Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Date, Puja Timings, Significance, Rituals
Mohini Ekadashi is a highly auspicious day observed by Hindus across India and other parts of the world. Falling during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) of the Vaishakha month, Mohini Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In 2025, Mohini Ekadashi will be observed on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
This Ekadashi is known for the divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu as “Mohini,” the enchantress form, who played a crucial role during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) by distributing Amrit (nectar of immortality) among the gods.
Read This: Ekadashi 2025: Dates, Significance, Rituals, and Benefits
Let’s explore the date, timings, rituals, significance, and mythological importance of Mohini Ekadashi 2025 in detail.
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Date and Timings
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 10:19 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 12:29 PM on Thursday, May 8, 2025
- Parana (Breaking the Fast) Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
- Parana Time: From 05:34 AM to 08:16 AM
- On Parana Day, Dwadashi End Moment: 02:56 PM
Note: Parana must be done during Dwadashi Tithi (twelfth lunar day). Performing Parana after the Dwadashi ends is considered inauspicious.
Significance of Mohini Ekadashi
Mohini Ekadashi holds immense spiritual and religious importance. It is believed that by observing a fast and performing puja on this day, devotees can:
- Attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death)
- Destroy all sins committed knowingly or unknowingly
- Earn the blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity, health, and happiness
- Fulfill desires and overcome worldly attachments
The importance of Mohini Ekadashi was explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, in the Kurma Purana. Observing this Ekadashi is said to yield merits equivalent to performing thousands of yajnas and sacrifices.
Legend Behind Mohini Ekadashi
The legend of Mohini Ekadashi is closely associated with the story of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). According to Hindu mythology:
- During the cosmic churning of the ocean, the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) were struggling to obtain Amrit (nectar of immortality).
- To prevent the Asuras from acquiring the Amrit, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini, a divine enchantress of unparalleled beauty.
- Mesmerized by her charm, the Asuras were distracted, allowing Mohini to distribute the nectar solely among the Devas.
- Thus, Lord Vishnu ensured the victory of the divine forces over the evil.
This divine act emphasizes the supremacy of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), making Mohini Ekadashi a day of triumph and divine grace.
Rituals of Mohini Ekadashi
Observing Mohini Ekadashi involves adhering to certain rituals with devotion and purity:
1. Fasting
- Devotees observe a strict fast on this day, abstaining from grains, cereals, and certain vegetables.
- Some observe a nirjala fast (without water), while others may take fruits, milk, and water depending on their health.
2. Early Morning Bath
- A holy bath during Brahma Muhurat (early morning before sunrise) is recommended.
- Many devotees also take a ritualistic bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or sacred ponds.
3. Worship of Lord Vishnu
- An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu is placed on a clean altar.
- Devotees offer Tulsi leaves, fruits, flowers, incense, lamps, and sweets during the puja.
- Special bhajans (devotional songs) and Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Vishnu) recitation are performed.
4. Listening to the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha
- It is considered auspicious to hear or read the story (vrat katha) associated with Mohini Ekadashi.
5. Charity and Donations
- Donating food, clothes, and money to the needy and Brahmins is highly meritorious.
- Annadan (donating food) is particularly emphasized.
6. Parana (Breaking the Fast)
- The fast is broken during the prescribed Parana time on Dwadashi.
- Consuming grains before completing the Parana is prohibited.
Food Rules for Mohini Ekadashi
During Ekadashi fasting, devotees strictly avoid:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Pulses
- Lentils
- Onion and garlic
- Certain spices
Permissible foods during the fast include:
- Fruits (banana, apple, papaya, etc.)
- Milk and milk products
- Potatoes
- Rock salt
- Sabudana (sago)
Following a satvik (pure and vegetarian) diet is essential to maintain the sanctity of the fast.
Mohini Ekadashi 2025: Fasting Guidelines
- For complete fasting: Avoid all types of food and water (nirjala vrat).
- For partial fasting: Consume fruits, water, milk, and fasting-approved foods.
- For those who cannot fast: Maintain purity, avoid tamasic foods, and dedicate the day to spiritual activities.
The purpose of fasting is to control desires, cleanse the mind and body, and attain closeness to the divine.
Benefits of Observing Mohini Ekadashi
- Washes away all sins and negative karma
- Brings peace, prosperity, and harmony into life
- Strengthens mental clarity, willpower, and devotion
- Fulfills righteous desires
- Helps in achieving liberation (moksha)
Conclusion
Mohini Ekadashi 2025 is a divine opportunity to deepen spiritual practice, seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, and work towards liberation from the cycle of life and death. By observing a sincere fast, participating in prayers, and performing charity, devotees can not only absolve themselves of past sins but also attain divine grace and bliss.
As Lord Krishna himself declared to Yudhishthira, observing Mohini Ekadashi with full devotion grants merits beyond the comprehension of human beings. May this sacred occasion bring spiritual awakening, joy, and fulfillment to all!
Quick Summary
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Mohini Ekadashi 2025 | Thursday, May 8, 2025 |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | 10:19 AM on May 7, 2025 |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | 12:29 PM on May 8, 2025 |
| Parana Date | May 9, 2025 |
| Parana Time | 05:34 AM to 08:16 AM |
| Dwadashi End Moment | 02:56 PM on May 9, 2025 |
