MOHINI EKADASHI
Mohini Ekadashi, which is highly significant, occurs on the 11th lunar day during the Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakha month. It is believed that if a person observes Mohini Ekadashi Vrat, he or she will attain liberation from worldly pleasures and all sins. This year it is celebrated on 6th May.
On Mohini Ekadashi day Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Mohini. When Amrit (Nectar) came out during the churning of the ocean, a war started between Devtas and Daityas on who would consume it. Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman, Mohini. Daityas got distracted with the beauty of Mohini while the devtas took the opportunity to drink the Amrit. That is why this day is called Mohini Ekadashi.
Mohini Ekadashi Vrat was also observed by Lord Shri Ram while looking for Goddess Sita, and also by Yudhishthira during the Mahabharata period. As a result, they were relieved from all their sufferings all their desires were fulfilled.
One should follow the rituals from the preceding night (i.e. 10th Lunar Night). He or she should wake up before sunrise, apply a paste of Til (Sesame) on the body, and bath in pure water. Thereafter, one must install a Kalash(Pot) decorated with red cloth, and do puja of Lord Vishnu & Shri Ram and offer fruits & flowers. Distribute ‘Prasad’ and give ‘Dakshina’ to Brahmins. Also, sing Devotional Songs at night, and sleep near God’s Idol.
- Do not eat rice and barley on Ekadashi day.
- Don’t eat food given by others/outsiders.
- Never consume meat, alcohol, garlic, onion, etc. on Ekadashi.
- Avoid anger, violence, criticism, and theft.
- Also, observe total abstinence on Ekadashi day.
