Mohini Ekadashi

Story of Mohini Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

In the city of Bhadravati lived a merchant's son, Dhrishtabuddhi, who wasted his father's wealth on bad company and drink. His family turned him out. Poor and hungry, he wandered into the ashram of Sage Kaundinya, who was taking his bath after the morning rituals. Ashamed, Dhrishtabuddhi asked for a way to be free of his sins. The sage told him to keep the Vaishakha Shukla Ekadashi, Mohini Ekadashi. He kept it faithfully, was cleansed of his mistakes and in the end reached the abode of Vishnu.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Mohini Ekadashi

It is named after Mohini, the enchanting form Vishnu took during the churning of the ocean. The day is a reminder to loosen the grip of attachment.

The tradition says that keeping Mohini Ekadashi gives freedom from sin and from the bondage of attachment (moha). It falls in Vaishakha Shukla Paksha and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

How to keep Mohini Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.