Mohini ekadashi 2026 falls on Monday, 27 April 2026. The Ekadashi tithi starts at 08:36 AM on 27 April. It ends at 10:43 AM on 28 April (Drik Panchang). First, devotees fast on 27 April. Then they observe parana (fast-breaking) on 28 April between 05:45 AM and 08:20 AM. The day honours Lord Vishnu’s female form, Mohini, who saved the Devas during Samudra Manthan.
What is the Significance of Mohini Ekadashi 2026?
Mohini Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakha. The Kurma Purana explains that fasting on this day washes away the gravest sins. Additionally, it relieves the soul from rebirth cycles. For example, Lord Ram himself is said to have observed this vrat on Rishi Vashishta’s guidance after Sita’s exile.
The day’s spiritual weight comes from the Mohini avatar legend. Here, Vishnu assumed a bewitching female form to recover amrita from the asuras. Therefore, devotees invoke her to seek protection from deception and inner temptations.
Mohini Ekadashi 2026 Vrat Rules and Restrictions
Ekadashi vrat is stricter than regular fasts. Traditional rules ban grains, pulses, onion, garlic, and any tamasic food. First, devotees begin preparations on Dashami evening by eating a sattvic early dinner. Also, they avoid rice and sleep on the floor.
- Nirjala vrat: No food or water, only for the fit
- Phalahar vrat: Fruits, milk, sabudana, singhare ka atta allowed
- No grains: Rice, wheat, dal, lentils strictly avoided
- No tamasic items: Onion, garlic, meat, alcohol, tobacco
- Brahmacharya: Mental and physical self-control
Seniors, children, pregnant women and patients on daily medication should follow a liquid-fruit vrat. Instead, they should skip nirjala. However, consult a doctor before attempting a dry fast.
What is the Parana Time on 28 April 2026?
Parana must be performed in the Dwadashi tithi, after sunrise but before Hari Vasara ends. For most Indian cities in 2026, the window falls between 05:45 AM and 08:20 AM on 28 April. However, Chennai and Kolkata see slightly earlier windows due to eastern sunrise.
| City | Parana Start | Parana End |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 05:50 AM | 08:20 AM |
| Mumbai | 06:15 AM | 08:42 AM |
| Bengaluru | 06:02 AM | 08:30 AM |
| Kolkata | 05:10 AM | 07:40 AM |
| Chennai | 05:55 AM | 08:25 AM |
| Hyderabad | 05:58 AM | 08:28 AM |
All timings are approximate and subject to revision based on your exact latitude. Therefore, verify with a local pandit or the Drik Panchang city calendar.
What is the Mohini Avatar Story?
During the Samudra Manthan, the nectar of immortality emerged. The asuras grabbed it first. Therefore, to restore balance, Vishnu manifested as Mohini, a dazzling enchantress. First, she persuaded the asuras to let her distribute the amrita. Then she served only the devas.
The story is central to Vaishnava theology. It shows Vishnu’s creative use of illusion to protect dharma. Also, the ISKCON movement’s educational resources at iskcon.org include detailed katha recitations for Mohini Ekadashi.
Which Are the Top Vishnu Temples for Mohini Ekadashi Darshan?
Temples of Vishnu, Krishna, Rama and Venkateswara attract huge crowds on Ekadashi. Also, a visit during the vrat is considered to multiply the merit. These seven sites are especially active for Mohini Ekadashi.
Badrinath Dham, Uttarakhand
Badri Vishal is an incarnation of Vishnu. With the 2026 portals freshly open, Mohini Ekadashi brings thousands of pilgrims. For timings and Tapt Kund etiquette, read our Badrinath pilgrimage guide.
Tirumala Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
The Venkateswara sanctum at Tirumala sees extended Suprabhatam and Archana schedules on Ekadashi. However, online Seeghra Darshan slots fill fast. Seniors can check the Tirumala senior citizen darshan chart before booking.
Jagannath Puri, Odisha
The Jagannath temple conducts special Mohini-linked rituals on this Ekadashi. These recall Puri’s ties to the Vishnu-Mohini legend.
ISKCON Temples Across India
Mayapur, Vrindavan, Bengaluru and Mumbai ISKCON centres host overnight Harinam sankirtan, katha and a pre-dawn aarti on Mohini Ekadashi morning.
Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
Srirangam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. It offers special Tiruvaradhanam on Ekadashi with a rare Periya Tirumanjanam abhishek.
Guruvayur Krishna Temple, Kerala
Devotees begin Ekadashi darshan at Guruvayur with the pre-dawn Nirmalyam. However, the one-day Guruvayur Ekadashi package sells out early in Vaishakh.
Dwarka, Gujarat
The Dwarkadhish temple extends the Mangala and Shringar aarti on Ekadashi. Also, it hosts a Bhagavata Parayan. Expect heavy Vaishnava footfall on 27 April 2026.
How to Perform Mohini Ekadashi Puja at Home?
A home vrat works when you cannot travel. First, set up a clean altar facing east. Next, place an image or murti of Vishnu. Then light a ghee lamp and offer tulsi leaves. Finally, begin with Vishnu Sahasranama or Vishnu Chalisa, then recite the Mohini Ekadashi vrat katha.
- Offer yellow flowers, fruits, panchamrit and tulsi leaves
- Chant Om Namo Narayanaya 108 times with a tulsi mala
- Read the vrat katha before afternoon
- Stay awake in bhajan till at least 10 PM
- Break fast at sunrise with tulsi-soaked charnamrit, then grains
Timings, rituals and temple schedules are subject to revision by respective temple boards. Therefore, confirm with official sources before planning travel.
FAQ
What is the exact date of Mohini Ekadashi 2026?
Mohini Ekadashi 2026 is on Monday, 27 April. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 08:36 AM on 27 April. It ends at 10:43 AM on 28 April. Both Smartas and Vaishnavas fast on the 27th. Also, parana happens on the morning of 28 April within the Dwadashi window.
Can I drink water during Mohini Ekadashi vrat?
Yes, unless you choose the stricter nirjala (waterless) vrat. Most devotees follow a phalahar fast. This includes water, milk, fruits, sabudana and singhara atta dishes. However, skip all grains, pulses, onion and garlic. Also, seniors and patients must keep water intake normal for safety.
What is the parana time for Mohini Ekadashi 2026?
Parana falls on 28 April 2026. For example, in Delhi the window runs 05:50 AM to 08:20 AM. In Mumbai it is 06:15 AM to 08:42 AM. In Bengaluru it is 06:02 AM to 08:30 AM. First, break the fast with water. Then take a tulsi leaf and grain-based meal. Verify local city timings with a Drik Panchang.
Which mantra should I chant on Mohini Ekadashi?
Chant Om Namo Narayanaya, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya or the Vishnu Sahasranama. Also, recite the Mohini Ekadashi vrat katha once during the day. A 108-count tulsi japa before sunset is considered highly auspicious for household peace and protection.
Is Mohini Ekadashi auspicious for new beginnings?
Yes. Scriptures mention the day for destroying karmic burdens. Also, it suits starting Vaishnava diksha, saligram worship or marital commitments. However, avoid non-vegetarian food, gambling and arguments. Charity to Brahmins and cow-feeding on the day are considered especially merit-giving.
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