Mohini Ekadashi is one of the important Ekadashis. It holds great importance for Hindus. It helps devotees to get rid of all their sins including the sins from the previous births. Mohini Ekadashi is observed on the ekadashi (11th day) during the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of ‘Vaisakha’ that falls during the months of April-May. 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. It is celebrated in ‘Vaisakha’ month across Northern India and adjoining regions. However, as per the Tamil calendar, it falls during the month of ‘Chithirai.’ According to Bengali calendar, it falls in the ‘Jyestho’ month. In the Malayalam calendar, Mohini Ekadashi falls during the month of ‘Edava.’ Hindu devotees observe Mohini Ekadashi to seek divine blessings for happy and prosperous life.
Important date and timing of Mohini Ekadash
| Sunrise | 03, May 2020, 5:56 AM |
| Sunset | 03, May 2020, 6:51 PM |
| Dwadashi End Moment | 03, May 2020, 2:54 AM |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begains | 03, May 2020, 9:09 AM |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | 04, May 2020, 6:12 PM |
| Parana Time | 04, May 2020, 5:55 AM – 8:30 PM |
Significance
The greatness of Mohini Ekadashi is mentioned in Surya Purana. 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 devotee achieves freedom from the continuous cycle of birth and death to attains salvation. Mohini Ekadashi holds huge significance in the Hinduism.
Mohini Ekadashi Important Dates b/t 2017 to 2025
| Year | Day & Date |
| 2017 | Saturday, 6th May |
| 2018 | Thursday, 26th April |
| 2019 | Wednesday, 15th May |
| 2020 | Sunday, 3rd May |
| 2021 | Saturday, 22nd May |
| 2022 | Thursday, 12th May |
| 2023 | Monday, 1st May |
| 2024 | Sunday, 19th May |
| 2025 | Thursday, 8th May |
Rituals
On this day, devotees observe a strict fast. The fasting starts a day in advance, on ‘Dashami’ (10th day) tithi. On this day, the devotes performs religious acts and eats ‘saatvik’ food once before sunset. Complete fasting occurs on the ekadashi and continues till the sunrise of ‘Dwadashi’. It is believed that Mohini Ekadashi vraat should be broken by drinking milk the next day. The devotee of Mohini Ekadashi vrat gets up before sunrise and takes an early bath with Til and Kush. The devotee must sleep on the floor on the ‘dashami’ night, spend the whole day offering prayers to the deity and keep vigil all night by singing bhajans and chanting mantras of Lord 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 fruits, vegetables, and milk products are allowed. Consuming rice and all forms of grains is prohibited. The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Special ‘Mandaps’ with idols of Lord Vishnu are prepared. Devotees worship Lord with sandalwood, Tulsi leaves, sesame seeds, colourful flowers, and fruits.
How to start our day of Mohini Ekadashi
On the day of Mohini Ekadashi, wake up in the morning and bathe and wear clean clothes. After bathing offer yellow fruits like mango or 11 bananas and pure saffron to the Visnu with our right hand and light a lamp with pure Cows Ghee. After that start chanting Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya Mantra 108 times
