Celebrated In: India
Celebrated By: (Hindu)
Yudhishthira Maharaja said, "O Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Vaishakha (April-May)? What is the process for observing it properly?"
Lord Sri Krishna replied, "What Vasishtha Muni once told Lord Ramachandra I shall now describe to you. Lord Ramachandra asked Vasishtha Muni, 'O great sage, I would like to hear about the best of all fasting days - that day which destroys all kinds of sins and sorrows. I have suffered long enough in separation from My dear Sita, and so I wish to hear from you about how My suffering can be ended.'
At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.
Ekadashi fasting on both days is suggested for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu.
Mohini Ekadashi Fast Story
There was a city named Bhadravati at the banks of river Saraswati. Here lived a king named Ghrit. In his kingdom, lived a rich merchant. He was a holy person and a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He had five sons. His eldest son was a sinner, who used to dink alcohol and do gambling etc. His parents threw him out of house with some money.
Whatever he got from his parents was soon finished. After which, he started works like steeling etc, for his living. Then, he was caught while steeling. Now he was sent out of the city to spend the time of his punishment. One day, he did not get any prey. So, hungry and thirsty, the boy went to the Ashram of a Muni. He joined his hands and pleaded the Muni to take him in shelter and tell him a way to get salvation from this terrible life.
Listening to his request, Muni told him to observe the fast on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha, Vaishaka month. And said, this shall remove all sins of his life. So, he observed the fast of Mohini Ekadashi and got free from his sins. Finally, he reached the Vishnu Lok.
