Papankusha Ekadashi

The importance of Papankusha Ekadashi in the bright half of Ashwini month

Yudhishthira asked Sri Krishna, "Madhusudan, please tell me the name of the Ekadashi that falls in the bright half of Ashwini month?"

The Ekadashi that falls in the bright half of Ashwini month is known as 'Papankusha Ekadashi' or 'Gauna Papankusha Ekadashi' or 'Vaishnava Papankusha Ekadashi'. It is renowned for its ability to destroy all sins and is considered the best. On this day, to attain all desires, people should worship Lord Padmanabha (another name for Lord Vishnu) with devotion. The result obtained through severe penance and tapasya by great sages for a long time is achieved by simply offering prayers to Lord Padmanabha on this day. The merit gained from visiting all the sacred pilgrimage sites on Earth can be attained by chanting the name of Lord Vishnu alone. Those who take refuge in the all-pervading Lord Janardana, bearing the Shangha (conch), Chakra (discus), and the lotus, are spared from the torments of Yama, the god of death.

If a person observes Ekadashi fasting, even apart from other practices, they are spared from the sufferings of Yama. Those who criticize Lord Shiva while being devotees of Lord Vishnu do not attain a place in Lord Vishnu's abode; they are destined to fall into the hellish realm until the end of the reign of the fourteen Indras. Similarly, if someone is a follower of Lord Shiva and criticizes Lord Vishnu, they are cast into the terrible Raurava hell and suffer until the end of fourteen Indras' reign. This Ekadashi is the giver of heaven and liberation, health to the body, wealth, and friends. Oh King, by fasting on Ekadashi during the bright half of Ashwini month, all humans are freed from all sins and go to Lord Hari's abode.

A person who donates gold, sesame seeds, land, cows, other items, water, shoes, and umbrellas is never seen by Yamaraja (the god of death). Oh King of Kings, even a poor person should perform acts like bathing, donating, etc., to the best of their ability to make each day successful. Those who perform acts of merit such as sacrifices, bathing, chanting, meditation, and yajnas are not subjected to the fearsome punishment of Yamaraja. In the world, those humans who are seen to be long-lived, wealthy, noble, and healthy are indeed virtuous due to their previous merits. A virtuous person is recognized as one who performs acts of merit. Speaking more on this subject will not bring any benefit. Humans suffer due to their sins and attain heaven through righteousness. Oh King, I have described the significance of Ekadashi in the bright half of Ashwini month according to your inquiry.

Ekadashi Worship Procedure

Narada said, "Oh King, listen to the auspicious method of observing this fast. On the best day of Dashami in the bright half of Ashwini month, bathe in the morning with devotion in mind. Then, after bathing at noon and having lunch with a focused mind, sleep on the ground at night. At the end of the night, when the morning is pure, perform your daily duties and then take a bath.

Afterwards, with a devotional attitude, observe the following vow:

Standing before the Deity with a pure heart and fasting, repeat the following mantra:

"Adya sthitva niraharah sarvabhogavivarjitah,

Svo bhokshye pundarikaksha sharanam me bhava achyuta."

"O lotus-eyed Lord, today, I stand before You, abstaining from all worldly pleasures. Tomorrow, I will partake in a meal. O infallible one, please grant me refuge."

Then, perform the worship of Lord Narayana with incense and fragrances. Stay awake at night in devotion to Him. As dawn breaks on the Dwadashi day, once again offer worship to Lord Hari. After that, feed Brahmins and eat your meal silently with your brothers, relatives, and sons."

Verified from Puran......

Papankusha Ekadashi

Papankusha Ekadashi

The importance of Papankusha Ekadashi in the bright half of Ashwini month

Ekadashi Worship Procedure

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