Shri Yudhishthira Maharaja once asked Lord Krishna about the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Vaisakha (April-May). He wanted to know the proper way to observe it. Lord Krishna replied by recounting what Vasishtha Muni once told Lord Ramachandra.
Lord Ramachandra, in his sorrowful separation from Sita, asked the sage Vasishtha about a fasting day that could end his suffering and destroy all sins. Vasishtha Muni spoke of the day known as Vaisakha-sukla Ekadashi, or Mohini Ekadashi. He said that this Ekadashi is famous for removing all sins and freeing the observer from illusion. Vasishtha emphasized that fasting on this day could relieve the greatest miseries and remove all obstacles from one's path.
To illustrate the power of Mohini Ekadashi, Vasishtha Muni narrated the story of King Dyutiman of Bhadravati and a merchant named Dhanapala. Dhanapala had a son named Dhrishthabuddhi who indulged in sinful activities and squandered his father's wealth. Eventually, Dhrishthabuddhi was expelled from his home and wandered in the forest, leading a life of crime and hunting.
One day, Dhrishthabuddhi came across the Ashrama of Kaundinya Muni. By chance, he touched the water droplets from the sage's clothing, which purified him and reduced his sins. Seeking atonement, Dhrishthabuddhi asked Kaundinya Muni for guidance. The sage advised him to observe the fast of Mohini Ekadashi, promising that it would free him from all his sins.
Dhrishthabuddhi followed the sage's instructions and observed the fast with devotion. As a result, he was freed from his sinful reactions, achieved a beautiful transcendental form, and ascended to the Supreme abode of Lord Vishnu on Garuda, the Lord's carrier.
Lord Krishna concluded the narration by highlighting the unparalleled merit of observing Mohini Ekadashi. He stated that there is no pilgrimage, sacrifice, or charity that can equal the merit of observing this Ekadashi. Hearing and studying the glories of Mohini Ekadashi is equivalent to giving away one thousand cows in charity.
Mohini Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting but a divine opportunity for spiritual purification and transformation. The story of Dhrishthabuddhi serves as a reminder of the potential for redemption and the boundless grace of the Lord. By observing this sacred day with devotion and sincerity, one can overcome the darkest of sins and attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu.
In the sacred texts, it is mentioned that if the holy fast falls on Dvadashi, it is still called Ekadashi. Furthermore, in the Garuda Purana (1:125.6), Lord Brahma states to Narada Muni: "Oh brahmana, this fast should be observed when there is a full Ekadashi, a mixture of Ekadashi and Dwadashi, or a mixture of three (Ekadashi, Dwadashi, and Trayodasi) but never on the day when there is a mixture of Dashami and Ekadashi." This is also upheld in the Hari Bhakti Vilas, Vaishnava smriti shastra, and upheld by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada in his Navadwip Panjika introduction.
Thus, the observance of Mohini Ekadashi holds immense significance in Vedic tradition. It is a day that not only purifies the observer but also provides an opportunity for spiritual elevation and liberation. Observing this fast with true devotion brings forth divine blessings and the ultimate grace of Lord Vishnu.