Papankusha Ekadashi is also called Papsankusa Ekadashi and Ashwina Shukla Ekadashi. The Papankusha Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha, the waxing Moon phase, in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which is September-October by the Gregorian calendar. Devotees, especially the Vaishnav sect, reverently observe a 24 hour Fast/Vrat on the Papankusha Ekadashi and worship Shri Padmanabha (Vishnu) on this day. The Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat brings all round happiness and abundance to devotees.
Everything about Papankusha Ekadashi
Papankusha means 'one who removes the sins,' signifying the ability of the day to purge the soul of accumulated karma by prayer, fasting, and genuine devotion. It is said that keeping this Ekadashi would provide followers with longevity, wealth, protection from bad influences, and spiritual advancement. Scripture claims that individuals who fast fervently and with faith are not only cleansed of previous transgressions but also get heavenly favor for their family's welfare and for conquering challenges in life. On this day, people fast from dawn to sunset, give prayers to Vishnu, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, and carry out charitable deeds.
Papankusha Ekadashi Presiding Deity
The presiding Deity of Papankusha Ekadashi is Shri Padmanabha, who is the form of Bhagwan Vishnu, lying in the Sheer Sagar on the bed of Ananta, with a Lotus arising from His navel. On top of the Lotus sits Brahma, Maa Laxmi (consort of Lord Vishnu), Goddess of wealth, good fortune and abundance, is seen sitting at Bhagwan Vishnu/Padmanabha's feet. Shri Padmanabha or Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the Universe. He has appeared in different manifestations on Earth to save it from 'a-dharma', sins and treats of any kind. The presiding Deity of Papankusha Ekadashi, Shri Padmanabha showers the devotees with unimaginable blessings when the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat is followed sincerely by devotees.
Papankusha Ekadashi Date & Time (Muhurat) 2024
Papankusha Ekadashi on Sunday, October 13, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 09:08 AM on Oct 13, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 06:41 AM on Oct 14, 2024
Note that one should break the fast (Parana) within Dwadashi Tithi. Another important consideration is that one must not break the fast-during Hari Vasara which is the fourth duration of Dwadashi. The best time to break the fast is Pratah Kala (Early Morning).
Papankhusha Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Pooja Procedure)
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The Pasankusa or Papankusha Ekadashi is presided by Shri Padmanabha (Vishnu). Worshipping him on this auspicious day brings benevolent blessing. Worshipping Bhagwan Vishnu's image sitting on Garuda (Vahan or Vehicle of Bhagwan Vishnu), is said to bring the divine grace of Padmanabha/Vishnu.
Early in the morning on Papankusha Ekadashi after taking bath, the devotee should take the Sankalp of observing the Vrat/fast.
Worship Shri Padmanabha, by lighting Ghee lamp, offering Tulsi branch, fresh flowers. Apply Chandan Tilak on the image/Idol.
The Shaligram Shila should be worshipped by conducting Abhishek with Tulsi, Water and Panchamrit (mix of fresh Cow's milk, Honey, Curd, Ghee, Sugar), apply Chandan Tilak on the Shaligram, on this auspicious day, if the devotee has the sacred Shila at home.
On this day Goddess Laxmi and Tulsiji are worshipped too.
Offer Bhog to Bhagwan Vishnu/Padmanabha in your Puja Alter or the special Alter which can be created on a Chowki for this day.
Chant Bhagwan Vishnu/Padmanabha Mantras, sing His praise and perform Aarti.
Stay in a spiritual mode throughout the day and night. Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered meritorious on this day. Sleeping during the day is prohibited.
In the evening perform Aarti, preferably along with family members.
Stay awake at night, chant Mantras, sing devotional songs or play music for Shri Padmanabha (Vishnu).
On Dwadashi, in the morning worship Padmanabha, offer Bhog, Tulsi leaves, flowers.
The devotees can break the fast along with family and friends during Prana time.
Papankusha Ekadashi Puja & Vrat Mantras
On Papankusha Ekadashi Bhagwan Vishnu/Krishna Mantras are popularly chanted.
Mantras:-
Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Namah Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Hare Krisha, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare
Papankusha Ekadashi Puja Benefits
Worshipping Bhagwan Vishnu's Padmanabha form on Papankusha Ekadashi brings benevolent grace. Papankusha Ekadashi Puja brings peace, good health, success, good fortune, good luck, material contentment, worldly and spiritual pleasures, righteous living, harmonious relationships among family members, joy, abundance and invincible protection of Shri Padmanabha.
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)
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The Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi is found in the ancient texts and should be followed in detail by devotees who observe the fast. Devotees should have only one meal on Dashami (the day before Ekadashi) and eat before sunset. It is advised to talk minimum while observing Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat and spend maximum time in service of Shri Padmanabha. The Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat starts from early morning on Ekadashi day and lasts till the next day Prana time, when the fast can be broken.
On the Papankusha Ekadashi, take an early morning bath and follow the rituals to take Sankalp(intension) of observing the Vrat(fast).
The devotees should specify whether he/she is keeping partial or complete Vrat/fast. Fasting without drinking water or eating food, Nirjala Vrat, is the best Ekadashi Vrat to observe.
One can observe partial fast by drinking water and abstaining from food. However, devotees should be aware of what their body and health can tolerate and fast accordingly. Fruits and milk diet is also a common way to observe fasting on this day.
Invoke Shri Padmanabha/Vishnu for successful completion of the Vrat. Worship Padmanabha by following the Papankusha Puja Vidhi.
Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Ekadashi for devotees who are fasting by eating one meal on Ekadashi. Non vegetarian food, onion, garlic is strictly not allowed on Ekadashi and Dwadashi.
As per the rules, sleeping during the day or night during Ekadashi Vrat is prohibited.
The devotees should chant/ sing praises of Lord Vishnu /Padmanaba, read the Bhagawat Geeta and other holy books through the day and night.
Reading the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha or hearing it is a must on this pious day.
Gossiping, talking/thinking ill of others or self, does not give the desired outcome of the Ekadashi Vrat.
Abstinence from alcohol, drugs, tobacco, other addictions, sex on Ekadashi and Dwadashi must be observed.
Maintain calmness, avoid anger/aggression for the best outcome of observing the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat.
Distribute the Prasad to family members and as many people as possible on Dwadashi.
The next morning, on Dwadashi, give charity to Brahmanas respectfully ask them for forgiveness for any offence. Donating to the needy is also advised which garners Lord Vishnu's blessings.
Devotees who observe fast should not eat food in other people's house on the day after Ekadashi.
For people who observe Papankusha Vrat, when breaking the fast, should say the prayer - 'O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat. Please shelter me'.
After the prayer the devotee should offer flowers and water at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Vishnu and request the Lord to eat by chanting the mantra of eight-syllable, thrice: “Om Namah Narayanaya.”
On Dwadashi only one meal should be eaten, and Honey and Urad-dal (black lentil) should not be consumed.
For devotees observing fast, if due to some unavoidable reason they are not able to break the fast on Dwadashi during Prana time, then drinking water to signify breaking of fast is advised. Later food can be eaten as per convenience.
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)
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In the Brahma Vaivatra Purana, Shri Krishna explained the importance of following the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat, to Yudhishthira (eldest of the Pandavas). When Yudhishthira requested Shri Krishna to explain to him about the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha which falls in the Ashwin month, Shri Krishna told Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi is called Papankusha Ekadashi and specified the merits of the Ekadashi and Vrat. Shri Krishna then went on to narrate the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
There was a hunter named Krodhana who was very cruel and unkind. The hunter used to live in the Vindhyachal mountains and was highly involved in performing evil deeds and bad sins throughout his life. No one could ever teach him to live a peaceful life. When years passed and Krodhana became old, he started getting scared about his death. He was extremely worried regarding the pain he would suffer after death because of his sins and evil deeds.
To make up for his past deeds and sins, Krodhana approached a renowned sage Angira who used to live in a forest. He sought help from the sage and asked him to find the way by which he could get relieved from all his sins. To this, the sage guided the hunter to observe a fast of Papankusha Ekadashi which takes place in Ashwin month and falls during Shukla Paksha. Krodhana performed all the rituals and also observed a Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat as explained by the sage. The hunter got the blessings of Bhagwan Vishnu and was relieved from all his past evil deeds and thus attained salvation. Since that time, devotees observe a fast and perform puja rituals to eliminate past sins and achieve salvation.
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat (Fast) Significance
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat or fast is important to observe because, as mentioned in the ancient texts, it bestows the merits equivalent to performing 100 Surya Yajnas , a thousand Ashwamedha Yajnas and visiting all the pilgrim places. The devotee is blessed with a happy, healthy, successful, materially content life.
Observing the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat nullifies the sins of devotees, elevates spiritually and makes the way for getting freedom from the cycle of birth and death, at the end of his/her life.
The Papankusha Ekadashi brings the blessings of Shri Padmanabha (Vishnu) and protects the devotee and his/her family.
Observing the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat meticulously relieves the sins of then generations of ancestors both from one's father's and mother's side and fulfils the desires of devotees. If donations are made on this pious day the devotee is saved from going to hell.
Papankusha Ekadashi Daan (Donation):
Donation on Papankusha Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and commendable. Here are some suggested items to donate on this sacred day:
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Food items:
- Rice, wheat, and other grains.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Cooked meals to the needy and hungry.
Click Here to Book Food Donation (Ann Daan)
Clothing:
- New clothes for the poor and underprivileged.
- Warm clothes, blankets, and shawls, especially in cold areas or winter seasons.
Click Here to Book Clothes Donation (Vastra Daan)
Money and benefaction:
- Financial donations to temples, charitable organisations, or directly to those in need.
- Supporting the education of underprivileged children by donating to schools or educational charities.
Religious Items:
- Books on spirituality and religious scriptures.
- Items used in worship like incense sticks, diyas (lamps).
Shelter and Support:
- Donating to shelters for the homeless or animal shelters.
- Contributing to the construction of schools, hospitals, and community centres.
Cows and Animal Care:
- Donating to goshala (cow shelters) or animal welfare organisations.
- Providing food & fodder and other essentials for animals.
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