In 2021, Mohini Ekadashi falls on 22/23rd May based on where you live. For local timings check the Cosmic Insights or align27 app.

Lord Rama asked Sage Vasishta about the Mohini Ekadashi. Sage Vasishta replied thus
‘Oh Rama, that day is known as Vaisakha-sukla Ekadasi.
It removes all sins and is known as Mohini Ekadasi.

Truly, Oh dear Rama, the merit of this Ekadasi frees the fortunate soul who observes it from the network of illusion. Therefore, if You want to relieve Your suffering(s), observe this auspicious Ekadasi perfectly, for it removes all obstacles from ones path and relieves the greatest miseries.

Kindly listen as I describe its glories, because for one who even just hears about this auspicious Ekadasi, the greatest sins are nullified.

Story of Mohini Ekadashi

Once upon a time there lived a rich merchant called “Dhanapala” he was pious and a faithful devotee of Lord Vishnu. He cared about the welfare of his community and did a lot of service to them. Of his 5 sons, Dhrishtabuddhi grew up to be lustful and evil!

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.

Dhrishtabuddhi 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.

The great sage had just finished bathing in the Ganges River, and water was dripping from him still.

Dhrishtabuddhi had the great good fortune to touch some of those droplets of water that were falling from the great sage’s wet clothes.

Instantly Dhrishtabuddhi was freed of his ignorance, and his sinful reactions were reduced.

Offering his humble obeisances to Kaundinya Muni, Dhrishtabuddhi 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.

‘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, Dhrishtabuddhi 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 Dhrishtabuddhi, 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 tells 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.

Rituals

  • If possible keep a simple fast or a complete fast based on whatever works for you.
  • Listen to or chant the Vishnu Sahasranama
  • Chant the mantra – Aum Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
  • Donate to people who are less fortunate than you.
  • Offer Tulsi and Lotus flowers to Lord Vishnu
  • Read the Scriptures.
  • Meditate