Papankusha Ekadashi

Papankusha Ekadashi

In the tradition of Sanatan Dharma, the importance of Ekadashi fasts is indescribable. Among them, Papankusha Ekadashi is considered a day that destroys sins, grants liberation, and brings the special grace of Lord Shri Hari. This auspicious Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Ashvin month.

Papankusha means the “reins of sins”—it is the day that eliminates all sins. The fast and service on this Ekadashi destroy all the sins of a person’s past lives, and with the grace of Lord Vishnu, they move closer to the path of liberation (Moksha).

The Mythological Story and Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi

In the Padma Purana, Lord Shri Krishna, while explaining the significance of this Ekadashi fast to Yudhishthir, mentioned that observing the Papankusha Ekadashi fast brings the same merit as performing yajnas (sacrifices), fasting, penance, and taking holy dips in pilgrimage sites.

On this day, whoever observes the fast, remains devoted, performs charity, and worships with sincerity, all their sins are eradicated by Lord Vishnu, and they attain a place in the supreme abode of Shri Hari.

The Importance of Donation and Service

The Papankusha Ekadashi fast is not only about fasting or chanting but also represents service and altruism. On this day, donating food to the needy, helpless, hungry, differently-abled, and elderly brings immense merit. The Bhagavad Gita mentions about donation:

YajnadanaTapahkarma na tyajyam karyamev tat
Yajno danam tapahchaiva pavanani manishinam.

Meaning: Yajna, donation, and penance are not to be abandoned; on the contrary, they must be performed because they purify the mind of the wise.

Merit of Donation and Service on Papankusha Ekadashi

On this auspicious occasion, become a part of the Narayan Seva Sansthan’s service project to provide lifelong food (once a year) to differently-abled, orphaned, and needy children.