|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||
Surya Puranam describes the glory of
'Mohini Ekadashi' which falls on the waxing period of the moon in the month
Vaishakh. Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishitira about the glory of
the Mohini Ekadashi that was earlier described by Sage Vashishta to Lord Rama and
the merits observed by fasting and worship of Lord Hari on this auspicious day.
Lord Rama while living a most unpleasant
life without Sita Devi in the forest met Sage Vashishta and
enquired a means to overcome distress and miseries in his
life. Sage Vashishta was overwhelmed at the request of Lord Rama and
replied that chanting holy names of Lord Hari that make one's life
blissful. Sage Vashishta explained the significance of
Mohini Ekadashi for the benefit of mankind. Sage continued, worship of
Lord Sri Hari on this day eradicates all the sins, miseries and 'Maya'
(illusion) in one's life.
The legend has that there was a city named
'Bhadravati' on the sacred river banks of Saraswati, ruled by the
righteous King Dyuthimana of moon dynasty. There was a
wealthiest merchant Dhanapala lived in this city, who was an ardent devotee of
Lord Sri Hari. He spent his wealth appropriately on building Dharmashalas
(Guest House), Pond, Well, Garden, Schools, Charitable
institutions, Construction of Temples and renovating the same, Construction
of Roads and Market Places, Charity of food and clothing etc... He engaged
himself in pious activities and spending money wisely for all types of
charitable work. He led a peaceful life engaged in worshipping Lord
Hari. He had five sons, they were: Samana, Dyutimana, Medhavi ,
Sukriti and Dhristabuddhi . Dhrishtabuddhi was a wicked one
engaged in all immoral activities. He was extremely ill natured had
illicit relationship with unchaste women, drinking and gambling, killing and torturing
living entities, association of bad people etc. He was leading
a miserable life; he had no faith in rituals and prayers or any
respect towards elders, forefathers, Gurus, guests or Brahmins. Soon he
proved himself to be the most disgraceful son to his pious father. He abundantly
spent his father's wealth on sinful deeds. His father Dhanapal
was terribly hurt at his depraved son and his activities,
finally threw him out of the home. Soon Dhrishtabuddhi turned
out an object of hatred by everyone in the family.
Dhristabuddhi continued his sinful deeds
and living with morally wrong women; ultimately he had to sell his own valuable
clothes and ornaments. Shortly this also came to an end; he found no
means to have any pleasures or food or daily requirements. His close
associates and friends were started abandoning him as he was pauper and
worthless. Dhrishtabuddhi out of hunger and fear of living isolated life,
started to steal valuables and get caught many a times by the King's men,
finally released by them hearing the piousness of his father. He was
running out of luck, once the King's men caught him for a major crime and
produced before the King. King ordered to banish Dhrishtabuddhi from
his Kingdom.
Dhrishtabuddhi continued his wretched life
wandering through the woodlands. One day he found the
Hermitage of Sage Kaundinya, due to the pious deeds in his previous
birth. It was in the month of Vaishakh, Sage Kaundinya was
returning after his bath in the holy river Ganga.
Dhrishtabuddhi happened to touch the drops of water falling from the wet
clothes of Sage Kaundinya. Immediately Dhrishtabuddhi relieved out of his
ignorance, with folded hands he revealed his pathetic story and identity
to the Sage Kaundinya. He earnestly requested the Sage
to instruct him the ways to get rid of sins committed in his life. After listening to the
disheartening stories of Dhrishtabuddhi, Sage Kaundinya advised him to observe
'Mohini Ekadashi' which falls on the waxing period of the moon in the month
Vaishakh . As per the advice of the Sage, Dhrishtabuddhi sincerely
observed the Ekadashi and got relieved out of his sins, ultimately he
attained the highest of merits in his life 'Salvation'.
Lord Krishna concluded, whoever observe
'Mohini Ekadashi' with utmost faith would attain the merits that could
bring abundance of pieties includes 'Punya Theertha Snanam' ( dip in the
holy waters). It removes ignorance and illusion, provides knowledge and
Eternal Bliss.
|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||
