Mohini Ekadashi: Vrat Katha | Importance | Rituals and Tithi

Mohini Ekadashi is one of the most important among the two Ekadashi observed in a month. Ekadashi holds a great importance for Hindus. According to Hindu belief, the Mohini Ekadashi fast helps the person to get rid of all their sins and leads them towards liberation from the illusionary world, ultimately attaining salvation. The auspicious day falls on the eleventh day of Shukla Paksha in the month of 'Vaisakha', and is regarded as a propitious time for spiritual practices. 

Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha:

Once Yudhisthira asked Lord Krishna about the most important Ekadashi. Lord Krishna said that he will tell him a story which was recited by Sage Vasistha to Lord Rama. This Vrat was observed by Lord Rama in the Treta Yug. When Goddess Sita was separated from Lord Ram, he went to Sage Vasistha and asked about a Vrat that can destroy all sin and sorrow. Sage Vasistha replied that Mohini Ekadashi fast can help humans get rid of all sins and attain salvation. He then told him the story of Mohini Ekadashi. 

A man named Dhanapala lived in a beautiful city Bhadravati situated on the banks of river Saraswati. He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and a generous person. He was a Vaishya and worked for the welfare of people. He had five sons: Samana, Dyutimana, Medhavi, Sukriti, and Dushtabuddhi. His youngest son, Dushtabuddhi was wicked and engaged in sinful activities. He misused his father's money and name. Fed up with Dushtabuddhi's behaviour, Dhanapala threw him out of the house. Dushtabuddhi started stealing to fulfil his needs. He was caught by the soldiers and released a few times. King decided to punish him and threw him out of the village.

Dushtabuddhi went to the forest and wandered as a hunter for years. One day, lost and hungry, he went to the hermitage of Maharishi Kaundilya. It was the month of Vaisakh and Maharishi was returning to his ashram after taking a holy bath from the river Ganga. Suddenly a few drops of water from Maharishi's cloth fell on Dushtabuddhi. He bowed before Maharishi Kaundilya and requested to relieve him of all his sins. Maharishi advised him to follow Mohini Ekadashi Vrat. He obeyed the Maharishi and observed the Vrat with full devotion and sincerity. As a result, his sins were pardoned and he attained salvation. It is believed that after his death he was taken to the abode of Lord Vishnu on Garuda. 

Mohini Ekadashi Importance:

According to Hindu belief, on this auspicious day, Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Mohini to help Devtas take Amrit (Nectar) from Devils and drink it. Therefore the day is known as Mohini Ekadashi. The day is celebrated to worship Lord Vishnu and his incarnated form of Mohini. People who observe the fast and listen or recite Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha get the benefits worth the donation of 1000 cows. 

Mohini Ekadashi Rituals and Tithi:

The worshippers should wake up early in the morning and wear clean attire after taking a bath. On the day of Mohini Ekadashi, devotees should worship Lord Vishnu and listen or recite Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha with full dedication and enthusiasm. People should consume a single Farali meal and should not make rice. During the Vrat of Mohini Ekadashi, devotees are prohibited to perform any sinful activities or speak lies. Reciting 'Vishnu Sahasranama' is considered as highly fruitful. The fast is concluded the next day i.e. the Twelfth day (Baras) after offering food to small girls. 

Mohini Ekadashi 2023 Date:

This year Mohini Ekadashi 2023, will be celebrated on 1st May. The tithi will begin on April 30, 2023, at 08:28 pm and will end on May 1, 2023, at 10:09 pm.