Duration
24 hours (sunrise to sunrise)
Fasting Level
jalahar
Month & Paksha
Vaisakha · Shukla
Meaning of the Name
Mohiniidentifies this Ekadashi's traditional name and devotional theme. The observance belongs to Vaisakha month, Shukla Paksha.
Significance
Named after Lord Vishnu's Mohini avatar, this Ekadashi helps overcome Maya (illusion) and attain clarity about spiritual truth and reality.
Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
Sage Medhavi was under the illusion that material pleasures were the ultimate goal of life. He indulged in sensual pleasures and forgot his spiritual duties despite being born in a sage family.
His divine guru appeared and advised him to observe Mohini Ekadashi to overcome the illusions clouding his judgment. Initially reluctant, the sage agreed and observed the fast.
During the fast, his mental clarity returned, and he realized the temporary nature of worldly pleasures. He understood the eternal truth and devoted his remaining life to spiritual practice, ultimately attaining liberation.
Food Rules
- Worship Lord Vishnu as Mohini
- Meditate on the nature of reality vs illusion
- Read scriptures about Maya and truth
- Practice discrimination between real and unreal
- Offer prayers for spiritual clarity
- No grains or cereals
- Avoid legumes and pulses
- Minimize sensual indulgences
- Avoid illusion-creating substances
- Focus on spiritual reality
Puja Vidhi
- 1
Step 1
Worship Lord Vishnu as Mohini
- 2
Step 2
Meditate on the nature of reality vs illusion
- 3
Step 3
Read scriptures about Maya and truth
- 4
Step 4
Practice discrimination between real and unreal
- 5
Step 5
Offer prayers for spiritual clarity
- 6
Step 6
Help others overcome their illusions
- 7
Step 7
Study philosophy of non-attachment
Smarta and Vaishnava Notes
HinduLab shows Smarta observance first on public calendar cards and displays Vaishnava alternates when the calculation returns a separate date. Follow your family sampradaya or local temple when their calendar differs.
Sacred Mantras
Mantra 1
ॐ मोहिन्यै नमः
Mantra 2
मोह निवारण मंत्र
Mantra 3
सत्य बोध मंत्र
Mantra 4
ॐ माया नाशकाय नमः
Chanting Guidelines: These mantras should be chanted with devotion and understanding. Begin with 108 repetitions and gradually increase. The best time for chanting is during Brahma Muhurta (before dawn).
Spiritual Benefits
Freedom from illusions and delusions
Clear spiritual understanding
Discrimination between real and unreal
Liberation from false attachments
Wisdom and enlightenment
Inner peace and clarity
Related Deities
Alternative Names
Sources and tradition
How to read this Ekadashi guide
Traditional Ekadashi observances are described in Vaishnava texts and regional vrat traditions. Practices vary across sampradaya, family lineage, and local temple guidance. This article presents a general Hindu household observance, with Vaishnava notes where applicable.
Padma Purana
Uttara-khanda / Ekadashi Mahatmya / Mohinī Ekādaśī, Uttara-khanda ch. 49, vv. 1-39
Supports the Vaisakha Shukla Mohini name and the Dhṛṣṭabuddhi-Kauṇḍinya katha.
Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda Ekadashi Mahatmya
Ekadashi Mahatmya chapters used in type-specific citation notes
Used for named Ekadashi kathas, devotional benefits, and observance context where a type page supplies chapter or verse detail.
Vaishnava and regional vrat traditions
Household, temple, and sampradaya practice
Used for practice framing such as family sampradaya, local temple guidance, and Smarta/Vaishnava distinctions.
HinduLab calculation methodology
Location-aware panchang, tithi, sunrise, and vrat timing rules
Explains how HinduLab combines astronomical calculations, Hindu calendar rules, city, timezone, sunrise, and sunset data.
HinduLab Hindu calendar and vrats source library
Editorial review, regional variation, and health disclaimer policies
Documents the trust policy used for panchang tools, vrat guides, Ekadashi rules, and health cautions.
Tradition notes
The cited online translation has a stray dark-half wording in the later instruction section, but the chapter title and opening verses identify the observance as Vaisakha Shukla.
FAQs
When is the next Mohini Ekadashi?
For New Delhi, Delhi, India, the next calculated fasting date is 2027-05-16.
What should I eat on Mohini Ekadashi?
Avoid grains and pulses; choose Nirjala, Jalahar, Phalahari, or Anukalpa according to health and tradition.
Can Smarta and Vaishnava dates differ?
Yes. Local sunrise, tithi rules, Dwadashi availability, and sampradaya rules can create separate observance dates.
When should I do Parana for Mohini Ekadashi?
Parana is done on the next day after sunrise, preferably after Hari Vasara has ended when that timing applies. The comparison table shows the calculated Parana date and window when available.
Scientific Understanding
Modern Perspective
This Ekadashi occurs during late spring when mental clarity is naturally enhanced. The season supports introspection and philosophical contemplation.