Papankusha Ekadashi 2025
In Sanatan Dharma, the observance of Ekadashi fast holds immense spiritual importance. Each Ekadashi carries a unique significance and story that allows devotees to attain Lord Vishnu’s blessings and progress spiritually. One such sacred observance is Papankusha Ekadashi, which falls in the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, right after the festival of Dussehra. This Ekadashi is specially dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the universe.
The term ‘Papankusha’ is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Paap’ (sin) and ‘Ankusha’ (control or restraint). Thus, its literal meaning is "that which controls sin" or "the Ekadashi that restrains sinful acts." This name clearly reflects the core purpose of the vrat — to destroy accumulated sins and also provide a spiritual discipline that keeps a person from indulging in future sinful behavior. It is not just a path of repentance, but a spiritual framework of self-discipline that inspires a devotee to stay firm on the path of dharma, gain control over senses and thoughts, and progress towards purity and liberation.
What is Papankusha Ekadashi festival?
The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin is called Papankusha or Vaishnava Papankusha Ekadashi. Many people also know Papankusha Ekadashi by the name Papankusa Ekadashi. 'Gaun' means – one that comes after the main. Since this fast comes immediately after Dussehra and is observed after the conclusion of major festivals like Navratri-Dussehra, in some traditions it is also known as 'Gaun Papankusha Ekadashi'. It is considered highly auspicious and capable of destroying all sins. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and observe a fast to attain freedom from all sins and to achieve salvation. This Ekadashi is especially considered for gaining virtue, the upliftment of ancestors, and the purification of the soul. According to mythological beliefs, observing the fast on this day grants liberation from sins and leads to the attainment of Vaikuntha Loka.
Papankusha Ekadashi Date and Time 2025 – 3 October 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: October 2, 2025, Thursday at 7:13 P.M
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: October 3, 2025, Friday at 6:34 P.M
Parana Time: October 4, 2025, Saturday after sunrise
Fasting Date: October 3, 2025, Friday
Papankusha Ekadashi Katha (story)
The sacred story of Papankusha Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Shri Krishna himself to Dharmaraj Yudhishthir during the Mahabharata era. When Yudhishthir asked the Lord about the name, puja method, and merits of the Ekadashi that falls in the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, Lord Krishna replied: "This Ekadashi destroys all sins and is called Papankusha Ekadashi."
a) Summary of the Story
Near the Vrindavan region, on the Vindhyachal Mountain, lived a cruel and sinful hunter named Krodhan. His life was immersed in violence, theft, robbery, lying, intoxication, and murder. He had never followed the path of righteousness. As he grew older, the memory of his sins began to haunt him. Afraid of death and the thought of hell, he trembled in fear. One day, when the Yamadutas (messengers of death) came to take him, he encountered Sage Angira, who was meditating in the forest. Terrified, Krodhan asked,- “O sage! Is there any salvation for a sinner like me?” Sage Angira, moved by compassion, said: “If you truly observe the fast of Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi, also known as Papankusha Ekadashi, and worship Lord Vishnu with a sincere heart, you can be freed from all your sins.” For the first time in his life, Krodhan observed the fast with full devotion. He stayed without food, remained awake at night, and worshipped Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) with utmost sincerity.
b) Fruit of Observing the Fast
When his death approached again, the Yamadutas returned—but this time the scene had changed. Instead of them, the divine attendants of Lord Vishnu arrived with a celestial chariot. They took Krodhan to Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. The Yamadutas were astonished and returned empty-handed.
Rituals of Papankusha Ekadashi
On this sacred day, devotees perform the following rituals:
· Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a purifying bath. Resolve to observe the fast (Sankalp).
· Bathe the idol of Lord Vishnu with Ganga jal (holy water).
· Dress the deity in yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, Panchamrit, and bhog (sacred food offering).
· Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, or Vamana Stotra.
· Stay awake through the night (Jagran) and break the fast the next day (Paran).
Benefits of Papankusha Ekadashi
1) This fast destroys all forms of sins.
2) Observing the fast grants one heaven and liberation (Moksha).
3) Worship of Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) fulfills all desires.
4) Even saluting the Moon on this day yields results equivalent to severe penance.
5) Simply remembering the name of Lord Vishnu gives the merit of visiting holy pilgrimages and temples.
6) Observing this Ekadashi relieves one from the torments of Yamaloka (the abode of death).
7) This fast uplifts ten generations each from the maternal, paternal, and spousal lineages.
8) The devotee eventually attains Vaikuntha in the form of Lord Vishnu with four arms.
9) Donating items like gold, land, cows, food, sesame, shoes, or umbrellas on this day nullifies the fear of facing Yama (God of Death).
10)Fasting and staying awake during the night leads one directly to the divine abode of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Dham).
Papankusha Ekadashi: Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)
• Wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and meditate on Lord Vishnu.
• Take a vow (Sankalp) to observe the fast and light a sacred lamp (deep).
• Offer sesame seeds, fruits, Tulsi leaves, Panchamrit, and yellow flowers to Lord Vishnu.
• Read or listen to the Papankusha Ekadashi story.
• Observe a full-day fast and chant the name of Lord Vishnu throughout the day.
• Stay awake at night (Jagran) and listen to devotional songs.
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025: Mantra Japa
Chanting the following mantras on this day is considered highly auspicious:
• "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
• "Shri Vishnave Namah"
• "Om Narayanaya Namah"
• Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Vishnu)
Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi
1) This Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month and is one of the holiest Ekadashis of the year.
2) It is highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu, the bearer of Garuda.
3) Observing this fast bestows merits equivalent to pilgrimage, yajnas, chanting, homa, and meditation.
4) Meditation, bathing, chanting, and charity done on this day bring multiplied spiritual benefits.
5) This vrat frees a person from the fear of fire, water, wind, and Yama (death).
6) It helps in overcoming malefic planetary effects, diseases, and poverty.
7) Papankusha Ekadashi promotes harmony in devotion to both Vishnu and Shiva – criticism of either deity is forbidden.
8) This fast is highly effective for the purification of mind, speech, and body.
Unique Aspects of Papankusha Ekadashi
1) It is also known as Gauna Ekadashi, Vaishnava Ekadashi, and Papankusha Ekadashi.
2) This Ekadashi is believed to destroy all sins.
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu alone on this day yields the merit of visiting all pilgrimages.
4) The devotee ultimately attains a divine form – adorned with yellow garments, garlands, and riding on Garuda.
5) This Ekadashi blesses devotees with wealth, a virtuous spouse, friends, and good health.
6) Even a poor person who performs fasting, bathing, and charity to the best of their capacity on this day attains success in life.
7) This fast absolves sins of previous births.
8) It is considered a gateway to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In which states is Papankusha Ekadashi observed?This fast is devoutly observed across all Indian states, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.
2. Why do we observe Papankusha Ekadashi?
This Ekadashi is observed for liberation from sins and the attainment of moksha (salvation). It is considered a powerful means to receive the divine grace of Lord Vishnu.
3. What should be done on Papankusha Ekadashi? • Observe fasting
• Worship Lord Vishnu
• Offer Tulsi leaves
• Chant mantras
• Listen to the Ekadashi story (katha)
• Stay awake through the night in devotion
4. How to observe Papankusha Ekadashi at home?
• Clean the house thoroughly
• Light a lamp in the home temple
• Offer yellow flowers and bhog to Lord Vishnu
• Read the Ekadashi story and remember the Lord with devotion
5. How to perform Papankusha Ekadashi Puja?
• Take a bath early in the morning and sit in a clean place for worship
• Offer water, flowers, incense, lamp, and naivedya to Lord Vishnu’s idol
• Read the vrat katha and perform aarti
6. When will Papankusha Ekadashi begin in 2025?
In 2025, Papankusha Ekadashi will begin on Thursday, 2 October at 7:13 PM and end on Friday, 3 October at 6:34 PM. The fasting (vrat) will be observed on 3 October 2025 (Friday), and the parana (breaking of the fast) will bedone after sunrise on 4 October 2025 (Saturday).
7. What should not be done on Papankusha Ekadashi?
• Do not consume tamasic or intoxicating substances.
• Avoid lying, anger, deceit, or any immoral behavior.
• Refrain from consuming grains and water (if observing a strict fast).
• Do not insult or hurt others.
8. What to do on Papankusha Ekadashi?
• Observe a fast
• Read the Bhagavad Gita
• Offer charity and donations
• Listen to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha (story)
• Offer meals to Brahmins
9. Why is it called Papankusha Ekadashi?
"Paap" means sin and "Ankush" means control. Observing a fast on this day helps one control and overcome all sins, leading the devotee towards purity and spiritual upliftment. Hence, it is called Papankusha Ekadashi.
