Papamochani Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month of March – April. In 2025, the date of Papamochani Ekadasi is March 26/March 26. Bhagavath or in most regions it on March 26, 2025. It is believed that observing this Ekadasi will help in the redemption of sins. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in traditional Hindu calendar.
Importance of Papamochani Ekadasi
The importance of Papamochani Ekadasi was mentioned to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavishyottara Purana. Legend has it that an Apsara named Manju Ghosha lured Sage Medhavi into married life. After several years, the Apsara wanted to return back to Devaloka but this was objected by the Sage. But the Apsara was unwilling to listen to the sage and in anger he cursed the Apsara and turned her into a witch. The sage told her that she will be relieved of the curse by observing this particular ekadasi fasting.
The sage too felt that he too had committed sins by falling into the trap of the Apsara and he too decided to observe Papamochani Ekadashi. Papa means ‘sin’ and ‘Mochini’ means to escape. Thus this Ekadashi exclusively helps in destroying sins and guilt associated with the sins committed.
All the normal rules associated with the Ekadasi fasting is observed during the fasting.
Om Punyaya Namah
Papamochani Ekadasi Mantra
ॐ पुण्याय नमः॥Om Punyaya Namah
How to Worship Vishnu on Papamochani Ekadasi?
- The murti (picture, photo or painting) of Vishnu should be placed on the east side of the house on a yellow color cloth.
- The puja should be performed facing east.
- The person performing puja should wear yellow color clothes.
- Take a kalash fill it with water and put some chana dal in it. Close the kalash with a coconut and mango leaves. Keep this near the picture or sculpture or painting of Vishnu.
- Offer prayers to Ganesha in the mind.
- The lamp should be lit using pure cow ghee (mix some honey in the ghee). 11 wicks are preferred.
- Dhoop should be of chandan.
- Yellow color flowers should be offered.
- Offer uncooked rice.
- Offer white sandalwood paste.
- Offer fragrance of yellow flowers.
- Offer Tulsi leaves.
- Offer a seasonal fruit or yellow color banana.
- Offer milk and pure honey. You can also prepare food using honey and milk. It should be later with family members and a married woman.
- The mantra ॐ पुण्याय नमः should be chanted 108 times. The count should be kept on a Tulsi mala if possible.
- After the puja, the water and chana dal in the kalash should be deposited under a peepal tree.
Special Pujas and Offerings
- To overcome difficulties in life burn karpur after putting some lal chandan on it.
- For peace and prosperity, fill conch (shankh) with water and do Aarti of Vishnu seven times.
- Feed honey and banana to a cow for desire fulfillment.
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