Papankusha Ekadashi 2025 – A Sacred Day to Cleanse Sins and Attain Moksha

 

Papankusha Ekadashi, also known as Ashwina Shukla Ekadashi, is a revered Hindu fasting day observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi tithi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin (September–October). In 2025, this sacred observance falls on Friday, October 3.

Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi

Dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this Ekadashi is celebrated for its power to destroy sins, grant worldly pleasures, and lead devotees toward spiritual liberation.

• Mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, the vrat is said to offer merits equal to 100 Surya Yagyas or 1000 Ashwamedha Yagyas.
• It follows Indira Ekadashi and precedes Rama Ekadashi.
• Observing this vrat ensures one never faces Yamraja, the Lord of Death, and attains Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu.

Rituals & Observances

Preparations (Dashami – Oct 2)

• Consume a single saatvik meal before sunset.
• Avoid tamasic foods, lies, and sinful behavior.

Ekadashi Vrat (Oct 3)

• Wake early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
• Observe nirjala (waterless) or phalahar (fruit-based) fast.
• Worship Lord Vishnu in Padmanabha form, seated on Garuda, using:
• Flowers, betel leaves, diyas, and incense sticks
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, sing bhajans, and stay awake through the night.

Dwadashi Parana (Oct 4)

• Break the fast after offering food and charity to Brahmins.
• Brahman Bhoj and donations of clothes, food, and essentials are highly meritorious.

Vrat Katha & Mythological Insight

As narrated in the Mahabharata, Maharaja Yudhisthira asked Sri Krishna about the benefits of this Ekadashi. Krishna revealed that even uttering Vishnu’s name on this day grants the same merit as visiting all sacred pilgrimages.

Another tale speaks of Krodhan, a sinful hunter who attained salvation by observing this vrat under the guidance of Maharishi Angira, proving the transformative power of devotion.