Mohini Ekadashi 2021: According to legends, Lord Vishnu was given the name 'Mohini' when he had appeared in disguise on this Ekadashi tithi.

Today is Mohini Ekadashi and this is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Mohini Ekadashi is observed in the auspicious Hindu month of Baishakh and is one of the most important of the 24 Ekadashi vrats in a year. 

This vrat (named after the Mohini avatar of Lord Vishnu) rids an individual of all his/her sins, folklore suggests. Mohini Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day during the Shukla Paksha or the Full Moon fortnight of the Vaishakh month of the Hindu calendar. This year, according to the tithi, Mohini Ekadashi can be observed both today (May 22) and tomorrow (May 23).

According to legends, Lord Vishnu was given the name 'Mohini' when he had appeared in disguise on this Ekadashi tithi. Since then this day came to be known as Mohini Ekadashi. Hindu devotees observe Ekadashi vrat to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for a happy and prosperous life.

Mohini Ekadashi 2021 vrat katha

There lived a businessman named Dhanpal in a kingdom called Bhadravati on the banks of the Saraswati river. He was a nobleman and would often participate in philanthropic activities. He had five sons, but the eldest was the most irresponsible. And his son's behaviour, conduct and habits made the businessman worry about his future. After several failed attempts to convince his son to give up obnoxious ways of living, Dhanpal decided to disown him. But even this action didn't deter the son from giving up his undesirable habits. Therefore, he began stealing and looting people's homes. In the end, he was ostracised and sent to a jungle. In the forest, Dhanpal's son came across Sage Kaundinya and confessed to him about the crimes he had committed. The sage suggested he must observe the Mohini Ekadashi vrat if he wished to eliminate the consequences of his wrongdoings. Hence, Dhanpal's son kept the vrat mentioned above and succeeded in transforming into a nobleman.

The legend of Mohini Ekadashi Vrat was narrated to Lord Rama by Sage Vashishtha. Subsequently, in the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Krishna explained the significance of this vrat to Pandava king Yudhishthir. 

Mohini Ekadashi 2021 timings and muhurat:

Mohini Ekadashi is on May 22 and May 23

The Ekadashi tithi begins at 9:15 am on May 22 and ends at 6:42 am on May 23

Devotees observing the vrat today shall break it tomorrow (May 23) between 1:40 pm to 4:25 pm.

However, those observing the vrat tomorrow shall do their Parana on May 24 between 5:26 am to 8:11 am.

Gauna Mohini Ekadashi is on Sunday, May 23

The Parana time for Gauna Ekadashi is between 5:26 am and 8:11 am on May 24. On the Parana day, the Dwadashi end moment is before sunrise.

Mohini Ekadashi 2021 puja vidhi

People who observe Mohini Ekadashi wake up before sunrise and take a bath with Til (sesame) and Kush (grass used for puja) in the water. Devotees spend the day offering prayers to their household deity and sing bhajans and chant mantras in praise of Lord Vishnu and Krishna.

Sandalwood, sesame seeds, flowers, tulsi leaves and fruits are offered to Lord Vishnu while chanting Om Namah Bhagwate Vasudevaya - the Vishnu mantra - 108 times. 

Mohini Ekadashi 2021 fasting rules

Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a strict fast on Mohini Ekadashi. Fasting starts a day before, that is, on the Dashami tithi. Only saatvik food is eaten once before the sunset. Grains like rice and wheat are not allowed.