Papankusha Ekadashi is all about dissipating elephant sized sins with the virtuous arrow of fast. On this Papankusha Ekadashi day, people worship God Vishnu and do Bhajan-Kirtan to make the pious and pure. This Ekadashi fast brings good character and virtue in humans. It is also assumed that by fasting on this day, people reap rewards equal to hard austerity (Tapasya).
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi
According to spiritual scriptures, Papankusha Ekadashi is of great importance. A person gets effect equal to that of multiple Ashwamedha and Surya Yagya with the power of this fast. The rituals for the fast should be followed from the past day, i.e. Dashami.
Following is the Vrat Puja Vidhi for Papankusha Ekadashi:
- Avoid eating wheat, barley, gram, rice, lentil pulses, Urad and Moong on Dashami as these 7 cereals are worshipped on Ekadashi day.
- Take vows for the fast after bathing early in the morning of Ekadashi day.
- Do urn (Kalash) installation after taking the vow and keep the statue of God Vishnu on top of the Kalash. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and worship the God.
- On the next day, i.e. on Dwadashi, feed Brahmins and contribute food to them. After that, open your fast.
Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi
In Mahabharata time, God Shri Krishna himself told the significance of Papankusha Ekadashi to Dharmaraj Yudhishthira. He explained that this Ekadashi destroy all sins and saves people from committing wrong tasks. By fasting on this day, a person achieves prestige and wealth, and attains liberation.
On the occasion of Papankusha Ekadashi, one should worship the God with full devotion and donate charity to the needy people and Brahmins Also; one should have fruits only for a happy mind and a healthy body.
Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha
In pristine period, there lived a very brutal bird hunter in Vindhya Mountains, named Krodhan. He tired all his life in aggression, loot, drinking and giving false speeches. When the end of his life came, Yamraj ordered his messengers to take Krodhan. They told him that yesterday would be the last day of his life.
Scared of death, he reached Ashram of Maharishi Angira to take shelter. Maharishi showed mercy and tell him too fast for Papankusha Ekadashi. Thus, by performing the fast of Papankusha Ekadashi, he got the blessings of God and attained liberation.