Lord Vishnu, the part of Hindu Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, is a great figure in the religious community and for the devout men and women. The adventures and incarnations of Vishnu are numerous and each has a twang of mysticism and awe-inspiring aspect to it. He is referred to as the Preservator, who is responsible for sustenance of the universe as well as the prevalence of Dharma on earth. There might be lesser families of the Sanatan Dharma believers, who would not have consecrated Lord Vishnu Idols and installed them in their house.
The Many Aspects of the Narayana:
The Avatars like Rama and Krishna are the protagonists of various myths, majorly of epics Ramayana and Geeta respectively, have been sources for immense knowledge and inspiration for even the modern lives. Narayana or Hari, other names by which He is called, is the supreme God in Vaishnavism, who appears in various manifestations to fulfill his obligations. It was said in Bhagvad Geeta, that Lord shall incarnate on earth, whenever there would be pre-eminence of evil deeds. The other famous Avatars of Vishnu are Matsyavatara, Vamanavatara, Parsuramavtara, Narsinghavatara, etc. Whatever be the incarnations, they were born for the sole purpose of triumphing over evils.
Mohini Ekadashi and the Story Behind:
The festivity of Mohini Ekadashi is dedicated to a form of Vishnu. It is celebrated on Vaisakha Shukla Paksha (waxing lunar phase of Vaisakha month) and is believed to be a very auspicious occasion. Whoever observes the fast and does Puja of Lord Vishnu idol or image on this day, acquires a life of virtues, gets his sins annihilated and the state of peace, honour and divine pleasure continues into the next life too. The benefits are also said to have been availed by Rama while searching for Sita, as well as, by King Yudhistira with an advice of Krishna.
There is a tale behind the festivity which finds place in the Mohini Ekadashi Vrat Katha, to be recited on this day. The story had a businessman named Dhanpala, a resident of Bhadravati, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, was respected for his charitable contributions and spirituality. One of his four sons Dhristibuddhi was ousted from the house due to his sinful and illicit associations. For his survival in forest, he killed many animals and birds and one day landed in Sage Kaudinya’s Ashram. The droplets from the sage’s wet clothes sprinkled on Dhristabuddhi and gave him a ray of wisdom, after which he broke down into tears. The Rishi told him about this fast to expunge his sins and he went to Heaven eventually.
The Rituals to be followed:
On the day of Mohini Ekadashi, the idol of Lord is bathed and clothed and thereafter the deity’s figurine is placed on an altar. Aarti is performed after offering sweets, fruits and flower to the idol. If a person feels laziness in going to the market, he may conveniently Buy Puja Items Online for this and any other Puja. It is said that the Vrat provides fruits which are greater than any pilgrimage, bath in holy rivers, charity or sacrifice.