Mohini Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed in the month
of Vaishakha during the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha). While
this ritual falls in the Vaishakha month in the calendars of North
India and other regions, the same ritual occurs in Chithirai month in
the Tamilian calendar, in Edava month in the Malayalam calendar and in
Jyeshto mash in Bengali calendar. Fasting on Mohini Ekadashi is believed
to eliminate all sins and help in leading a happy and prosperous life.
Also, a person undergoing sadness is effectively able to overcome this
sickness. Devotees believe that observing a fast on Mohini Ekadashi is
more fruitful than performing ritual baths in the holy rivers or
performing sacrifices. Find out about the legend behind observing Mohini
Ekadashi vrat and the method of performing the same.
Person gets rid of all his sins and griefs by observing this fast. It is
observed on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha, Vaisakha Masa. A person gets
free from the trap of infatuation. Hence, everyone in sorrow, should
observe this fast. On the day of fast, it is must to hear the fast
story.
this fast from Dashmi (a day before Ekadashi). He should not have dinner
in utensil of bronze, on the night of Dashmi. And, nothing should be
eaten after the night meal. In this meal, onion or meat etc. should not
be eaten. Only Satvik food should be eaten. Avoid having barley, wheat
and gram etc.
It is important to prepare oneself mentally for the fast, as it is for a
longer time period. Also, person observing this fast should start
sleeping on floor, from Dashmi itself. On Dashmi Tithi also, a person
should avoid speaking lie or hurting anyone. It is must to follow the
rules of this fast from Dashmi.
On the day of Ekadashi, person observing the fast should wake up before
the sunrise. And, he should complete his routine work and have bath in
pure water. Using water of a spiritual river or lake is considered
auspicious, for bathing. A paste of Kush and Til should be used in
bathing. As per scriptures it is believed that using these items for
bathing make a person pure to perform the Puja.
After bathing, clean and nice clothes should be worn. And Lord Vishnu
and Ram are worshipped. The fast is started after taking the resolution
of fast. The resolution is taken infront of the idol of God.
An urn is placed and covered with red color cloth and worshipped. Then,
idol or picture of God is placed on the urn. After this, Lord is
worshipped with incense stick, lamp and flower. Followed by hearing of
fast story.
Mohini Ekadashi Fast Story
There was a city named Bhadravati at the banks of river Saraswati. Here
lived a king named Ghrit. In his kingdom, lived a rich merchant. He was a
holy person and a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He had five sons. His eldest
son was a sinner, who used to dink alcohol and do gambling etc. His
parents threw him out of house with some money.
Whatever he got from his parents was soon finished. After which, he
started works like steeling etc, for his living. Then, he was caught
while steeling. Now he was sent out of the city to spend the time of his
punishment. One day, he did not get any prey. So, hungry and thirsty,
the boy went to the Ashram of a Muni. He joined his hands and pleaded
the Muni to take him in shelter and tell him a way to get salvation from
this terrible life.
Listening to his request, Muni told him to observe the fast on Ekadashi
of Shukla Paksha, Vaishaka month. And said, this shall remove all sins
of his life. So, he observed the fast of Mohini Ekadashi and got free
from his sins. Finally, he reached the Vishnu Lok.
