Ekadashi 22 of 24
Papankusha Ekadashi
पापाङ्कुशा एकादशी
Paksha
Shukla
Masa
Ashwin
Window
October
Deity
Vishnu (as Padmanabha)
Origin & story
Brahma Vaivarta Purana.
A cruel hunter Krodhana lived a sinful life. On his deathbed sage Angirasa instructed him on Papankusha Ekadashi. Even hearing the name of this Ekadashi liberated him. "Papa-ankusha" = "goad that controls sins".
Worship mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते पद्मनाभाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Padmanabhaya
Fasting rule
Phalahara fast.
Foods permitted
- ✓ Milk
- ✓ Fruits
Foods forbidden
- ✗ Grains
- ✗ Lentils
- ✗ Onion / garlic
Benefits
- ◈Even mention of the name destroys vast sins
- ◈Eligibility for Vaikuntha
- ◈Falls near Navratri — combines well with Devi worship
Who should observe
Penitents seeking quick atonementDevotees on deathbed (hear-name efficacy)Anyone who missed prior Ekadashi vratas
Special note
The "mercy" Ekadashi — efficacious even when observed weakly. Falls just before Dussehra.
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