When Is Mohini Ekadashi 2024? Know Date, Time, Puja Vidhi, Significance And Send Wishes To Celebrate This Day

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 15:19 [IST]

Mohini Ekadashi is one of the 24 Ekadashi fasts observed by Hindus throughout the year. Falling in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the Vaishakha month according to the Hindu calendar, Mohini Ekadashi is revered for its spiritual and religious significance.

On this day, Lord Vishnu appeared as 'Mohini,' a beautiful apsara, to end Bhasmasur. This event makes the day very auspicious for devotees, who observe fast to get the blessings. Know more about this day.

Mohini Ekadashi 2024 Significance amp amp Rituals

Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Date, Time

Mohini Ekadashi on Sunday, 19 May 2024. On 20 May, Parana Time is 05:28 am to 08:12 am on Parana Day. The Dwadashi End Moment is at 03:58 pm. The Ekadashi Tithi will begin at 11:22 am on 18 May 2024. The Ekadashi Tithi ends 01:50 pm on 19 May 2024.

Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Puja Vidhi, Rituals

Devotees observe a rigorous fast that starts a day before, on Dashami tithi. They should wake up early, preferably before sunrise, and take a holy bath to purify themselves. Adding a few drops of Ganga jal (holy water from the Ganges) to the bathing water is considered auspicious. Ensure the place of worship is clean and tidy. This includes the altar or puja room where the rituals will be performed.

Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu on a clean cloth at the altar. Decorate the idol with flowers, garlands, and sandalwood paste. Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks to create a divine ambiance.

Sit facing east or north, holding water in your right hand. Chant the following mantra to take the vow of fasting and performing the puja. After reciting the mantra, pour the water onto the ground, signifying the completion of the vow.

Close your eyes and meditate on Lord Vishnu, visualizing his divine form. Recite the following mantra to invoke Lord Vishnu's presence:

Om Sahasra-Shirsha Purushaha Sahasraksha Sahasra-Pat
Sa Bhumim Vishvato Vritva Atyatishthad Dashangulam

Mohini Ekadashi 2024: History And Significance

The name "Mohini" is derived from the enchanting female form that Lord Vishnu assumed during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). According to Hindu mythology, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) were churning the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). When the nectar finally emerged, a dispute arose between the two groups over its distribution.

To ensure that the nectar did not fall into the hands of the demons, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a captivatingly beautiful woman, and skillfully distributed the nectar to the gods. This act symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the divine intervention that preserves cosmic order.

The importance of Mohini Ekadashi is mentioned in the Surya Purana. Sage Vashistha first narrated it to Lord Ram, and later, Lord Krishna narrated it to Maharaja Yudhisthira. Observing this fast helps devotees achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and death and attain salvation.

Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Legend

In Bhadravati, on the banks of the Saraswati river, lived a businessman named Dhanpal. He had five sons, but his eldest son was reckless. Despite Dhanpal's attempts to persuade him, he was disowned and sent to a jungle. There, he met a spiritual guru named Kaundinya and confessed his sins. The sage advised him to observe the Mohini Ekadashi vrat. Following this advice transformed him into an honest nobleman.

Devotees usually wear traditional attire while observing Mohini Ekadashi. This adds to the sanctity of the occasion. On this day, devotees consume Satvik food. Grains like rice and wheat are not allowed during the fast. This dietary restriction helps maintain purity during the observance.