Papankusha Ekadashi (22 October, 2026): Date, Tithi, Parana Time, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi and Significance

Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on Thursday, October 22, during the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. Also known as Pashankusha Ekadashi in some traditions, the observance is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Lord Padmanabha.

According to the Delhi Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi begins at 2:11 PM on October 21 and ends at 2:47 PM on October 22. Devotees observe the fast on October 22, following the sunrise-based calendar convention. The fast is broken on Dwadashi, the following day, during the prescribed Parana period.

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Papankusha Ekadashi 2026: Date and Timings

Event	Date and Time
Papankusha Ekadashi	Thursday, October 22, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Begins	October 21 at 2:11 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends	October 22 at 2:47 PM
Parana Date	Friday, October 23, 2026
Parana Time – New Delhi	6:27 AM to 10:12 AM
Hindu Month	Ashwin
Paksha	Shukla Paksha
Presiding Deity	Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Padmanabha

Timings are based on the Delhi Panchang calculation. Parana timings may vary by location and religious tradition.

What Is Papankusha Ekadashi?

Papankusha Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh lunar day, or Ekadashi Tithi, of Ashwin Shukla Paksha. It is one of the important Ekadashi fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The name is commonly explained through the Sanskrit words papa, meaning sin, and ankusha, meaning a goad or hook used to guide or control an elephant. In religious interpretation, the name represents the observance's association with overcoming wrongdoing, controlling harmful impulses and moving towards a more disciplined spiritual life.

Also Read: October 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Indira Ekadashi, Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth Dates

Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The glory of Papankusha Ekadashi is traditionally narrated through a dialogue between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira. When Yudhishthira asks about the Ekadashi that falls during the bright fortnight of Ashwin, Krishna explains its spiritual importance and recommends worshipping Lord Vishnu as Padmanabha.

The traditional account emphasises that sincere devotion, fasting, prayer and charity on this day are spiritually meritorious. The vrat is associated with freedom from the burden of past wrongdoing and progress towards liberation.

The Popular Story of Krodhana, the Hunter

A popular version of the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha tells the story of a hunter named Krodhana, who lived on the Vindhya mountains. He was known for cruelty, hunting animals, stealing and committing other harmful acts.

When the end of his life approached, Krodhana learned that his death was near. Frightened by the consequences of his actions, he approached Sage Angira and asked for a way to seek redemption.

The sage advised him to observe Papankusha Ekadashi with sincerity and worship Lord Vishnu. Krodhana followed the advice and observed the vrat. According to the popular devotional story, his sincere observance helped him overcome the consequences of his past deeds and attain a higher spiritual state. The story is commonly shared to convey the message that sincere repentance, self-discipline and devotion can guide a person towards a more righteous path.

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Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 Puja Vidhi

Devotees can follow these traditional steps to worship Lord Vishnu on Papankusha Ekadashi:

1. Wake up early: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before beginning the day's observance.
2. Take a Sankalp: Make a personal vow to observe the vrat according to your capacity and family tradition.
3. Prepare the puja area: Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu or Lord Padmanabha on a clean platform.
4. Offer puja items: Present flowers, Tulsi leaves, fruits, incense and a lit diya.
5. Chant Vishnu mantras: Recite “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or other prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
6. Read the Vrat Katha: Read or listen to the traditional Papankusha Ekadashi story and reflect on its message.
7. Practise charity: Donate food, clothes or other useful items to people in need, according to your means.
8. Maintain devotion: Spend time in prayer, meditation, bhajans or the reading of sacred texts.
9. Perform Parana: Break the fast on October 23 during the prescribed Dwadashi window, following the local Panchang.

Lord Vishnu is traditionally worshipped as Padmanabha on Papankusha Ekadashi. Devotees may also recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or other Vishnu stotras as part of their prayers.

Papankusha Ekadashi Fasting Rules

Papankusha Ekadashi fasting rules differ according to family customs, religious traditions and individual capacity. Some devotees undertake a strict fast, while others consume permitted foods.

Common fasting practices include:

• Nirjala vrat: Abstaining from both food and water, traditionally undertaken only by those who can safely manage it.
• Phalahar vrat: Consuming fruits, milk and other permitted fasting foods.
• Partial fasting: Eating a limited selection of foods allowed by one's tradition.
• Grain-free fasting: Avoiding regular grains and cereals, including rice and wheat.

Devotees traditionally avoid meat, eggs and alcohol during the observance. Some also avoid onion, garlic, pulses and certain forms of salt, depending on their family's vrat rules.

People with medical conditions, those who are pregnant, older adults and anyone who may be affected by fasting should prioritise their health and choose an appropriate form of observance.

What Should You Avoid on Papankusha Ekadashi?

According to common Hindu fasting traditions, devotees may avoid:

• Eating prohibited grains and cereals during the vrat.
• Consuming meat, eggs or alcohol.
• Speaking harshly or engaging in unnecessary arguments.
• Deliberately harming other living beings.
• Excessive indulgence and activities that distract from prayer.
• Breaking the fast outside the prescribed Parana period when following a strict Ekadashi observance.

Specific rules vary by sampradaya and family tradition. Devotees should follow the customs they observe and prioritise health and safety.

Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 Parana Time

Papankusha Ekadashi Parana will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026. For New Delhi, the Parana window is approximately 6:27 AM to 10:12 AM. Parana refers to the ritual breaking of the Ekadashi fast on Dwadashi. Devotees generally break the fast after sunrise during the prescribed period, taking care to follow the relevant Panchang and their religious tradition.

When Is the Next Ekadashi After Papankusha Ekadashi?

The next Ekadashi after Papankusha Ekadashi is Rama Ekadashi, which will be observed on Thursday, November 5, 2026. It falls during Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month of Kartik and is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu.