Date
- Papamochani Ekadashi 2026:
March 15, Sunday
- Observed on the 11th day of
Krishna Paksha in Chaitra (North India) and Phalgun (South
India).
- Falls between Holika Dahan and
Chaitra Navratri.
- Special significance when it falls on
a Thursday (Guruvar Ekadashi).
Rituals
- Morning Bath:
- Devotees bathe at sunrise using Kush
grass and sesame seeds for purification.
- Fasting:
- Strict fast without food or only
water is considered most auspicious.
- Alternatively, devotees consume non-grain
foods, milk, nuts, and fruits.
- Fast is broken the next day after
prayers to Lord Vishnu.
- Food Restrictions:
- Pulses, rice, and non-vegetarian
food are strictly forbidden.
- Worship of Lord Vishnu:
- Offerings include Tulsi leaves
(plucked a day before), flowers, fruits, lamps, and incense.
- Mogra/jasmine flowers
are considered highly meritorious.
- Devotees recite Sri Vishnu
Sahasranama and chapters of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Evening temple visits and special
programs are common.
Significance
- Scriptural References:
- Mentioned in Bhavishyottara
Purana and Harivasara.
- Narrated by Sage Lomasa to King
Mandhata, and later by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira.
- Spiritual Benefits:
- Destroys sins and frees devotees
from guilt.
- Protects from influence of demons or
ghosts.
- Considered more meritorious than
visiting pilgrimage sites or donating 1,000 cows.
- Ultimate Reward:
- Observers attain worldly pleasures
and ultimately reach Vaikunth (Lord Vishnu’s abode).
Purpose of the vrat is to control bodily desires and dedicate time to chanting and listening to Vedic mantras.