Papankusha Ekadashi vrat falls every year in the Shukla paksha of Ashwin month, a day after Vijayadashami. This year it will be observed on 27th October 2020.
This Ekadashi is called Papankusha Ekadashi because the elephant of sin is pierced by the virtuous curb of this fast. Whoever observes this vrat with full devotion, Lord Vishnu showers blessings and destroys all his sins of three lifetimes.
Importance of Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat
Once upon a time, Yudhishthira asked Shri Krishna- “hey Jagadishwar! What is the name of Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month and what fruits are obtained by observing this fast? Please tell me everything about this vrat.”
Lord Shri Krishna said- “Hey Rajan Kuntinandan! We call it Papankusha Ekadashi which falls on Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. By observing this fast, all sins are destroyed and the fasting person receives all kinds of material affluence and after death goes to heaven. On this day, man should worship Lord Padmanabha with full dedication. This Ekadashi fulfills all desires of devotees and frees him of all bad deeds.
The fruit that a man gets from harsh penance, gets that fruits just by saluting the Lord Vishnu on this day. People who ignorantly commit ghastly sins but bow down to Lord Hari, do not go to hell. A mere recitation of the name of Vishnu reaps the virtue of all the pilgrimages in the world. Those who go to the shelter of Lord Vishnu, never have to suffer Yama torture.
The result obtained from thousands of Rajsuya and Ashwamedha Yajna is not even equal to the sixteenth part of Ekadashi fast. There is no virtue equal to Ekadashi in the world. There is no fast equal to this Ekadashi. As long as humans do not observe the Ekadashi of Padmanabha, sins do not leave their bodies.
Hey Kuntinandana! This Ekadashi bestows health, wealth, all kind of happiness, and salvation. Ganga, Gaya, Kashi, Kurukshetra, and Pushkar are also not virtuous like Ekadashi fast. By fasting and awakening Harivasar and Ekadashi, one can easily attain the place in feet of Vishnu.
Hey Yudhishthira! Ten generations who perform this fast save the mother side, ten generations father’s side, ten generations women side, and ten generations friend’s side
Hey Rajendra! By observing this fast in childhood, youth, and old age, even a sinful human being does not attain misery but attains realization.
The people who observe this Papankusha Ekadashi fast on the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, get to Vaikuntha after death and get rid of all sins. By donating gold, sesame, land, cow, grain, water, umbrella, and shoes on this Ekadashi, one does not see Yamraj.
A man who spends days of life without performing any kind of virtuous deed is like a lifeless soul, like a blacksmith’s furnace. Everyone should donate as per their capacity. Such human beings live long, noble, and disease-free life and after death does not face the tortures of Yama Doot.
Lord Shri Krishna said- O Rajan! I told you everything you asked me. What else do you want to hear now?
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Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha
In ancient times, There was a cruel hunter named Krodhan. He would live in the Mountains. He spent his whole life doing bad karma like cruelty on animals, robbery, lies, deceit, etc.
When his time came for death, Yamraj send his Yamdoots (messengers of death) to the cruel fowler. When the Yamdoots told him that tomorrow you are going to die, he started to panic.
The cruel fowler became frightened and went to Maharishi Angira’s ashram and started asking for mercy and shelter. Maharishi felt pity for the Krodhan, So he asked him to keep fast of Papankusha Ekadashi.
Krodhan observed Ekadashi fast with full devotion. This destroyed all the sins of the fowler, and he attained salvation by the grace of God.
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi
A person observing the fast of Papankusha Ekadashi should take a bath in the Brahma muhurta.
After that take a pledge by remembering the name of Lord Vishnu. Then, place a Kalash and put a statue or murti of Lord Vishnu on it.
After that apply Roli-Akshat and offer white flowers to the Lord. Then, light a lamp of desi ghee in front of God and offer aarti to them.
After this one should recite Vishnu Sahasranama and listen to the vrat Katha. Then donate something to the needy.
During this fast, one should only have fruit and vegetable as a meal (falahar meals ) once a day.
On Dwadashi Tithi, the next day of fast, give food and donation to the poor. After that, the fast should be broken.
Breaking fast with Tulsi leaves has a positive effect on the body since it purifies our body of toxins.
Try to remain silent on the day of fasting which helps you to get rid of unwanted thoughts. As a result, you feel peaceful and content.
Conclusion
Papankusha Ekadashi vrat frees the devotees from the sin which he committed ignorantly. Though the chanting name of Lord Vishnu is soothing and liberating in any way, but the remembrance of the Lord on the day of Ekadashi destroys all the tribulations and sins.
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