elephants making the teej procession more attractive. In some places, magnificent fairs are also organized on the occasion of Hartalika Teej.
• Hartalika Teej is observed especially by married women with immense enthusiasm and zeal. As a part of the ritual married women on this day return to their parent�s home for celebration. On this special teej, women dress up in new clothes and striking jewelry. `Green is the preferred color for this occasion and women love to apply kajal and bindi. During this time, every women desires to look her very best.
• In the midst of all these celebrations, married women observe a strict fast for a period of three days for the welfare and long life of their husbands. They spend the days without eating and having even a single drop of water. On the day of Hartalika Teej, the observer of the vrat gets up early and takes a dip in the holy waters. Following this they visit the mandir and touch their husband�s feet on returning home. Just before sunset, women again take a bath and get dressed up as newlyweds. The main worshipping ritual begins in the afternoon. The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped with flowers, Bilwa leaves and incense sticks. Mantras are recited all throughout and the puja is ended by telling the Hartalika Teej vrat katha. While listening to the katha, one must only think about their soul mate. The fast is only broken next morning after finishing all the worshipping rituals.
• Various sweets and other delicacies are prepared at home to offer to Goddess Parvati. Fresh fruits and green vegetables are offered to the deity. As a ritual, women distribute beautiful painted coconuts to other female friends and relatives. After completing all the rituals, the women of the household feast together on jaggery and rice patolis on the banana leaves along with mixed vegetables cooked in coconut milk and other spices. A special sweet made from rice and coconut milk is also prepared. Women also drink tender coconut water.

2016 Date : 4th September, Sunday.

2017 Date : 24th August.

Monday ,Somvar Vrat

Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva is easily pleased. Therefore many people observe Upvaas on Monday.

Those devotees observing fast only eat food once.People visit Lord Shiva shrines and conduct pujas, especially, Ardhanarishwara puja. The mantra �Om Namah Shivaya� is chanted continuously.Siva devotees also read Shiva Purana.Unmarried women observe the Vrat to get good husbands. Others observe it for a happy and prosperous family life.

Upvass, or fasting, on Mondays begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. On the day, food is only eaten after evening prayer.Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on the day. Of course, no worship begins without Praying Lord Ganesha.The fasting on Mondays in the Shravan month is considered even more auspicious.

Things To Do :

• Lord Shiva devotees visit temple in morning or in the evening
• White color dress is worn by those observing the fast
• White coloured flowers are offered to god
• A single meal is taken on the day after midday
• Devotees will read stories relating to somvar vrat
• Devotees also offer Bilva Leaves 
• The fast ends on the next day morning after prayers and rituals

When Amavasi, or no moon day, falls on Monday it is considered highly auspicious and the day is known as Somavati Amavas.Mondays in Shravan month (July � August) in North India, Gujarat and Maharashtra is considered highly auspicious. Special pujas are offered to Lord Shiva on Mondays in temples and homes.

Mondays are auspicious in Kartik month (October � November) in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.Mondays in Karthigai Masam (November � December is also auspicious in Tamil Nadu.

Story :

Once there lived a wealthy merchant in a city. He always had immense wealth and prosperity. But despite all the worldly possessions, he remained sad because he had no son. He regularly observed Monday fast to have a son. He used to go to the Shiva temple and worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full faith. Goddess Parvati was pleased at his devotion. She implored Lord Shiva and said, �My Lord, this wealthy merchant is your faithful devotee. He regularly observes Monday fast but still he has no son. Please fulfill his desire�. Hearing the imploring of Parvati, Lord Shiva said, �Let your desire be fulfilled. I grant him a boon. He will be the father of a son, but�� �But what my Lord?� asked Parvati. Lord Shiva said, �but he will live for twelve years only". Fortunately, this wealthy merchant could hear their conversation. As time passed on, the merchant�s wife gave birth to a beautiful son. He celebrated his son�s birth with great pomp and show and distributed food, clothes and money amongst the poor. All prayed for his son�s long and happy life. But the merchant was still sad because he knew that his son would not live beyond twelve years.

Merachant observed Monday fast with greater zest and there was no let up in the worship of Lord Shiva. He practiced all the rites of worship. At the age of eleven, the merchant�s son looked quite smart and mature. All desired that he should be married to a beautiful girl. The merchant�s wife also wanted her son to be married. Merchant did not agree for marriage,he sent his son with his Maternal uncle to attain spiritual knowledge.The merchant�s son started his journey for Kashi with his maternal uncle. They arranged devotional gatherings and distributed clothes at every halting camp. They also arranged best eats for the Brahmans and made enough offerings to them.One day they made a halt at the capital of a king.The king�s daughter�s marriage was held for that day. The marriage party had already reached the city. The bridegroom�s party was terribly disturbed because the bridegroom was blind, of one eye. They were in search of a beautiful boy to replace him. The bridegroom�s father sent his men in search of a beautiful boy. The men spotted the merchant�s son who was camping in an inn with his maternal uncle. The bridegroom�s father was a rich person. He said to the merchant�s maternal uncle, �My prestige is at stake. I need a handsome bridegroom in place of my one-eyed son. I shall give enough wealth if your ward agrees to have a temporary marriage with the king�s daughter. He shall be free immediately after the marriage ceremony is over�. The merchant�s brother-in-law convinced his sister�s son for a temporary marriage. The bride�s party praised their luck when they saw a handsome bridegroom with the marching band at the head of the marriage procession. The merchant�s son and the king�s daughter were finally married off around the holy fire.

At the time of departure, the merchant�s son picked his bride�s scarf and wrote, �Now we are husband and wife. I am not the son of a king. I am the son of a rich merchant. I was on way to Kashiji for spiritual studies. Your real bridegroom is blind of one eye�. The bride noticed her bridegroom writing something on the scarf. She could not read his message at that time. When the marriage party was about to depart, the bride read the message. She was shocked to know the reality. She refused to accompany with the one-eyed bridegroom. The marriage party returned without a bride. The merchant�s son reached Kashiji and devoted himself fully to the spiritual studies. His maternal uncle arranged devotional gatherings and gave donations everyday for the well-being of his sister�s son. On the last day of the twelfth year, the merchant�s son felt pain in the chest. His maternal uncle was performing the religious rites as per his routine. As he went inside the room, he found the boy dead. He was full of grief, but kept silent as the Brahmans would not accept food from such a house. With courage, he completed his routine. When his routine was over, he started crying. Many people gathered around him and shared his grief. Fortunately, Lord Shiva and Parvati were also passing by that house. When Parvati heard the cries and beating of breast, her motherly compassion got aroused. She was a mother, after all.



Having known the facts, she said to Lord Shiva, �My dear Sir, please ask Yama to return his life. Yama is always at your command. Please do this favor to me. You are the protector of all creatures�. Lord Shiva agreed and sprinkled Ganga water on the dead body. The boy got up as if he was making an excuse for sleep. The spiritual education of the merchant�s son was over. They started their journey homeward. They arranged spiritual discourses and distributed aims among the needy throughout their way. Now, they were back in the city where this boy was married. The king recognized the boy immediately. The boy reached home and merchant and his wife was very happy by seeing the couple.

Ravi Vaar or Sunday Fast

In Hinduism, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular god,Apart from the special Vratas and Upvaas, many Hindus also fast on a particular day in a week.

Sunday : 

Ravivar, or Sunday, is dedicated to Lord Surya or Suryanarayana. Upvaas or fasting on the day is dedicated to the Sun God. Red is the color of the day.Those people who undertake fast on the day only eat food once that too before sunset. Salt, oil and fried food items are avoided.

Red color sandalwood paste is applied as tilak on forehead.Extra care is given on cleanliness of the body and surrounding.It is believed that Ravivar Vrat will help in fulfilling desires.People with skin diseases observe the Vrat to get relief.

 Things to do :

• Wake up Before Sunrise
• Take a fresh  Bath and wear New Clothes
• Take your meal and Fruit, only while Sun is in the sky.
• If you have taken Fast, and if Sun does not come in the sky, do not take any Meal or Fruit and take that next day when Sun comes up in the sky.
•  Do not take Salt and Oily food in your meal.

Story :

Once there was an old lady. She would get up early in the morning and take her bath. She kept her house dean by plastering it with cow dung, and took her meals only after offering food to the Sun God. She lived a happy life. This lady used to collect cow dung from her neighbor�s house. The neighbor�s wife was jealous of her. She tethered her cow inside the room so that the old lady could not collect the dung. And as she could not plaster her house with cow-dung, she did not cook her food.

She did not even offer food to the idols. She remained on fast throughout the day and slept with empty stomach. The Sun God appeared before her in her dream. He sold, �Why did not you take your meals? Why did you not offer food to the Idols?� The old lady said politely, �My neighbor�s lady did not allow me to collect cow dung from her house. I could not clean my house. I have no cow of my own�. The Sun God said, �I am happy with you because you kept fast on Sunday. I am pleased with your worship. I shall give you a beautiful cow�. The god disappeared. The old lady opened her eyes.

A beautiful cow, with a calf, was standing in her courtyard. She was surprised to see them. She arranged hay and water for them. When the neighbor�s lady saw the cow in the old lady�s house, she became jealous of her. She also noticed that the cow�s dung was of gold and not any ordinary dung. She took the gold dung and replaced it with the ordinary dung of her cow. She continued the replacing practice for a couple of days. The Sun God noted that the old lady was being cheated by her neighbor. He caused a storm at sunset. The old lady tethered her cow inside her room for its safety.

She was, however, surprised to see that her cow gave her gold dung instead of an ordinary one. She could see through her neighbors trick. The neighbor�s lady was constantly jealous. She thought of a plan to deprive her of the wonder cow. She went to the king and said, �My Lord, a poor old lady in our neighborhood has a divine cow. The cow gives gold dung. It would be befitting for your graciousness if this cow is with you. She keeps it inside her room. No one can have even its glimpse�. The king was a greedy person. He told his courtier, �Go immediately and bring the cow�.

The old lady was about to offer food to the Sun God�s idol when the courtier reached her house. He untied the rope from peg and took away the cow. The lady prayed and wept, but all in vain. The old lady missed her meals that day. She prayed to her God for the safe return of the cow. She could not sleep at night. The king on the other hand, was highly pleased to have that divine cow. That night, he had a dream. The Sun God was there who said, �I offered this cow to the old lady as a token of my affection for her worship of me. You do not deserve this cow�.

The king woke up. He was badly shaken. He saw that the entire palace was full of cow dung. There was bad smell all around. In the morning, the king sent for the old lady with due honor. He returned the cow to the old lady and also gave her some wealth. The neighbor�s lady was suitably punished which was a cause of relief to all. The king proclaimed order that all his subjects should observe fast on Sundays if they wanted their desires to be fulfilled.

Kajari Teej

Kajari Teej is one among the three important Teej festivals of India, the other two being �Hariyali Teej� and �Hartalika Teej�. The celebrations of Kajari Teej start fifteen days after the Hariyali Teej. It is observed on the �tritiya� (3rd day) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of moon) in the month of �Bhadrapada� as per the North Indian calendar while in the South Indian calendar it falls in the month of �Shravana�. It usually comes three days after the celebrations of �Raksha Bandhan� and five days prior to �Krishna Janmashtami�. Kajari Teej is also called as �Badi Teej�, �Kajali Teej� and in some regions it is also referred as �Satudi Teej�.

The festival of Kajari Teej is primarily the celebration and funfair time for unmarried girls and women. In the northern states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the festivities the festivities soar to great heights. Large processions of Goddess Parvati are carried out on this day in Rajasthan, especially in the small town of Bundi. The procession is accompanied by artists, folk dancers, musicians, camels and elephants. It is one of the most beautiful and colourful processions that attracts tourists to Bundi from all corners of India and even abroad. The day of Kajari Teej is known to be very auspicious in the life of married women.

Significance of Kajari Teej:

The Hindu festival of Kajari Teej celebrates the spirit of womanhood and observed for the longevity and prosperity of husbands. Married women observe this festival with immense enthusiasm and gaiety. The celebration of Kajari Teej also welcomes the beginning of the monsoon season. After the scorching heat of the summers, the arrival of monsoon season is very pleasant and fills everyone with excitement. All the three most important Teej festivals of the Hindus are observed during the month of �Sharavan�. It can be summed up that the festival of Kajari Teej showcases the uniqueness of the Indian culture. Even though it is observed for two consecutive days, its essence can be felt till �Janmashtami celebrations.

Rituals during Kajari Teej:

• On the day of Kajari Teej women worship Goddess Parvati and ask Her blessings for a blissful married life. Women get up early on this day and finish all their morning chores. They then wear new clothes and adorn themselves with sindur, bindi and bangles. Women also apply mehendi on their hands and feet. It is a customary practice for women to dress up as newlywed brides on the day of Kajari Teej.
• In some regions, women also worship the holy neem tree on this day. They gather in small groups and perform the puja around the neem tree under the guidance of a knowledgeable priest.
• Women also observe a strict fast on this day, known as Kajari Teej Vrat. The observer of this vrat gets up before sunrise and eats some food during this time. They then spend the whole day without eating or drinking even a drop of water. During the evening women in the neighbourhood get dressed up and gather for the puja. The women worship the �Neem� tree with �kumkum�, �chawal�, �haldi�, �henna� and also offer fruits and sweets. Following this the priest recites the �Kajari Teej Katha�. In some communities women can break their fast by eating �Sattu�or fruits, after worshipping the moon. Married women keep the sacred Teej vrat for the long life of their husbands. Some unmarried girls also observe this fast to get a husband of their choice. When a woman starts the Kajari Teej vrat she must continue doing it for her lifetime or for a period of 16 years.
• As this festival is mainly meant for the females, women spend this day enjoying amongst them. On Kajari Teej day, swings are put up on the trees for women. This special day is spent dancing, singing songs and swinging along with other pleasurable activities. �Kajli Songs� are an integral part of this Badi Teej celebration. In the rural areas, it is celebrated in a musical way.
• Any Hindu festival is incomplete without the spread of gourmet food delicacies. The women make special preparations for Kajari Teej. Some of known delicacies prepared on this occasion are �Kheer�, �Puri�, �Badam ka Halwa�, �Gujiya�, �Ghevar� and �Kaju Katli� to name a few. Sattu, a sweet made from chana dal is a special delicacy that is also significant in the rituals and celebrations of Kajari Teej. These special offerings are prepared by the ladies of the household for offering to Goddess Parvati. The food is then later distributed among family members and friends.
• On the day of Kajari Teej, there is a tradition of gifting �Shringara� items to married women. This includes clothes, jewelry and sweets.

2016 Date :21^stAugust.

Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Pooja is celebrated  before the full moon day (purnima) in the traditional month of Sravan (Sravanam/Aadi/Sawan). Varalakshmi Vratham is one the popular pious fasting days for South Indian and Maharashtrian people. All Women can perform pooja on this auspicious day, but mostly married women observe Varalaksmi Vratham. Varalaksmi Vratham means Vrat (fast) dedicated to Goddess laksmi. 

Varalakshmi Vratam is performed by married woman for the well being of all the family members, especially husband, to get progency etc. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalaksmi � the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength.

LEGEND :

As the legend goes, this is a pooja that was pronounced by no other than Lord Parameswara to be performed by his consort Parvathi to seek prosperity and happiness for the family. Thus it came to be emulated by married women who sought boons (varam) for the health, wealth and knowledge for the entire family. In some cases, women prayed for being blessed with children. The prescribed day for the pooja is the Friday of the month of Sravan in the fortnight known as Sukla paksha, preceding the full moon day. It is only in India where only Hindus have belief.

STORY :

Varalakshmi Vratham is profoundly attached to a lady in ancient time with name Charumati. It is believed that Charumati was a great devotee of Goddess Laksmi. She was also very much dedicated for her family-her husband and children. One day Goddess Varalaksmi came in her dream and directed her to perform the Varalaksmi Vratham religiously. Following guidelines of Goddess Laksmi, Charumati cheerfully invited all her neighbours and near dear people to take part in her Varalaksmi Vratham and pooja. With immense devotion she observed fast, performed pooja and delighted Goddess Varalaksmi. Observing her pious efforts and great devotion, Goddess Laksmi blessed not only her but also all present people over there. Charumati and all present people were offered abundant wealth, and long-life prosperity by Varalaksmi Goddess.

RITUALS : 

All the women who are performing the vrat wake up early in the morning and have a bath. They decorate their homes with beautiful rangolis, First lord ganesha is worshipped  to remove obstacles and then Arrange the kalasha and decorate it with turmeric, kumkum and place a coconut on it; place it in front of the goddess.Tie a toram (a thread dipped in turmeric) to the goddess,Tie another toram around your wrist. And perfom the puja while the puja is going on Chant Lakshmi Ashottarnamavali or the Lakshmi Sahasranamam. After the puja is completed offer prasadams to goddess.In the evening, if feasible, invite other women and offer tamboolam to them.

This puja is so important for married women that it is described in the Skanda Purana. Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about a vrata that would be of great benefit to women and help them lead a life of bliss and happy marriage. Lord Shiva told her about the Varalakshmi Vratam.

2016 Date : 12th August.

2017 Date : 4th August.

Shravan Somvar (Monday) Dates 2016

Shravan Somvars hold a great significance because they are the special days of Lord Shiva in the special holy month. Highly auspicious results can be obtained by worshiping Lord Shiva on Shravan Somvars every year.

It is believed that observing Somvar Vrat will help to attain prosperity and a long, peaceful family life. Those who fast during Shravan Maas, go to the temple, and attend Rudrabhishekam.Somvar Vrat begins at sunrise on Monday. Usually those devotees observing the Vrat, visit a Lord Shiva Temple in the morning and the evening. After attending the evening Rudrabhishekam, people break the fast and eat a light supper. Those who cannot fast (children, elders, and sick people) can do a partial fast that includes a single meal taken after noon (no breakfast). They can also eat fruit  and visit the Lord Shiva Temple.

Dates 2016 :

Purnimant Calender followed in north india : 

25th July

1st August

8th August

15th August

Amavasyant Calender followed  : 

8th,15th,22nd, 29th August.

Benefits of observing Vrat :

All the difficulties and tensions of life will disappear

Lord Shiva blesses unmarried ladies with desired husband

Lord Shiva blesses married ladies with long life and well being of husband and sons

Lord Shiva fulfills all the desires and wishes of his devotees

Lord Shiva blesses his devotees with wealth and prosperity.

For Somvar Vrat Click Here 

Jaya Parvati Vrat

Jayaparvati Vrat is observed in Ashada Maas by unmarried girls and married women in Gujarat and some other Western India parts.This vrat is dedicated to  Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.The Vrat begins on the 13th day in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashada.The Main Purpose of observing this vrat for happy family,peaceful life ahead.

Legends :

It is believed that a Brahmin couple was a true devotee of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They were well-satisfied with their life, with the exception of a child. They worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati every day in the temple. Amused by the couple�s dedication, Lord Shiva appeared in their dream and asked them to visit a nearby dense forest and worship the unknown Shivling present there. The Brahmin couple set out in the forest in search of the Shivling. On finding it, they cleaned it thoroughly for worshipping. However, when the husband went out to get flowers or the puja, he was bitten by a snake on the way and fell unconscious.

Worried, the wife started praying for her husband�s life at the Shivling. The true loyalty and faithfulness of the Brahmin woman melted Shiva and Parvati. Thus, they brought back her husband to consciousness. Hence, the couple continued praying and eventually, was blessed with a healthy son.

Obseving Vrat :

On the first day of the Jaya Parvati Vrat, javera (wheat seeds) are sown in a small bowl or pot and kept boy the temple in the house. A �nagla� or a necklace made from cotton wool and decorated with kanku spots is placed around the edge of the pot to encircle the javera. Every morning, the married women bath and perform puja around the javera while watering it. In the course of five days, the javera seeds will sprout and grow. On the fifth day, a full night jagran, or vigil, is arranged by all those observing the Jaya Parvati Fast. This all night awakening is called Jayaparvati Jagran. The fast is broken by consuming wheat and salt on the final day of the vrat.

In 2017 vrat begins on July 6th and ends on 11th July. 

Jagran date is 10th July. 

Gauri Parvati Vrat

Gauri Parvati Vrata is observed by unmarried women and young girls. This Vratha is observed in ashada masam.It is observed for five days. The vrat starts on  Ekadashi day in the month of Ashada in the waxing phase of the moon and the fast ends on the day of Purnima. A partial fast is observed wherein the girls perform pujas for Goddess Parvati. 

Legends :

Once there was a brahmin couple who were devotees of lord shiva. They led a happy life but were childless.One day lord shive pleased with their devotion and mae a revelation.  He said, "My Shivlinga is at a certain place in the jungle, lost and revered by none. If you both go there and perform its puja, your wishes will be fulfilled."The Brahmin couple was overjoyed when they heard this. They went to the jungle and found out the Shivlinga. But, when the husband went in search of flowers to perform the puja, he was bitten by a snake.

The Brahmin's wife, who was worried by now that her husband hadn't returned, went in search of him. Upon finding him dead, she wailed loudly, and prayed to Lord Shiva. Happy with her prayers, Bholenath brought her husband back to consciousness. Later, the couple prayed at the linga and were soon blessed with a son.

How to Observe vrat :

All females who observing this vrat grow corn shoots in a small pots.Prayers are offered to this pot. This ritual is carried out every morning and the wheat seeds are watered.

On the last day, the women who have observed the fast have to remain awake whole night of the fifth day called as jagran.On the sixth day the wheat sees (javara) are taken out of the pot are immersed in the holy waters of rivers or ponds .After taking bath they visit temple and break up their fast.

While observing this vrat one cannot eat salt, wheat and vegetables.

2017 Dates : July 5th � July 9th.

Yogini Ekadasi

Yogini Ekadashi falls in the month of Ashadha during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) as per the North Indian Hindu calendar. This usually occurs in the month of June or July. Yogini Ekadashi is regarded as the most significant Ekadashi fast in order to get rid of various ailments and diseases. The Hindus believe that by observing this vrat, they would be blessed with good health and well being. Also, observance of this vrat is known to redeem a person from sins and ill deeds and assist in attaining salvation.

How To Observe Yogini Ekadashi Vrat :

Legends narrate the story of a gardener named Hema Mali, a Yaksha and his extremely beautiful wife, Swarupavati. Hema Mali worked under Kuvera, King of Alakapuri, who was a pious devotee of Lord Shiva. Hema Mali�s job was to collect flowers from Manasarovar Lake and provide them to the king for the daily Shiva puja. Nonetheless, he was highly attracted towards his wife and hence, one day, he stayed back with wife neglecting his duties. Thus, he could not deliver flowers for the puja to the king. The king sent one of his messengers to find out the reason for Hema Mali�s absence and negligence. The messenger found that Hema Mali was spending time with his wife instead of fulfilling his duty of collecting flowers.

He returned back and informed the king that the reason for his carelessness is his gorgeous wife. Hema Mali was summoned to the court. Though he begged for forgiveness, the king cursed him with suffering from white leprosy and be separated from his wife. He was thrown out of the palace and Hem Mali immediately got afflicted with white leprosy. He wandered through the forests for years and finally reached the ashram of Sage Markandeya. The whole tale was retold to the sage. The sage asked Hema Mali to observe Yogini Ekadashi vrat in order to get liberated from the dangerous infection and relieved from the curse.

As directed, Hema Mali observed the fast and returned back to his divine form as a Yaksha. Therefore, he was able to reunite with his wife and live the rest of his life happily. All devotees observing this fast are freed from their sins and are provided with great liberation. The rituals and customs for following Yogini Ekadashi are same as that of other Ekadashi fasts. The fast begins from sunrise and lasts until the next day�s sunrise. People observing a partial fast on this day resist from consuming food made from rice or grains. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, devotees are advised to chant and recite Vishnu Stotras during the day of the fast.

2017 Date : 20th June.

Nirjala Ekadasi

Nirjala Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha as per the traditional Hindu lunar calendar.It is also known as Pandav Bhim Ekadashi. While in all Ekadashi fasts, devotees are allowed to drink water, however while observing a Nirjala Ekadashi vrat, they do not drink water throughout the day.

Legends take one back to the mythological story of Mahabharata as the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat has been mentioned therein. Kunit, mother of the Pandavas, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, and all the four Pandava brothers - Yudhisthira, Arjun, Nakula and Sahadeva used to observe Ekadashi vrats without fail. However, the second Pandava brother, Bhima resisted from fasting as he was a voracious eater and wasn�t able to control his hunger. On one occasion, Bhima chose to observe the vrat but he also wanted to eat. Hence, he went out to Ved Vyasa, the grandfather of the Pandavas, to seek help in observing the fast. 

While eating and fasting were not possible simultaneously, sage Vyasa suggested that he observe the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat, which includes the benefits of observing 24 Ekadashi vrats. Nirjala Ekadashi is regarded as the strictest fast among all the Ekadashis in the Hindu religion as one cannot even drink water while observing it. The literal meaning of Nirjala is �without water�. Thus, all Vishnu devotees who take up this fast do not drink water nor eat any food during the entire day of fasting. Observing a Nirjala Ekadashi is highly beneficial as it is considered equivalent to going on a pilgrimage. The vrat begins at sunrise on the Ekadahsi and ends on the next day�s sunrise. 

The entire day of the Nirjala Ekadashi vrat is spent at Vishnu temples. Devotees also prefer spending the day at home by listening to stories from Bhagavad Purana or chanting bhajans dedicated to Lord Vishnu. People who are under medications, having a poor health condition or disease, pregnant women and those who have just delivered a baby are relieved from observing this vrat. Therefore, it is advised not to keep this fast as one should not torture their body in the act of following customs and religious traditions. Instead, they can compensate for the fast by donating food and clothes to the poor and needy.

2017 Date : 5^th June.

Mohini Ekadashi

Mohini Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of waxing phase of moon in the month of Vaisakha (April � May).Mohini Ekadashi fast helps in removing the burden of sins and enjoy a peaceful life. Devotees believe that the fasting on Mohini Ekadasi provide more punaya than bathing in holy in river.

 Story :

Dhanapala was a well-known and religious merchant residing in the city of Bhadravati on the banks of River Saraswati. He was a loyal follower of Lord Vishnu and hence, was popular for his charity and spiritual activities. However, his son, Dhrstabuddhi was exactly the reverse of his father. Thus, he was thrown out of the house due to bad influences and associations. After expending the last amount of wealth remaining with him, Dhrstabuddhi indulged in robbery in order to quench himself. Unfortunately, he was caught by the guards but was asked to instantly leave the kingdom bearing the reputation of his father.

With no hopes, he left for the forests. Here, he took up to killing animals to satiate his starvation. He continues to live with this lifestyle for years but was often reminded about his childhood and past ill deeds. One day, he arrives at the ashram of Sage Kaundinya where the holy atmosphere touched his heart. On his way from the bath, a few drops of water fell from the Sage on Dhrstabuddhi and hence, he instantly broke down into tears. He recited the whole story and enquired about annulling his sins and guilt. The sage advised him to observe the Mohini Ekadashi vrat that occurs in the month of Vaishakha. 

As directed, Dhrstabuddhi observed the fast and thus, was able to wash away all his sins. Thereafter, he turned into a true and loyal Vishnu devotee. Eventually, he started serving poor and ill people and finally, he was successful in attaining Moksha, or salvation.

2017 Date : 6th May.