Mohini Ekadashi Vrat will be observed on 19th May 2024, Sunday.
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 11:22 AM on 18th May 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 01:50 PM on 19th May 2024
Parana Time: 05:28 AM to 08:12 AM
Note: Parana is breaking the fast. After sunrise, Ekadashi Parana is done on the next day of Ekadashi Vrat (on the Dwadashi Tithi). Ekadashi Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara, the first one-fourth Dwadashi tithi duration. The most preferred time for breaking the Ekadashi Vrat is Pratahkal.
The Mohini Ekadashi Vrat falls on the Ekadashi Tithi (11th day) during the Shukla Paksha period in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. It usually falls in April or May, according to the Gregorian calendar.
According to Puranas, Lord Vishnu appeared as “Mohini” on the Ekadashi Tithi. Hence, the day began to be celebrated as “Mohini Ekadashi” from then onwards.
Significnce of Mohini Ekadashi:
Numerous Hindu religious scriptures, such as the “Surya Purana,” extol the virtues of observing the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat. It is believed that observing these fasts aids in absolving the sins accrued by an individual, including those from previous lifetimes.
Furthermore, observing the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat yields merits or “Punya” that surpass those obtained through Yagnas, pilgrimages, or acts of charity. Hindu scriptures emphasize that this fast bestows numerous blessings, equivalent to donating a thousand cows to charity.
Those who observe the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat with unwavering devotion attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, ultimately achieving salvation. Hence, the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat holds immense significance in the Puranas.
Katha of Mohini Ekadashi:
According to Hindu Puranas, the divine narrative unfolds on Mohini Ekadashi, where Lord Vishnu assumed the enchanting form of “Mohini”. This pivotal event transpired amidst the epic churning of the mighty oceans, known as Samudra Manthan, orchestrated by the Devtas (Deities) and the Asuras (Demons). The celestial realms witnessed a fierce battle for the coveted elixir of immortality, the Amrit.
In this tumultuous saga, Lord Vishnu graciously intervened, manifesting as the captivating and resplendent figure of “Mohini”, a vision of unparalleled beauty. Mesmerized by her allure, the Asuras found themselves enchanted, while Mohini gracefully bestowed the precious Amrit upon the Devtas.
On the auspicious Ekadashi Tithi, this event unfolded, thus this Tithi is known as Mohini Ekadashi.
Interestingly, during his quest for Sita Mata, Lord Shri Ram himself observed the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat. Likewise, Yudhishthira, during the era of the Mahabharata, also adhered to this sacred fast. It is believed that the observance of the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat absolved them of all their tribulations.
Herein, we delve into the narratives, referred to as Vrat Katha, intricately linked with the Mohini Ekadashi.
Dharmaraj Yudhistira sought from Lord Krishna the narrative of the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Lord Krishna imparted to Yudhistira that Maharishi Vashishta was the first to relay the tale of the Mohini Ekadasi Vrat Katha to Lord Ram.
In the midst of his anguish over the abduction of Sita by Ravana, Lord Ram expressed his longing to alleviate his sorrow. Maharishi Vashishta, in response, elucidated that observing the Mohini Ekadashi Vrata could assuage all woes and transgressions. He then proceeded to narrate the tale of the Mohini Ekadasi Vrat Katha to Lord Shri Ram:
In ancient times, along the banks of the River Saraswati, there existed a realm called Bhadravati, ruled by the pious Chandravanshi King Dhrutimaan. The king, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, had five sons: Sumana, Sadbuddhi, Medhavi, Sukruti, and Dhrishtabuddhi.
However, Dhrishtabuddhi, his fifth son, led a life steeped in sin. He indulged in gambling, consumption of meat and alcohol, and illicit affairs. Disheartened by his son’s actions, the king disowned Dhrishtabuddhi.
Left to fend for himself, Dhrishtabuddhi endured a harrowing existence. Initially surviving by selling his belongings, he later resorted to a life of destitution and crime, leading to his incarceration and subsequent banishment from the kingdom.
In the wilderness, Dhrishtabuddhi sustained himself by hunting animals. Once, driven by thirst and hunger, he stumbled upon the hermitage of Sage Kaundinya during the Vaishakh month, as the sage bathed in the river Ganga.
As fate would have it, water droplets from the sage’s attire fell upon Dhrishtabuddhi, bestowing upon him clarity of thought. Moved by remorse, Dhrishtabuddhi confessed his sins to Sage Kaundinya, seeking a path to redemption.
Sage Kaundinya prescribed the observance of the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat during the Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakh month, assuring Dhrishtabuddhi that it would cleanse his transgressions.
With unwavering devotion, Dhrishtabuddhi adhered to the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat, leading to the absolution of his sins. Ultimately, he ascended upon Garuda and attained the abode of Vishnu, Vaikunta.
Through the observance of the Mohini Ekadasi Vrat, one can transcend materialism and purify oneself from sin, receiving the divine benediction of Lord Vishnu.
It is believed that those who recite or listen to the significance of the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat shall reap blessings akin to the merit obtained from donating a thousand cows.
Mohini Ekadasi Vrat Vidhi
The observance of the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat entails a series of rituals commencing from the preceding night, the 10th lunar night. Rise before dawn and perform an ablution with pure water after applying a paste of sesame onto the body, adorning oneself in pristine attire.
Prepare by setting up a Kalash, adorned with vibrant red fabric, and proceed to venerate the idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Ram, igniting a diya crafted from cow’s ghee. Offer fragrant incense, fresh fruits, and blossoms in homage. Engage in the recitation and listening of the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha, followed by the distribution of Prasad and charitable acts, such as offering Dakshina to Brahmins. Spend the night in devotional hymns, resting in proximity to the divine idol.
During the Mohini Ekadashi Tithi, abstain from the following: