Mohini Ekadashi is observed on the ekadashi (11th day) during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the Hindu month of ‘Vaisakha’ that falls during the months of April-May, according to the Gregorian calendar. This ekadashi is observed by all Hinduism followers as it helps in washing away all the sins committed by a person, including those from his/her previous births. In Hindu mythology, Mohini is the name given to the disguised form of Lord Vishnu and since the lord appeared in this form on the ekadashi tithi, the day began to be celebrated as ‘Mohini Ekadashi’ from then onwards. This Ekadashi is celebrated in the month of ‘Vaisakha’ in Northern India and adjoining regions, however according to the Tamil calendar, it falls during the month of ‘Chithirai’, in the ‘Jyestho’ month of the Bengali calendar and in the Malayalam calendar Mohini Ekadashi falls during the month of ‘Edava’. Hindu devotees observe this ekadashi to seek divine blessings for living a happy and prosperous life.
Rituals during Mohini Ekadashi:
•On this day, people observe a strict fast without eating a grain of food whole day. The fasting starts a day in advance, on ‘Dashami’ (10th day) tithi. On this day, the observer performs pious acts and eats ‘saatvik’ food once before sunset. Complete fasting occurs on the ekadashi and continues till the sunrise of ‘Dwadashi’ (12th day). It is believed that Mohini Ekadashi vrat should be broken by drinking milk the next day.
•The observer of Mohini Ekadashi vrat gets up before sunrise and takes an early bath with Til and Kush. He/she must sleep on the floor on the ‘dashami’ night. The devotees spend the day offering prayers to their deity and keep vigil all night by singing bhajans and chanting mantras in praise of Sri Krishna.
•As some people cannot follow strict fasting rules due to health complications, they can observe a partial fast or vrat on Mohini Ekadashi. Eating ‘falahar’ like fruits, vegetables and milk products are allowed. On the day of Mohini Ekadashi, consuming rice and all forms of grains is prohibited even for those not observing any fast.
•The day of Mohini Ekadashi, like all other ekadashis, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Special ‘Mandaps’ is prepared with idols of Lord Vishnu. Devotees worship the lord with sandalwood, sesame seeds, colorful flowers and fruits. Offering Tulsi leaves is very propitious as it is dear to Lord Vishnu. On Mohini Ekadashi day in some regions, Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is also worshipped.
Significance of Mohini Ekadashi:The greatness of Mohini Ekadashi was first narrated to Lord Rama by saint Vasistha and to Maharaja Yudhisthira by Lord Sri Krishna. It is believed that if a person observes the Mohini Ekadashi vrat with complete devotion than the ‘punya’ or good deeds that he receives is much more than those achieved by visiting pilgrimages, offering charity or even performing yagnas. The observer of the fast receives as many glories as achieved by donating a thousand cows in charity. The performer of this revered vrat achieves freedom from the continuous cycle of birth and death and attains salvation. Mohini Ekadashi holds huge significance in the Hindu mythology. One can even read the ‘Surya Purana’ to know more about the significance of Mohini Ekadashi.
