Mohini Ekadashi

A Festival To Attract A Happy Life

Mohini Ekadashi is also known as Shukla Paksha Ekadashi Tithi and Shukla Paksha Dashami Tithi. This festival of Mohini Ekadashi is also known as Papmochani Ekadashi which comes in both months of Hindu lunar calendar, which is Chaitra Month and Shravan Month.

Mohini Ekadashi is observed on the Shukla Paksha of Adhik Maas. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu appeared as 'Mohini' on this day and blessed His devotees.

The word ‘ekadashi’ means ‘eleven’ in Sanskrit and according to the Hindu lunar calendar, there are twenty four Ekadashis every year. Every Ekadashi occurs on the eleventh day in either the waxing or waning phase of the moon.

Of these twenty four Ekadashis, Mohini Ekadashi has special significance. It is regarded as one of the most important Ekadashis of the year.

This Ekadashi is considered very auspicious for spiritual practice, fasting and donating food and clothes to the needy people. One who observes fast on this day gets blessed with good health, wealth, fame and moksha (liberation from life and death cycle).

It is also believed that the devotees who observe a fast on this day are blessed by Lord Vishnu and lead a happy life. They also attain heaven after death.

What is Mohini Ekadashi?

Mohini Ekadashi marks the beginning of Chaturmas — a four months long period regarded as an auspicious time in Hinduism. During Chaturmas, the Hindu community welcomes Lord Vishnu, the representative of supreme power and the preserver of life, by performing various rituals and offerings.

Devotees observe fast on Mohini Ekadashi to purify their soul and mind from evil power and sins committed by the devotees in their past birth. Keeping fast on this day is considered as extremely beneficial therefore, as per the beliefs, one should offer more food and clothes to the poor and donate money to people who are less fortunate than them.

Mohini Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Kartik. The name Mohini Ekadashi comes from the word “mohini”, which is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “to attract” or “enchanting beauty.”

Importance of Mohini Ekadashi

• Fasting on this day secures individuals from the hell of Mohini and protects individuals from evil desires. One can have liberation from all kinds of worldly sins.
• This Ekadashi liberates one from the cycle of birth and death.
• This day is perfect for seeking forgiveness for the sins and worshipping Lord Vishnu.
• Observing this fast by fasting from dawn till dusk is considered as one of the easiest ways to attain Moksha and reach heaven.
• Strict observance of Mohini Ekadashi ensures freedom from all kinds of past sins along with fearlessness from evil spirits or beings.
• It's believed that this day takes place on ‘Shukla paksha’ which means bright half of the moon during Vaishakha month and full moon night is considered worth celebrating with lots of offerings and feasts at midnight.

Know About Mohini Ekadashi Vrat

• The main ritual on Mohini Ekadashi involves fasting from sunrise to sunset.
• Snacking and sleeping are prohibited, but devotees can drink water that has been boiled with tamarind leaves or the leaves of other plants and trees.
• A favourite among women all over India, this fast is also known as “Phool ki Fast” (Flower Fast) for the many offerings given to the deities on this day typically include flowers like jasmine, rose, bougainvillea, etc.
• Those whose health is their priority could also perform it by drinking only milk throughout the day, which has several skin-friendly nutrients like lactic acid that deeply cleanses the skin and acts as a gentle exfoliant while making your skin appear less aged.
• The devotees should bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes.
• The devotees visit the nearest Vishnu temple to worship Lord Vishnu.