Points to Consider: Ekadashi fasting and Parana timings vary by location. Hence, do check your local Panchang for the exact fasting and Parana timings.

The word “Papankusha” combines “Papa,” meaning sin, and “Ankusha,” meaning a goad used to guide an elephant. It symbolises the power to control harmful desires and actions and seek freedom from past sins. As per the “Padma Purana,” Bhagwan Shri Krishna explained the importance of this vrat to “King Yudhishthira.”As per him, observing Papankusha Ekadashi with devotion helps devotees overcome the burden of past karma and attain “Moksha” (liberation from the cycle of birth and death.)

Plus, as per other Hindu scriptures the spiritual merit of this vrat is equal to that of doing great yajnas and pilgrimages. Charity performed on this day is also believed to benefit departed ancestors and help them attain higher realms. Some devotees also believe that chanting Bhagwan Vishnu names will protect them from Yamaraj (the deity of death).

As per the Papankusha Ekadashi vrat katha, “King Yudhishthira” once asked “Bhagwan Shri Krishna” about the Ekadashi that falls during the “Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month.” Bhagwan Shri Krishna explained the significance of this sacred vrat and shared the story of a hunter named “Krodhana.”

Krodhana lived near the Vindhyachal mountains. He was cruel and spent his life hunting animals, robbing travellers, lying and drinking alcohol. As he grew old and his final days approached, the messengers of Yamaraj came to take him away for his misdeeds. Terrified, Krodhana fled and reached the ashram of “Maharshi Angira.” He fell at the sage’s feet, confessed his wrongdoings and begged for a way to find peace and salvation.

Maharshi Angira took pity on him and advised him to observe the upcoming Papankusha Ekadashi vrat with devotion. He instructed Krodhana to fast and spend the night while chanting the names of Bhagwan Vishnu.

Krodhana agreed and observed the vrat with complete devotion. As per the katha, the spiritual merit of this observance freed him from the consequences of his past sins. When his time came, he attained Bhagwan Vishnu’s abode, “Vaikuntha,” instead of facing the punishment he feared.

Devotees begin the day with an early bath and a sincere sankalp for the vrat. They keep their home mandir clean and worship Bhagwan Vishnu with devotion. Many devotees observe a grain-free fast on Ekadashi. Depending on their family tradition, some observe a stricter fast, while others have fruits, milk or other permitted vrat foods.

Throughout the day, devotees may chant Bhagwan Vishnu mantras, such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Om Namo Narayanaya,” read the “Bhagavad Gita”, recite “Vishnu Sahasranama”, or “Papankusha Ekadashi vrat katha,” sing bhajans or visit a Bhagwan Vishnu.

Point to Consider: Those who are elderly, unwell, pregnant or taking regular medication should choose fasting.

Keep these items ready for the puja at home.

• Bhagwan Padmanabha or Bhagwan Vishnu murti or picture

• Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers

• Chandan, Kumkum and Akshat

• Diya, cotton wicks and ghee

• Incense sticks and camphor

• Fresh fruits and other Sattvik Bhog

• Water in a Kalash or clean vessel

• Aarti Thali

You can follow these simple steps to observe Papankusha Ekadashi at home:

• Wake up early, take a bath and make a sankalp to observe the Papankusha Ekadashi vrat with devotion

• Clean your home mandir and puja space

• Place a Bhagwan Vishnu idol or Bhagwan Padmanabha idol on a clean chowki

• Light a ghee diya and offer flowers, fruits, Tulsi leaves and traditional bhog

• Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” with devotion and read or listen to the “Papankusha Ekadashi vrat katha”

• Observe the fast throughout the day according to your family tradition

• On Dwadashi, complete the Parana during the prescribed time

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