'Khalilagi Ekadashi' - A sacred prelude to Puri Rath Yatra

Puri, July 2: Khalilagi Ekadashi', also known as 'Anasara Ekadashi', is primarily observed in Jagannath temples and occurs just before the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra and on the 11th day of the waning phase of the moon in June-July (Odia month of 'Asadha'). 

A significant ritual on this day is the 'Sarbhanga Neeti', which involves the application of a large amount of sandalwood paste. During 'Khalilagi Ekadashi', the idols of Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra are absent from the temple as they are recuperating after the Snana Purnima.

On this day, the paste of ‘Khali’, prepared by the 'Suddha Suaras', is applied to the idols, and basil leaves are offered to the holy trinity.

According to the story, there was once a king named Dhanoda Kuber, a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva. Everyday, he offered flowers to Shiva, which were provided by his palace gardener, Hemamali. One day, while gathering flowers from Mansarovar, Hemamali was distracted by his wife and neglected his duty. When the king sent for the flowers and found none, he expelled Hemamali from service and cursed him with leprosy.

Desperate to get rid of the curse, Hemamali wandered through the forest for years. He eventually encountered Sage Markandeya in the Himalayas and sought his guidance. Upon hearing Hemamali's plight, the sage advised him to observe a fast on 'Yogini Ekadashi' and worship Lord Vishnu to atone for his sins. Hemamali followed the sage’s instructions with devotion, and pleased with his dedication, Lord Vishnu lifted the curse.

It is believed that observing Yogini Ekadasi yields the same merits as feeding 88,000 Brahmin priests. Listening to the story of Yogini Ekadashi is said to absolve one of all sins.