Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi
Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi falls on the ‘Shukla Paksha Ekadashi’ (11th day of the bright fortnight of moon) during the month of ‘Madhusudana’ in the Vaishnava calendar. This ekadashi is also observed by Samarths during the ‘Jyeshta Shukla Ekadashi’ of the Hindu calendar while in the Gregorian calendar, the date corresponds to the months of April-May. The Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi is devotedly observed by Hare Krishna followers in the honour of Lord Vishnu. By observing a vrat on this day, all the past sins will be destroyed and the person lives a happy and prosperous life. The Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi bestows on its observer, the love and affection of Sri Hari Vishnu and reaches to His heavenly abode ‘Vaikunth’ after death.
According to the Hindu mythology, ‘Mohini’ is known to be a disguised form of Lord Vishnu and therefore special rituals are arranged on this day in Lord Vishnu temples all across the country. Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi is observed with immense devotion and enthusiasm in different parts of the country. In Southern states of India, this ekadashi is observed in the month of ‘Chithirai’ in the Tamil calendar, and in Bengali calendar it falls during the ‘Jyeshtha Masa’. It must be noted that Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi can fall on a ‘dwadashi’ (12th day) but still referred as ekadashi. The ekadashi vrat can be observed on full ekadashi or a co-existence of ekadashi and dwadashi, but it must never be done on a co-existence of dashami and ekadashi.
There is no Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi in 2024
Rituals during Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi:
- On this day devotees keep a strict fast for their lord, to seek their divine blessings. The preparations of the Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi starts on a previous day, ‘dashami’ and devotees eat only meal during the afternoon. No food is eaten till the end of the ekadashi’. The observer of this vrat needs to maintain full sanctity should also stay awake all night. The fast is broken on ‘dwadashi’ by drinking milk or eating fruits.
- On Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi, beautiful ‘Mandaps’ with idol of Lord Vishnu is decorated. Special puja rituals like ‘Abhishekam’ are performed. Devotees pray to the lord by offering Tulsi leaves, fresh flowers and fruits.
- Devotees visit Lord Vishnu temples in the evening to participate in the ‘Kirtans’ or ‘Bhajan’ programs. Charity is also an important ritual of the day and one must donate food or clothes to the poor and needy on Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi.
Significance of Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi:
The glories of Vaishnava Mohini Ekadashi can be read in various Hindu scriptures like ‘Surya Purana’. The importance of this vrat was first told by Vasishtha Muni to Lord Rama and then explained to King Yudhisthira by Sri Krishna. Observing a fast on this auspicious day is more meritorious than taking a holy dip in Hindu pilgrimages. It is believed that this ekadashi purifies the soul of the person and also removes any sufferings or ailments. There is no sacred fast as the Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi as it frees an individual completely from the materialistic existence. A person who merely recites or listens to the glories of this ekadashi receives the same benefits as obtained by donating one thousand cows.