When Is Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Know Date, Timings, History, Vrat Katha, Rituals, And Significance

Mohini Ekadashi is a significant observance in Hinduism, occurring on the eleventh day during the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of ‘Vaisakha,’ typically falling in April-May according to the Gregorian calendar. It holds great importance for Hindu followers as it is believed to cleanse one of all sins, even those from past lives. In Hindu mythology, Mohini is the disguised form of Lord Vishnu, and as the lord appeared in this form on the Ekadashi tithi, the day came to be known as ‘Mohini Ekadashi.’ While it is celebrated in the month of ‘Vaisakha’ in Northern India and nearby regions, its timing varies in other calendars such as the Tamil, Bengali, and Malayalam calendars. Devotees observe this Ekadashi to seek divine blessings for a happy and prosperous life.

When is Mohini Ekadashi in 2024?

Mohini Ekadashi in 2024 falls on Sunday, May 19th. The Parana, or breaking of the fast, is from 05:28 to 08:12 on Monday, May 20th. The Dwadashi, which marks the end of the fasting period, ends at 15:58. The Ekadashi Tithi, or the eleventh lunar day, begins at 11:22 on May 18th and ends at 13:50 on May 19th.

Mohini Ekadashi Significance

Mohini Ekadashi holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. According to legends, Saint Vasistha narrated its greatness to Lord Rama, while Lord Sri Krishna shared it with Maharaja Yudhisthira. It is believed that observing this fast with complete devotion yields more merits than pilgrimages, charity, or yagnas. The observer is said to receive blessings equivalent to donating a thousand cows to charity and achieves freedom from the cycle of birth and death, attaining salvation. Mohini Ekadashi's importance is highlighted in texts like the ‘Surya Purana,’ which further elaborates on its significance.

Mohini Ekadashi history

The story of Mohini Ekadashi is closely tied to the ancient mythological event known as the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. This celestial episode saw a fierce battle between the gods and demons over the possession of Amrita, the nectar of immortality.

In order to ensure fairness and distribute the nectar justly, Lord Vishnu took on the enchanting form of Mohini. Her beauty and charm played a crucial role in ensuring that the gods received the nectar, while the demons were captivated by her allure.

During the churning, besides the nectar, a deadly poison also emerged. Lord Shiva bravely consumed this poison to prevent it from causing harm. The appearance of Mohini ensured that the nectar remained safe for the gods.

During Mohini Ekadashi, devotees participate in various rituals to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. These rituals include:

• Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. Some may abstain from water as well.
• Puja and Worship: Devotees perform puja, offering flowers, incense, and fruits to Lord Vishnu while reciting Vishnu mantras.
• Reading Scriptures: Many devotees read or listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama, a list of a thousand names of Lord Vishnu, which is considered highly meritorious.
• Charity: Giving to those in need, whether through food, clothing, or monetary donations, is encouraged as a charitable act.
• Visiting Temples: Devotees visit Lord Krishna temples to participate in special prayers and sing bhajans, devotional songs dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Listening Stories: Listening to the story of Mohini Ekadashi, which recounts the divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu as the enchanting nymph, is believed to bestow spiritual benefits upon the listener.

Here are some powerful mantras associated with Mohini Ekadashi:

• "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
• "Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva"
• "Ram Ram Rameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane"
• "Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare"

The Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha, as narrated in the Padma Purana, goes like this:

Once, Yudhishthira asked Lord Sri Krishna about the significance of the Ekadashi observed during the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha and its merits. Lord Krishna replied that Sri Rama had asked the same question to Sage Vasishtha in ancient times.

Sage Vasishtha explained that the Ekadashi in Vaishakha is called Mohini Ekadashi and is supremely sacred, capable of removing all sins and freeing one from delusions and wrongdoing.

In the city of Bhadravati, there lived a virtuous king named Dhritiman and a wealthy merchant named Dhanpal. Dhanpal had five sons, one of whom, Dhrishtabuddhi, was inclined towards sinful deeds like gambling and associating with courtesans. His father expelled him from home, and he wandered in sorrow until he reached the hermitage of Sage Kaundinya.

Desperate for liberation from his sins, Dhrishtabuddhi sought guidance from Sage Kaundinya, who advised him to observe the fast of Mohini Ekadashi. Following the sage's instructions, Dhrishtabuddhi observed the fast diligently and attained freedom from sin. Eventually, he ascended to the abode of Lord Vishnu on the divine Garuda.

Thus, the Mohini Ekadashi fast is highly meritorious, and those who observe it or listen to its virtues attain great merits equivalent to donating a thousand cows.