By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Worship of Lord Vishnu’s Mohini Form and Significance of Fasting on Vaishakha Shukla Ekadashi

Among the Ekadashi fasts of the year, Mohini Ekadashi of Vaishakha Shukla Paksha is closely linked with a special form of Lord Vishnu. On this day devotees worship the Mohini form of Vishnu, remembered from the episode of Samudra Manthana, the churning of the ocean. The fast is held with the faith that Mohini Ekadashi helps cleanse past actions, quieten the mind and gently guide the devotee towards clarity and devotion.
In 2026 Mohini Ekadashi will arrive in the uplifting atmosphere of the Vaishakha month. Those who sincerely wish to loosen the hold of past mistakes, illusions and unhelpful attachments can treat this Ekadashi as a meaningful opportunity.
It is helpful to first see the main Panchang details of Mohini Ekadashi 2026 clearly.
| Detail | Date | Day | Time or note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohini Ekadashi vrat date | 27 April 2026 | Monday | Vaishakha Shukla Ekadashi present at sunrise |
| Ekadashi Tithi begins | 26 April 2026 | Sunday | Begins at 08:52 PM |
| Ekadashi Tithi ends | 27 April 2026 | Monday | Ends at 10:14 PM |
Since Ekadashi Tithi is in effect at sunrise on 27 April 2026, the Mohini Ekadashi fast will be observed on that Monday. Throughout this day, while Ekadashi lasts, one may keep the fast, worship and engage in remembrance of the Lord.
The Parana or breaking of the fast, is done on Dwadashi Tithi. It is as important to break the fast at the right time as it is to keep it.
| Parana detail | Date | Time or note |
|---|---|---|
| Parana date | 28 April 2026 | Tuesday morning |
| Parana time | 06:00 AM to 08:30 AM | Within Dwadashi Tithi, in the morning |
Scriptural guidance advises that Parana should not be delayed unnecessarily once the appropriate time has arrived. Therefore on 28 April 2026, Parana is best done between 06:00 AM and 08:30 AM, while Dwadashi is still present. The fast is usually opened with water, followed by fruits or light sattvic food.
The main timings related to Mohini Ekadashi 2026 can be seen together in the table below.
| Event | Date | Time or description |
|---|---|---|
| Mohini Ekadashi fast | 27 April 2026 | Monday |
| Ekadashi Tithi begins | 26 April 2026 | 08:52 PM |
| Ekadashi Tithi ends | 27 April 2026 | 10:14 PM |
| Parana date | 28 April 2026 | Morning |
| Parana time | 28 April 2026 | 06:00 AM to 08:30 AM |
This overview shows that the main observance falls on 27 April and that the fast is completed the next morning.
The word Mohini refers to the enchanting female form of Lord Vishnu.
During the churning of the ocean, both Devas and Asuras desired the nectar of immortality. When conflict arose over the distribution of Amrita, the balance of dharma itself was at risk. According to the story, Lord Vishnu assumed the Mohini form and, through gracious speech and skilful conduct, drew the Asuras aside and ensured that the nectar went to the Devas.
This episode offers several inner insights.
The Mohini Ekadashi fast is kept with the wish that where confusion, imbalance and harmful tendencies have gathered, the grace of Vishnu may bring back harmony and clarity.
When Mohini Ekadashi is observed with the right understanding and method.
The heart of this Ekadashi is the recognition that when a person takes responsibility for conduct and turns towards the Lord with discipline, the fog of confusion naturally begins to clear.
Mohini Ekadashi is not only a single day of fasting. It is a gentle discipline spread across three lunar days.
This preparation helps make the body lighter and the mind calmer for the fast.
In the puja.
The form of fasting can vary. Some keep a waterless fast, some a fruit fast and others take only water and fruit. It is wise to match the type of fast with one’s health and strength.
Many devotees attempt to remain awake for part of the Ekadashi night.
Such remembrance helps loosen deeply seated negative patterns and aligns the mind with sattvic impressions.
Allowing Dwadashi Tithi to pass without Parana is not considered appropriate, so attention to timing is important.
Mohini Ekadashi is an invitation to examine one’s lifestyle for at least one day.
The essence is to make body light, mind clear and intellect alert, so that one can draw a little nearer to the Lord.
Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day, tied closely to the movement of the Moon.
The fast works as a gentle way to transform restless lunar energy into a clearer and more devotional direction.
Anyone may keep Mohini Ekadashi but some circumstances are especially aligned with it.
For such devotees Mohini Ekadashi can become a recurring opportunity for deep inner cleansing.
Mohini Ekadashi 2026 gently reminds that.
Observed with faith, restraint and a calm mind, Mohini Ekadashi 2026 can be more than a day of washing away sins. It can become a step towards a clearer, more balanced and spiritually grounded life.
On which day will Mohini Ekadashi 2026 fall
Mohini Ekadashi 2026 will fall on Monday 27 April 2026, because Vaishakha Shukla Ekadashi Tithi is present at sunrise on that day.
When does Ekadashi Tithi begin and end for Mohini Ekadashi 2026
Ekadashi Tithi begins at 08:52 PM on 26 April 2026 and ends at 10:14 PM on 27 April 2026. The fast, worship and japa are observed within this span.
When should the Mohini Ekadashi 2026 fast be broken
The fast should be broken on 28 April 2026 during Dwadashi, between 06:00 AM and 08:30 AM. It is not advised to delay Parana beyond this recommended window.
Which main rules should be remembered on Mohini Ekadashi
Avoid rice and grains, guard against anger and harsh speech, keep food light and sattvic, worship Lord Vishnu with mantra japa and, if possible, listen to or read the Ekadashi Katha.
What key lesson can one take from Mohini Ekadashi 2026
The key lesson is that true change arises not through harshness but through simplicity, awareness and devotion. If a person uses this Ekadashi to begin letting go of harmful habits, confused choices and binding attachments, that becomes the most lasting fruit of Mohini Ekadashi.
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