May 2, 2012 – Mohini Ekadasi

Mohini Ekadashi occurs during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in the month of April/May. In 2012, the date of Mohini Ekadasi is May 2. Ekadasi fasting, which falls on the 11th day of a lunar fortnight, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that one will be able to overcome sadness and remorse by observing Mohini Ekadasi.

 Mohini Ekadashi falls in the month of Vaishakha in calendars followed in North India and other regions. It falls during Chithirai Month in Tamil Calendar.

Importance of Mohini Ekadashi is mentioned in the Surya Purana. The greatness of it was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna.

It is said that Lord Vashishta advised Lord Ram to observe Mohini Ekadashi to get over the remorse and distress caused from the separation from Mata Sita.

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April 16, 2012 – Varuthini Ekadashi

Varuthini Ekadashi is observed during the waning phase of moon in March/April. In 2012, the date Varuthini Ekadasi is April 16 and 17. April 16 is Smarta and April 17 is Bhagavath. It is believed that observing Varuthini Ekadasi will make a person fortunate, prosperous and helps in redemption of sins and in attaining moksha. The greatness of this Ekadasi fasting was narrated to Yudhishtira (the eldest of Pandavas) by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana.

It is believed that by observing Varuthini Ekadashi one can attain the result of performing different types of charities. All the regular fasting rules attached to Ekadasi are observed during Varuthini Ekadasi.

Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar

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April 3, 2012 – Kamda Ekadasi

Kamada Ekadashi is observed during the waxing phase of moon in March/April. It is said in the scriptures that observing Kamada Ekadasi will help in getting rid of sins and increasing virtue. The greatness of this Ekadasi fasting was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Varaha Purana. In 2012, the date of Kamada Ekadashi is April 3.

Legend has it that a Gandharva was unable to perform his duties when his wife was not around. This Gandharva was overpowered by lust and thus failed in his duties and was cursed by a King to become a cannibal. The Gandharva and his wife roamed the forests and one day the wife came across a Sage, who advised them to undertake Kamada Ekadashi fasting for getting rid of the curse.

The Gandharva couple observed the Kamada Ekadashi and the husband was freed from the curse.

On the Ekadashi day, most Vishnu devotees fast and some devotees keep vigil at night. Those people undertaking partial fasting abstain from food made of rice.

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