Papankusha Ekadashi: Vrat Katha, Parana Timings, Rituals, Dates

Papankusha Ekadashi is a Hindu fasting day that falls on the ekadashi tithi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) during the lunar month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. For this reason this ekadashi is also referred as Ashwina-Shukla Ekadashi. In the Gregorian calendar, it is observed between the months of September-October.

The Papankusha Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day devotees worship Lord Padmanabha with total dedication and zeal. By keeping the Papankusha Ekadashi vrat, the observer will be bestowed with the blessings of Lord Padmanabha and will enjoy all the luxuries of this world.

Papankusha Ekadashi 2024 is on October 13, Sunday

5 months and 13 days to go for the event

Papankusha Ekadashi comes after Indira ekadashi and is followed by Rama ekadashi

Papankusha Ekadashi is considered to be one of the significant ekadashis as the person who keeps a fast on this day is bestowed with good health, wealth and all other worldly desires. It is also believed that without observing the Papankusha Ekadashi vrat, an individual can never be liberated from the sins and their evil action keeps chasing them throughout their life. The merits of this revered vrat are equivalent to performing 100 Surya Yagya or 1000 Ashwamedha Yagya.

Important Timings On Papankusha Ekadashi 2024

Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Listen to Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha in English

Listen to Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha in Hindi

The Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha as mentioned in the Padma Purana is as follows:

Yudhishthira asked, "Madhusudan! Now, please kindly tell me, during the bright fortnight of Ashwin, which Ekadashi is observed?"

Lord Shri Krishna replied, "O King! The Ekadashi observed during the bright fortnight of Ashwin is known as Papankusha. It is renowned for its ability to eradicate all sins and is highly auspicious. On this day, one should worship me, Vasudeva, also known as Padmanabha, to attain all their desires and to receive the blessings of heaven and liberation."

One who, by enduring rigorous austerity for a long time and conquering their senses, attains the desired fruit, the same result can be obtained by offering reverence to Lord Garudadhwaja on this day. The merit gained by visiting all the sacred places and temples on Earth can be derived through the mere chanting of the name of Lord Vishnu on this day. Those who take refuge in the all-pervading Lord Janardan, bearing the Sarngadhanush (the bow and arrow of Lord Vishnu), do not have to endure the torments of Yamaloka.

Even if a person observes Ekadashi as a result of any other activity, they are never subjected to the torments of Yama (the god of death). A person who, being a devotee of Lord Vishnu, criticizes Lord Shiva, does not attain a place in the realm of Lord Vishnu, and they will inevitably fall into hell. Similarly, if someone who follows the Shaiva or Pashupata tradition criticizes Lord Vishnu, they are cast into the terrifying Raurava hell and are boiled until the era of fourteen Indras is complete. This Ekadashi bestows heaven, liberation, good health, beauty, wealth, and friends and is beneficial for all.

O King! One effortlessly attains the abode of Lord Vishnu by observing a fast on Ekadashi and staying awake during the night. O King of Kings! Such a person redeems ten generations on the mother's side, ten generations on the father's side, and even ten generations of the wife's family. Those who observe the Ekadashi fast proceed to the abode of Lord Vishnu after their life. They take on a divine form, possessing four arms, armed with Garuda's flag, adorned with necklaces and wearing yellow-coloured clothes (Pitambara) as they move to the Vaikunta.

Observing the Papankusha fast during the bright fortnight of Ashwin liberates a person from all sins, and they attain the realm of Lord Srihari. A person who gives donations of gold, sesame seeds, land, cows, food, water, shoes, and umbrellas never encounters Yamaraja, the god of death.

O noble king! To the best of their ability, even a destitute person should engage in activities like bathing and praying to make his day fruitful. Those who perform virtuous deeds like homa (ritual fire offering), bathing, recitation, meditation, and yajna do not have to face the dreadful torment of Yama. In society, individuals who are blessed with long life, wealth, noble lineage, and good health were virtuous in their previous life, because of which they get to enjoy their current life. Speaking further on this topic, what else would you like to hear, O King? I have described the glory of Papankusha as per your inquiry. Is there anything more you wish to know?

Rituals during Papankusha Ekadashi:

Hindu devotees observe a strict fast or silence vow on the Papankusha day. The observer of this fast must get up early and wear clean clothes after taking a bath. The fasting ritual of Papankusha Ekadashi starts on the 10th day, ‘Dashami’. On this day a single ‘saatvik’ meal is taken before sunset and the fast continues till the end of ekadashi. While observing the vrat, the devotees must not speak lies or conduct any sinful acts or deeds. The Papankusha Ekadashi vrat ends on the ‘dwadashi’ (12th day). The devotees must offer food and some form of donations to a Brahmin before breaking the fast.

The observer of this fast should not sleep at all during the day and night. They spend their time reciting and singing Vedic mantras and bhajans in the praise of Lord Vishnu. Reading ‘Vishnu Sahasranam’ is also considered to be very favourable.

On the day of Papankusha Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as per the ‘Archana Vidhi’. On this day the form of Lord Vishnu seated on ‘Garur’ is prayed with immense devotion. The ‘Padmanabha’ form of Sri Hari is worshipped with flowers, betel leaves, diyas and incense sticks. At the end of puja rituals, an aarti is performed.

Doing charity on the day of Papankusha Ekadashi is also very rewarding. If a person cannot observe a fast, they can donate clothes, foods and other essentials to the Brahmins and achieve the same merits. Some people also organize ‘Brahman Bhoj’ on the day of Papankusha Ekadashi. It is believed that people who offer charity on the day of Papankusha Ekadashi will never reach Hell, the abode of Lord Yamraja, after death.

Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi:

The greatness of Papankusha Ekadashi is described in the ‘Brahma Vaivatra Purana’ and is believed to be the most auspicious observance for removal of sins. In the Hindu mythology, Maharaja Yudhisthira requested Sri Krishna to explain the benefits of observing a fast on this sacred day. It has been stated that anyone who devotedly observes the Papankusha Ekadashi vrat and prays to lord Vishnu will gain freedom from his/her sins and attain salvation from this world thereafter. Also when an individual, irrespective of their age, recites the name of Lord Vishnu on the day of Papankusha Ekadashi, they achieve the same virtues as visiting the Hindu pilgrim places and they never have to see Yamraja, who is the Lord of Death.

Papankusha Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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