Mohini Ekadashi
Mohini Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Vaishakha (usually April–May). Recalls Vishnu's Mohini avatar; removes illusion and sorrow.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Vaishakha |
| Usual season | April–May |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu (Mohini) |
| Observed for | Recalls Vishnu's Mohini avatar; removes illusion and sorrow. |
The story of Mohini Ekadashi
Recounted by Krishna to Yudhishthira and by Vasishtha to Rama, the Mohini katha tells of Dhrishtabuddhi, a merchant's son ruined by vice and sorrow. Cast out and wandering, he reached the ashram of the sage Kaundinya, who counselled him to observe the Mohini Ekadashi. By its merit his grief and misfortune dissolved and he attained peace. The Ekadashi is named for Vishnu's enchanting Mohini form, taken to recover the nectar of immortality.
Significance
Mohini Ekadashi is traditionally observed to be freed from moha — worldly illusion, attachment and sorrow — and to regain clarity and good fortune. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Shukla paksha of Vaishakha.
Devotees fast, worship Vishnu, and dedicate the day to hearing the katha and to charity.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Mohini Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Mohini Ekadashi?
Mohini Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Vaishakha, usually in April–May. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Mohini Ekadashi?
Mohini Ekadashi is traditionally observed to be freed from moha — worldly illusion, attachment and sorrow — and to regain clarity and good fortune.
What is the story behind Mohini Ekadashi?
Recounted by Krishna to Yudhishthira and by Vasishtha to Rama, the Mohini katha tells of Dhrishtabuddhi, a merchant's son ruined by vice and sorrow. Cast out and wandering, he reached the ashram of the sage Kaundinya, who counselled him to observe the Mohini Ekadashi.
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.