- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 08 May 2025 10:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Hindus celebrate Mohini Ekadashi on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakha, which corresponds to April–May. This day is considered to cleanse sin both in this and previous lifetimes. Hindu legends state that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Mohini on this day. North India observes it in the Vaisakha month, Tamil Nadu during Chithirai, Bengal during Jyestho, and Kerala during Edava. Though the time of celebration differs geographically, the central religious meaning is uniform— offering obeisances to the Mohini incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the pursuit of spirituality and blissfulness. This year, Mohini Ekadashi is being observed on 8th May 2025.
Check out all the significant details about the date, time, significance, parana time, rituals and vrat Katha associated with this Ekadashi Vrat below:
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Date And Time
- Mohini Ekadashi 2025 Date: 8th May 2025, Thursday
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 10:19 AM, 7th May 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 12:29 PM, 8th May 2025
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Parana Time
The Parana timings for the sacred fast of Mohini Ekadashi are from 05:34 AM to 10:03 AM on 9th May 2025, Friday.
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Significance
Saint Vasistha initially explained the glory of Mohini Ekadashi to Lord Rama, whereas Lord Krishna subsequently explained its importance to Maharaja Yudhisthira. Hindus consider that keeping the Mohini Ekadashi vrat with utmost devotion yields tremendous spiritual benefits. The virtue obtained through this vrat is greater than visiting sacred sites, donating alms, or performing sacred rituals such as yagnas. It is believed that a person who keeps this vrat acquires as much virtue as giving away a thousand cows.
Mohini Ekadashi is of profound importance in Hinduism, as it provides a way to attain moksha. It is believed that if devotees observe this vrat with full devotion, they can be released from the continuous cycle of birth and death and achieve salvation. For further knowledge about the religious importance of this sacred fast, one can read the 'Surya Purana'.
The sacred fast of Mohini Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing this fast with faith and sincerity might help alleviate sins. (Image Source: Freepik)
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Rituals
On Mohini Ekadashi, devotees keep a rigorous fast, excluding all grains throughout the day. The fasting process starts on Dashami (the 10th day), where followers eat once before sunset and only eat 'satvik' food. They start the fast at dawn on Ekadashi and maintain it until the following morning, Dwadashi (the 12th day), when they traditionally end the fast by having milk. The vrat witness wakes up early in the morning, bathes with Til (sesame) and Kush (holy grass) and sleeps on the floor last night as an act of self-control.
Devotees spend the whole day praying to Lord Vishnu, performing prayers, singing bhajans, and reciting mantras, particularly in the name of Lord Krishna. Some devotees remain awake at night, keeping vigil with devotion. Fasting is recommended strictly, but those who are ill may do a half-day fast, having fruits, milk or light food. Rice, onion, garlic, tamasic foods and all grains must be avoided on this day.
Temples and houses are adorned with special mandaps upon which idols of Lord Vishnu are decorated with sandalwood paste, sesame seeds, colourful flowers, fruits, and holy Tulsi leaves. In certain areas, Lord Rama, the other incarnation of Vishnu, is especially worshipped on this day.
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Vrat Katha
According to legend, on the banks of river Saraswati was situated the kingdom of Bhadravati, under the rule of righteous King Dhrutimaan of the Chandravanshi clan. A great devotee of Lord Vishnu, the king had five sons—Sumana, Sadbuddhi, Medhavi, Sukruti and Dhrishtabuddhi. His youngest son, Dhrishtabuddhi, went astray from righteousness and engaged in sinful activities, gambling, and meat and liquor. Disappointed with him, the king disowned him. Dhrishtabuddhi lived for a while by selling his possessions, but eventually became poor. Turning to theft, he was put into prison and later exiled from the kingdom.
Walking in the forest, Dhrishtabuddhi hunted animals and birds in order to subsist. Hunger-stricken and dehydrated, he came to the ashram of Sage Kaundinya. Vaishakha month had arrived, and while bathing in the river Ganga, the droplets of his soaked attire fell upon Dhrishtabuddhi. In a miraculous manner, his intellect became clear, and he changed his ways. He apologised to the sage for his wrongdoings and begged for a route to redemption. Sage Kaundinya instructed him to keep the Mohini Ekadashi vrat on Shukla Paksha in Vaishakha to purify his sins.
Dhrishtabuddhi observed the fast with sincerity and became spiritually liberated. He went up to Vishnu Lok on the back of Garuda, the celestial bird. It is said that observing Mohini Ekadashi Vrat frees one from desires for worldly things as well as sin. Hearing or reciting its tale confers the same spiritual punya as giving a thousand cows.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)
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