Significance of Mohini Ekadashi
The name "Mohini" refers to the enchanting female avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appeared to distribute the nectar of immortality (amrita) among the gods during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Observing Mohini Ekadashi is believed to bring the blessings of Lord Vishnu, including liberation from the cycle of birth and death (moksha) and relief from sins.
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Lord Vishnu's Avatar: The day commemorates the appearance of Mohini, a divine enchantress form of Lord Vishnu, who appeared to distribute the nectar of immortality (amrita) during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
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Spiritual Benefits: Observing Mohini Ekadashi is believed to bring spiritual benefits, such as relief from hardships, purification of the soul, and the grace of Lord Vishnu. Devotees often fast on this day and engage in devotional practices.
Rituals
- Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast on this day, often refraining from food and water. Some may take fruits and milk.
- Prayer and Pujas: Special prayers and pujas are conducted, particularly in Vishnu temples. Devotees recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (a list of a thousand names of Vishnu) and other sacred texts.
- Bhajans and Kirtans: Singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu is a common practice.
- Charity: Giving to the needy and performing acts of charity are encouraged, as these deeds are believed to be more meritorious on Ekadashi days.
People set up Mandaps with Lord Vishnu's idol. Rituals like Abhishek are performed to Lord Vishnu and fruits are offered to him. Devotees fast throughout the day. They sleep on the floor and maintain sanctity. The Vrat comes to an end the next day i.e., on the day of Dwadash. People believe that they should break the fast on this day by drinking milk.
Legend & Importance of Mohini Ekadashi Vrat
The importance of this Vrat was described by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthir when Yudhishthir questioned about the most important Ekadashi. It is said that this Vrat was even performed by Lord Sri Ram in Treta Yug. When Lord Sri Ram was unable to bear the separation from Maa Sita, he was advised by sage Vasistha to perform this Vrat. After Ramji performed this Vrat, he overcame all the hurdles and brought back Maa Sita after killing Ravana.The legend of Mohini Ekadashi is narrated in the Surya Purana. It tells the story of a beautiful but evil-minded woman named Mohini who tricked people into wrongdoing. Lord Vishnu took the form of an enchanting lady named Mohini to protect the gods and ensure the distribution of the amrita. Observing this Ekadashi helps devotees overcome deceit and attain spiritual clarity.
A famous story that depicts the importance of Mohini Ekadashi was told by Rishi Vasistha to Lord Rama. The story goes like this: There was a beautiful city called Bhadravati situated on the banks of River Saraswati. King Dyutimana who belonged to Chandra Vansh, was ruling this place. Dhanapala, a devotee of Lord Vishnu also lived in the same city. He was very pious and kind-hearted. He was a Vaishya by caste and worked for the welfare of the people all the time.
He had five sonsnamely- Samana, Dyutimana, Medhavi, Sukriti, and Dhrustabuddhi. The youngest son, Dhrustabuddhi was very wicked and involved in sinful activities. He neither cared for his family nor the society. He misused his father’s name and money. Fed up by his vices, Dhanapala threw him out of his house one day. Soon he was done away with all the money and ornaments that he had. His friends condemned him. He had to become a thief. Several times he was caught by the king’s men and then released. Finally, the king thought of punishing him. He decided to throw him out of the city.
Dhrustabuddhi had to leave the kingdom and had no place to go. He went into a jungle where he killed animals and drank river water to meet his hunger and thirst. He wandered like a hunter in the forests for many years. One day unexpectedly he met Rishi Kaundinya on his way. That was the month of Vaisakha and the sage was returning to his ashram after taking a bath in the holy river Ganges.
Fortunately, a drop of water from the sage’s clothes fell on Dhrustabuddhi and there was a change in him. He then bowed before Rishi Kaundinya and asked him to relieve him of all the sins that he had committed. He was advised by Kaundinya to follow Mohini Ekadashi Vrat. He followed Rishi’s instructions and observed the Vrat with a lot of dedication. His sins were pardoned and he attained a divine body. It is believed that after his death he was taken to abode of Lord Vishnu by Garuda, his divine carrier.
On Mohini Ekadashi, devotees engage in various rituals and observances to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. Here’s a detailed guide to the rituals and practices associated with this auspicious day:
Ritual
1. Fasting (Vrat)
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Complete Fast: Some devotees choose to observe a complete fast without consuming any food or water.
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Partial Fast: Others may follow a partial fast where they consume only fruits, milk, and water. Meals may be simple and free from grains and spices.
2. Spiritual Practices
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Prayer and Worship: Devotees visit Vishnu temples or set up a special altar at home for worship. They offer flowers, light lamps, and perform arati (ritual waving of a lamp).
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Recitations and Chants: Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu), the Bhagavad Gita, or other sacred texts dedicated to Lord Vishnu is common. Some people also recite the Vishnu Ashtakshara Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".
3. Puja (Ritual Worship)
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Morning Puja: Perform a special puja in the morning, which includes:
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Abhishekam: Bathing the deity’s idol or image with water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances.
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Offerings: Presenting Naivedya (food offerings) like fruits and sweets (if fasting partially).
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Aarti: Performing the aarti ritual and offering lighted lamps.
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Evening Puja: A second puja might be conducted in the evening, which includes:
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Lighting Lamps: Offering oil lamps and candles in front of the deity.
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Prayers: Reciting prayers, hymns, or singing devotional songs.
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4. Meditation and Contemplation
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Meditation: Spending time in meditation focused on Lord Vishnu. This can be done through silent meditation or guided meditation practices.
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Contemplation: Reflecting on the significance of Mohini Ekadashi and the virtues of Lord Vishnu.
5. Charity and Donations
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Giving to the Needy: Making donations to the less fortunate or contributing to charitable causes is a significant aspect of the observance.
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Offering Food: Providing food to the poor or making offerings to temples or religious institutions.
6. Reciting Sacred Texts
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Bhagavad Gita: Reading or listening to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which is a conversation between Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) and Arjuna.
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Puranas: Reading or listening to stories from the Puranas that recount the divine leelas (pastimes) of Lord Vishnu.
7. Visiting Temples
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Temple Visits: Attending special temple services and participating in community prayers or festivals organized in honor of Mohini Ekadashi.
8. Observing Silence (Mauna)
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Mauna: Practicing silence for part of the day as a means of inner reflection and spiritual discipline.
9. Reciting the Mohini Ashtakshara Mantra
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Mantra: Recite the Mohini Ashtakshara Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Mohini Namah" for invoking the blessings of the divine enchantress form of Vishnu.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें