Long ago, during the time of the Samudra Manthan—the great churning of the cosmic ocean—both the Devas and Asuras were searching for amrit, the nectar of immortality. After a long and exhausting churning, Dhanvantari, the celestial physician, finally emerged with a pot of this divine nectar. The moment the nectar appeared, a dispute broke out. The Asuras snatched the pot from the Devas and refused to share even a single drop. Fearing that the forces of evil would become immortal, the Devas turned to Lord Vishnu for help. That’s when Lord Vishnu took one of his most enchanting avatars—Mohini, a divine, celestial enchantress known for her unmatched beauty and charm. Mohini appeared before the Asuras, mesmerizing them with her grace and elegance. Completely taken in by her, the Asuras agreed to let her distribute the Amrit. Using her divine intelligence, Mohini cleverly gave all the Amrita to the Devas, ensuring that the balance of the universe remained intact. By the time the Asuras realized they had been tricked, it was too late. This divine act not only saved the cosmos from chaos but also showed the power of illusion (maya) and how even the most powerful beings could be swayed by beauty and charm when ego and greed take over. Why Is This Day Called Mohini Ekadashi? The Ekadashi that falls during the Shukla Paksha of Vaishakha month is named after this divine avatar—Mohini. On this day, Lord Vishnu’s Mohini form is remembered and worshipped. It is believed that observing Mohini Ekadashi vrat helps one overcome illusions, temptations, and negative influences, just as the Devas were protected from the deceptive powers of the Asuras. Spiritual Meaning Mohini Ekadashi is not just about a mythological tale—it carries a deep symbolic message. It teaches us to: Overcome desires and ego Stay focused on truth and dharma Trust divine timing and guidance Practice inner purity and discipline