Mohini Ekadashi takes place on Vaishakh Sud 11. Mohini Ekadashi grants great benefits to all human beings to live happily in this life and the next. Observing the Ekadashi vratt on this day helps achieve peace, honour and the divine pleasure of God to all mankind on this earth.
The name “Mohini” refers to the enchanting female form taken by Lord Vishnu during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). In this beautiful form, Lord Vishnu distributed the nectar of immortality (amrita) to the gods, preventing the demons from obtaining it.
The story associated with this Ekadashi is narrated in the Surya Purana. A merchant named Dhanpaal had a son named Dhrishthabuddhi who lived a life of extreme sin and debauchery, squandering all the family wealth. Cast out by his family, he eventually sought refuge with the sage Kaundinya on the banks of the River Saraswati, who instructed him to observe Mohini Ekadashi.
Through sincere observance of this Ekadashi vrat, Dhrishthabuddhi was purified of all his sins and ultimately attained liberation. This story illustrates that no matter how deep one has fallen into sin, sincere devotion and the observance of Ekadashi can purify and elevate the soul.