mohini ekadashi fast story

॥ Shri Mohini Ekadashi fasting story.

Mohini Ekadashi is considered a very important Ekadashi in Hindu religion, which falls on the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month. This fast is considered to destroy all sins and provide salvation.

Story begins:

Once Dharmaraja Yudhishthir asked Lord Krishna - "O Janardan! What is the name of Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month? What is its method and what is the result of doing it? Please tell me in detail."

Lord Shri Krishna replied - "O Kunti's son Yudhishthir! This is a very virtuous and destroyer of all sins Ekadashi, which is called 'Mohini Ekadashi'. This story was narrated by sage Vashishtha himself to Lord Rama, when he was wandering from forest to forest sad after losing Mother Sita. Now I tell you the same story."

Legend:

In ancient times, there was a very beautiful and prosperous city named Bhadravati, which flourished during the reign of King Dhritiman. In this city there lived a very rich and virtuous Vaishya (merchant) named Dhanapal. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and was very pious. He constantly did charity and helped others.

Dhanapal had five sons. The four elder sons were as virtuous and pious as their father, but the youngest son, named Dhrishtabuddhi, was very wicked and unrighteous. He was completely immersed in wrong habits. Prostitution, drinking alcohol, eating meat and gambling were his daily activities. He wasted a lot of his father's hard-earned wealth in these evil deeds.

Dhanpal explained a lot to Dhrishtabuddhi, but it had no effect on him. Ultimately, in despair, Dhanapal threw Dhrishtabuddhi out of his house. His relatives and society also abandoned him.

Lonely and poor, Dhrishtabuddhi started wandering from forest to forest. Distraught with hunger and thirst, he repented deeply for his actions. He realized his mistakes and started crying in sadness. While wandering, he reached the ashram of sage Kaundinya. He fell at the feet of the sage and confessed his sins.

He asked sage Kaundinya—"O sage! I have committed many sins. Is there any way by which my sins can be destroyed and I can be saved?"

Sage Kaundinya felt pity on Dhrishtabuddhi. He advised him to observe a fast on 'Mohini Ekadashi' of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month. He told that this fast destroys all sins and brings salvation. He told that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Mohini on this day to distribute nectar, hence this Ekadashi is called 'Mohini Ekadashi'.

As per the advice of the sage, Dhrishtabuddhi observed the fast of Mohini Ekadashi with utmost devotion and devotion. He woke up and worshiped Lord Vishnu. He remained fasting and remembered God.

Result of the fast:

Due to the effect of Mohini Ekadashi fast, all the sins of Dhrishtabuddhi were destroyed. His heart was purified and he received a divine body. At last, he went to Vishnu Loka (Vaikuntha) sitting on Garuda.

Importance and method of fasting:

• Destruction of sins:Mohini Ekadashi fast is considered to destroy all sins.

• Attainment of salvation:The person observing this fast attains salvation and becomes free from the cycle of birth and death.

• Method:

  • Eat satvik food from the day of Dashami.

  • On the day of Ekadashi, wake up before sunrise and take bath.

  • Take a pledge to fast.

  • Worship Lord Vishnu and offer Tulsi to him.

  • Remember God by remaining fasting throughout the day.

  • Stay awake at night.

  • On the day of Dwadashi, break the fast only after feeding the Brahmins and giving them donations.