Ekadashi which comes after Nirjala Ekadashi and before Devshayani Ekadashi is known as Yogini Ekadashi. Yogini Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha of Ashadha month according to North Indian calendar and during Krishna Paksha of Jyaishta month according to South Indian calendar. Currently it falls in month of June or July in English calendar.

Benefits - Fasting on Yogini Ekadashi can purge all sins and provides all luxuries in current life. One can transcend to Swarga Lok after observing Yogini Ekadashi fasting. Yogini Ekadashi is famous in all three Loks. It is believed that Fasting on Yogini Ekadashi is equivalent of feeding 88 thousands Brahamins.

Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence.

Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. The most preferred time to break the fast is Pratahkal. One should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna. If due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one should do it after Madhyahna.

At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.