Hare Krishna!
Mohini Ekadashi is one of the auspicious days and Hindus celebrate this festival on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Vaishakh lunar month, which normally falls in April or May. Hindus celebrate this day as a special occasion since it is thought that on this day, Lord Vishnu came in his Mohini avatar (female form), bestowing his blessings upon his followers. This is especially true for Vaishnavites, who adore Lord Vishnu.
Legend behind the Mohini Ekadashi
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja: “ Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight (shukla paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May)?”
“What is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all of these details to me.”
Lord Sri Krishna: “Oh Kunti Putra Yudhisthira, I shall now describe to you what Vasishtha Muni once told to Lord Ramachandra, Please listen to the events carefully.
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja: Yes, my Lord. Please tell me about it.
Narrator - “Lord Sri Krishna then narrates the events occured between Lord Rama and Vasishta Muni.”
Lord Sri Krishna: “Lord Ramachandra asked Vasishtha Muni, "Oh great sage, Please enlighten me which fasting day will be the best in order to destroy all kinds of sins and sorrows. I have suffered long enough in separation from My dear Sita, and so I wish to hear from you about how My suffering can be ended."
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja: And what did Vasishtha Muni tell Lord Ramachandra?
Lord Sri Krishna: The sage Vasishtha replied to Lord Ramachandra, "Oh Lord Rama, You are the one whose intelligence is so keen, One can easily pass the ocean of material world by remembering your holy name. You have asked this question to me so that the humanity and others can fulfill their desires. I shall now describe that day of fasting which purifies the whole world.
Oh Rama, that day is known as Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, which falls on Dvadasi. All the sins are removed and this day is known as Mohini Ekadasi. Truly, Oh dear Rama, the benefit of keeping fast on this Ekadasi frees the fortunate soul who observes it from the network of illusion. Therefore, if You want to relieve Your suffering(s), Oh Rama you should keep fast on this auspicious Ekadasi perfectly, as it has the power to remove all obstacles from the path and relieves one from the greatest miseries.
Now Oh Lord Rama kindly listen as I describe the Mohini Ekadasi glories because for one who even just hears about this auspicious Ekadasi, the greatest sins are nullified."
There was once a beautiful city named Bhadravati, on the banks of the Sarasvati River, which was ruled by King Dyutiman.
Oh Rama, that steadfast, truthful, and highly intelligent king was born in the dynasty of the Moon (Chandra-vamsa).Dhanapala, was a merchant born in his kingdom. He possessed a great deal of wealth of food grains and money. He was also very pious.
Dhanapala did so many mindful work such as he arranged for lakes to be dug, sacrificial arenas to be erected, and beautiful gardens to be cultivated, all these work just for the benefit of all the citizens of Bhadravati. He was an excellent devotee of Lord Vishnu and had five sons: Medhavi, Sukriti, Sumana, Dyutiman, and Dhrishthabuddhi.
Unfortunately, his son Dhrishthabuddhi always engaged in greatly sinful activities, such as sleeping with prostitutes and associating with similar degraded persons, feasting on untouchable foods, and drinking excess alcohol. He also enjoyed illicit sex, gambling, and many other varieties of acts aimed at gratifying the senses.
He had no respect for the demigods, the brahmins, pr even his family's guests. He spent his father's entire wealth indiscriminately.
‘Tired of his son one day Dhanapala decided to kick Dhrishthabuddhi out of the house. Dhrishthabuddhi was seen shortly after with a known prostitute.
Because of his ungrateful sins and deeds even all of the relatives criticized him and distanced themselves from him.
Once he used up all of the inherited ornaments and become destitute, the prostitute who was with him also left. As he had no money left and he became poor.
'Dhrishthabuddhi was now full of anxiety, and also hungry.
He thought in his mind, "What should I do ? Where should I go ? How can I maintain myself ?
For the problems he started to steal.
For his deeds the king's constables arrested him, but as soon as they learned who it was, and that his father was the famous Dhanapala, they released him.
This happened for countless times.
But at last, even the kingdom got sick of his arrogance and total disrespect for others, so finally he was apprehended, handcuffed, and then beaten.
After whipping him, the king's marshals warned him, "Oh evil minded one, because of your actions now you don’t have a place in this kingdom.
'However, Dhrishthabuddhi was freed from his tribulation by his father and he immediately thereafter entered the dense forest.
He wandered here and there, with his hunger and thirst and he was also suffering greatly.
He eventually began to kill the jungle animals, the lions, deer, boars, and even wolves to fulfill his hunger.
He always kept a bow in his hand and a quiver full of arrows on his shoulders.
He also killed many birds, such as chakoras, peacocks, kankas, doves and pigeons.
He with no remorse slaughtered many species of birds and animals to maintain his sinful way of life.
On account of his previous sins, he was now immersed in an ocean of great sin that was so relentless that it appeared that he could not get out.
'Dhrishthabuddhi was always miserable and anxious, but one day, during the month of Vaisakha, by the force of some of his past merit he chanced upon the sacred Ashrama of Kaundinya Muni.
Kaundinya Muni had just finished bathing in the Ganges River, and water was still dripping from him. Dhrishthabuddhi had the great good fortune to touch some of those droplets of water that were falling from the great sage's wet clothing. Instantly Dhrishthabuddhi was freed of his ignorance, and his sinful reactions were reduced.
Offering his humble obeisances to Kaundinya Muni, Dhrishthabuddhi prayed to him with joined palms:
"Oh great brahmana, please describe to me some of the atonement I may perform without too much endeavour.
I have committed so many sins in my life, and these have now made me very poor.
Kaundinya Muni, the great rishi replied, "Oh son, listen with great attention, for by hearing me your life will change, and you will become free of all your remaining sins.
In the light fortnight of this very month, Vaisakha (April-May) there occurs the sacred Mohinii Ekadasi, which has the power to nullify sins as vast and weighty as Mount Sumeru.
If you follow my advice and faithfully observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is so dear to Lord Hari, you will be freed from all the sinful reactions of many, many births.
'Hearing these words with great joy, Dhrishthabuddhi promised to observe a fast on Mohini Ekadasi according to the sage's instructions and direction.
Oh best of kings, Oh Ramachandra Bhagavan, by fasting completely on Mohini Ekadasi, the once sinful Dhrishthabuddhi, the prodigal son of the merchant Dhanapala, became sinless.
Afterwards he achieved a beautiful transcendental form and, free at last of all obstacles, rode upon the carrier of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, to the Supreme abode of the Lord.
'Oh Ramachandra, the fast day of Mohini Ekadasi removes the darkest illusory attachments to material existence.
There is thus no better fast day in all the three worlds than this.'
Lord Sri Krishna: and so, Oh Yudhishthira, there is no place of pilgrimage, no sacrifice, and no charity that can bestow merit equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a faithful devotee of Mine obtains by observing the Mohini Ekadasi.
And He who hears and studies the glories of Mohini Ekadasi achieves the merit of giving away one thousand cows in charity.
Sri Yudhishthira Maharaja: Thank you for narrating this story to me. It is fascinating to hear about the power of fasting on Mohini Ekadasi.
So, Mohini Ekadashi is an auspicious and a wonderful day which can help a devotee spiritually. Also, there are many people who in order to obtain the blessings of Lord Vishnu, keep fasts, offer prayers, and engage in puja rituals on this day.
It is thought that one can achieve tranquilly, prosperity, and good health by keeping fasts and engaging in puja ceremonies on Mohini Ekadashi. A person is said to be able to resist materialistic desires and live a moral life by fasting on this day.
It is said that keeping a fast on Mohini Ekadashi can enhance one's life by bringing about serenity, prosperity, and happiness.
Additionally, it's thought that keeping a fast on Mohini Ekadashi will grant one Lord Vishnu's blessings and protection. Additionally, it is believed that fasting on this day can aid in redemption and release from the cycle of birth and death.
Hare Krishna!
Mohini Ekadashi is one of the auspicious days and Hindus celebrate this festival on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Vaishakh lunar month, which normally falls in April or May. Hindus celebrate this day as a special occasion since it is thought that on this day, Lord Vishnu came in his Mohini avatar (female form), bestowing his blessings upon his followers. This is especially true for Vaishnavites, who adore Lord Vishnu.
Legend behind the Mohini Ekadashi
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja: “ Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight (shukla paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May)?”
“What is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all of these details to me.”
Lord Sri Krishna: “Oh Kunti Putra Yudhisthira, I shall now describe to you what Vasishtha Muni once told to Lord Ramachandra, Please listen to the events carefully.
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja: Yes, my Lord. Please tell me about it.
Narrator - “Lord Sri Krishna then narrates the events occured between Lord Rama and Vasishta Muni.”
Lord Sri Krishna: “Lord Ramachandra asked Vasishtha Muni, "Oh great sage, Please enlighten me which fasting day will be the best in order to destroy all kinds of sins and sorrows. I have suffered long enough in separation from My dear Sita, and so I wish to hear from you about how My suffering can be ended."
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja: And what did Vasishtha Muni tell Lord Ramachandra?
Lord Sri Krishna: The sage Vasishtha replied to Lord Ramachandra, "Oh Lord Rama, You are the one whose intelligence is so keen, One can easily pass the ocean of material world by remembering your holy name. You have asked this question to me so that the humanity and others can fulfill their desires. I shall now describe that day of fasting which purifies the whole world.
Oh Rama, that day is known as Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi, which falls on Dvadasi. All the sins are removed and this day is known as Mohini Ekadasi. Truly, Oh dear Rama, the benefit of keeping fast on this Ekadasi frees the fortunate soul who observes it from the network of illusion. Therefore, if You want to relieve Your suffering(s), Oh Rama you should keep fast on this auspicious Ekadasi perfectly, as it has the power to remove all obstacles from the path and relieves one from the greatest miseries.
Now Oh Lord Rama kindly listen as I describe the Mohini Ekadasi glories because for one who even just hears about this auspicious Ekadasi, the greatest sins are nullified."
There was once a beautiful city named Bhadravati, on the banks of the Sarasvati River, which was ruled by King Dyutiman.
Oh Rama, that steadfast, truthful, and highly intelligent king was born in the dynasty of the Moon (Chandra-vamsa).Dhanapala, was a merchant born in his kingdom. He possessed a great deal of wealth of food grains and money. He was also very pious.
Dhanapala did so many mindful work such as he arranged for lakes to be dug, sacrificial arenas to be erected, and beautiful gardens to be cultivated, all these work just for the benefit of all the citizens of Bhadravati. He was an excellent devotee of Lord Vishnu and had five sons: Medhavi, Sukriti, Sumana, Dyutiman, and Dhrishthabuddhi.
Unfortunately, his son Dhrishthabuddhi always engaged in greatly sinful activities, such as sleeping with prostitutes and associating with similar degraded persons, feasting on untouchable foods, and drinking excess alcohol. He also enjoyed illicit sex, gambling, and many other varieties of acts aimed at gratifying the senses.
He had no respect for the demigods, the brahmins, pr even his family's guests. He spent his father's entire wealth indiscriminately.
‘Tired of his son one day Dhanapala decided to kick Dhrishthabuddhi out of the house. Dhrishthabuddhi was seen shortly after with a known prostitute.
Because of his ungrateful sins and deeds even all of the relatives criticized him and distanced themselves from him.
Once he used up all of the inherited ornaments and become destitute, the prostitute who was with him also left. As he had no money left and he became poor.
'Dhrishthabuddhi was now full of anxiety, and also hungry.
He thought in his mind, "What should I do ? Where should I go ? How can I maintain myself ?
For the problems he started to steal.
For his deeds the king's constables arrested him, but as soon as they learned who it was, and that his father was the famous Dhanapala, they released him.
This happened for countless times.
But at last, even the kingdom got sick of his arrogance and total disrespect for others, so finally he was apprehended, handcuffed, and then beaten.
After whipping him, the king's marshals warned him, "Oh evil minded one, because of your actions now you don’t have a place in this kingdom.
'However, Dhrishthabuddhi was freed from his tribulation by his father and he immediately thereafter entered the dense forest.
He wandered here and there, with his hunger and thirst and he was also suffering greatly.
He eventually began to kill the jungle animals, the lions, deer, boars, and even wolves to fulfill his hunger.
He always kept a bow in his hand and a quiver full of arrows on his shoulders.
He also killed many birds, such as chakoras, peacocks, kankas, doves and pigeons.
He with no remorse slaughtered many species of birds and animals to maintain his sinful way of life.
On account of his previous sins, he was now immersed in an ocean of great sin that was so relentless that it appeared that he could not get out.
'Dhrishthabuddhi was always miserable and anxious, but one day, during the month of Vaisakha, by the force of some of his past merit he chanced upon the sacred Ashrama of Kaundinya Muni.
Kaundinya Muni had just finished bathing in the Ganges River, and water was still dripping from him. Dhrishthabuddhi had the great good fortune to touch some of those droplets of water that were falling from the great sage's wet clothing. Instantly Dhrishthabuddhi was freed of his ignorance, and his sinful reactions were reduced.
Offering his humble obeisances to Kaundinya Muni, Dhrishthabuddhi prayed to him with joined palms:
"Oh great brahmana, please describe to me some of the atonement I may perform without too much endeavour.
I have committed so many sins in my life, and these have now made me very poor.
Kaundinya Muni, the great rishi replied, "Oh son, listen with great attention, for by hearing me your life will change, and you will become free of all your remaining sins.
In the light fortnight of this very month, Vaisakha (April-May) there occurs the sacred Mohinii Ekadasi, which has the power to nullify sins as vast and weighty as Mount Sumeru.
If you follow my advice and faithfully observe a fast on this Ekadasi, which is so dear to Lord Hari, you will be freed from all the sinful reactions of many, many births.
'Hearing these words with great joy, Dhrishthabuddhi promised to observe a fast on Mohini Ekadasi according to the sage's instructions and direction.
Oh best of kings, Oh Ramachandra Bhagavan, by fasting completely on Mohini Ekadasi, the once sinful Dhrishthabuddhi, the prodigal son of the merchant Dhanapala, became sinless.
Afterwards he achieved a beautiful transcendental form and, free at last of all obstacles, rode upon the carrier of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, to the Supreme abode of the Lord.
'Oh Ramachandra, the fast day of Mohini Ekadasi removes the darkest illusory attachments to material existence.
There is thus no better fast day in all the three worlds than this.'
Lord Sri Krishna: and so, Oh Yudhishthira, there is no place of pilgrimage, no sacrifice, and no charity that can bestow merit equal to even one sixteenth of the merit a faithful devotee of Mine obtains by observing the Mohini Ekadasi.
And He who hears and studies the glories of Mohini Ekadasi achieves the merit of giving away one thousand cows in charity.
Sri Yudhishthira Maharaja: Thank you for narrating this story to me. It is fascinating to hear about the power of fasting on Mohini Ekadasi.
So, Mohini Ekadashi is an auspicious and a wonderful day which can help a devotee spiritually. Also, there are many people who in order to obtain the blessings of Lord Vishnu, keep fasts, offer prayers, and engage in puja rituals on this day.
It is thought that one can achieve tranquilly, prosperity, and good health by keeping fasts and engaging in puja ceremonies on Mohini Ekadashi. A person is said to be able to resist materialistic desires and live a moral life by fasting on this day.
It is said that keeping a fast on Mohini Ekadashi can enhance one's life by bringing about serenity, prosperity, and happiness.
Additionally, it's thought that keeping a fast on Mohini Ekadashi will grant one Lord Vishnu's blessings and protection. Additionally, it is believed that fasting on this day can aid in redemption and release from the cycle of birth and death.
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