पापांकुशा एकादशी
Papankusha Ekadashi
Ashwina Shukla Ekadashi, a fast that acts like a goad, an ankusha, on sins, kept the day after Dussehra.
About Papankusha Ekadashi
Papankusha Ekadashi falls on the Ekadashi of Ashwina Shukla Paksha. It is a fast that acts like a goad, an ankusha, on sins, kept the day after Dussehra.
Like every Ekadashi it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The fast runs from sunrise on Ekadashi to the Parana, the breaking of the fast, after sunrise the next morning on Dwadashi.
How to celebrate
Eat a light sattvic meal before sunset on Dashami, the day before.
On Ekadashi morning, bathe and take a sankalp, a resolve, to keep the fast.
Worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, a diya and fruit.
Read or listen to the Papankusha Ekadashi vrat katha and chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
Stay awake for part of the night in bhajan or prayer if you can.
Break the fast the next day within the Parana time for your city.
Do
- Fruit, milk, nuts, sabudana, kuttu and singhara flour
- Rock salt instead of regular salt
Avoid
- Rice and all grains, beans and lentils
- Onion, garlic, meat and alcohol
The story
The hunter Krodhana lived a cruel life. In fear of death he asked sage Angira for a way out and was told to keep Papankusha Ekadashi, which freed him.
Questions
When is Papankusha Ekadashi in 2027?
Papankusha Ekadashi 2027 is on Monday, 11 October 2027. Shukla Ekadashi tithi begins at 11:41 AM on Sunday 10 October and ends at 2:08 PM on Monday 11 October IST.
When should I break the Papankusha Ekadashi fast?
In New Delhi, Parana is from 6:19 AM on Tuesday 12 October to 10:58 AM IST. Break the fast after sunrise and before Dwadashi ends. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
What can I eat during the Papankusha Ekadashi fast?
Fruit, milk and curd, nuts, sabudana, potatoes, and kuttu or singhara flour cooked with rock salt. Grains, rice, beans and lentils are avoided.
Why is rice avoided on Ekadashi?
Grains are believed to hold the sin that sought refuge on Ekadashi. Rice in particular is avoided by everyone, even those who do not keep the full fast.
Around Papankusha Ekadashi
Coming up
- Saphala EkadashiSun 3 Jan
- LohriThu 14 Jan
- Makar SankrantiFri 15 Jan
- PongalFri 15 Jan
- Pausha Putrada EkadashiMon 18 Jan
- Shattila EkadashiTue 2 Feb
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