Papankusha Ekadashi Puja 2024: Date, Tithi, Parana timings, rituals, mantras and significance

Papankusha Ekadashi is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed to seek forgiveness for past sins and gain spiritual merit. The name "Papankusha" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Papa" meaning sin and "Ankusha" meaning a goad, symbolizing the Lord’s power to destroy negative deeds and steer devotees toward the path of righteousness. This Ekadashi falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin (September-October). Papankusha Ekadashi is a day of spiritual reflection and renewal, encouraging devotees to let go of past sins and align with the path of virtue.

Papankusha Ekadashi 2024: Date and Timing Details

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: October 13, 2024, at 09:08 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: October 14, 2024, at 06:41 AM
Parana Time (Breaking the Fast): October 14, 2024, from 12:43 PM to 03:03 PM

Hari Vasara End Moment: October 14, 2024, at 11:56 AM

The Gauna Papankusha Ekadashi fast will be observed on October 14, 2024, with devotees breaking their fast on October 15, 2024.

Parana Time for Gauna Ekadashi: October 15, 2024, from 05:41 AM to 08:02 AM
On October 15th, the Dwadashi Tithi will conclude before sunrise, marking the end of the fasting period.

Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi

Papankusha Ekadashi is celebrated to cleanse the soul of sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. Devotees believe that observing the Ekadashi fast helps in receiving divine blessings from Lord Vishnu and ensures a place in Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode) after death. According to scriptures, this Ekadashi also emphasizes the importance of non-violence, self-discipline, and truthfulness.

A popular legend associated with Papankusha Ekadashi narrates the story of a sinner named King Krodhana, who, despite a life of evil deeds, attained liberation by observing this Ekadashi before his death. It highlights that even those burdened with sins can find redemption through sincere devotion on this day.

Puja Rituals of Papankusha Ekadashi

Fasting: Devotees observe a strict or partial fast on this day, consuming only fruits, milk, and water. The fast is meant to cleanse the mind and body while promoting spiritual focus. Some people choose to stay awake throughout the night, chanting Vishnu’s names.

Temple Visits and Prayers: Early in the morning, devotees take a bath and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Temples dedicated to Vishnu, especially his incarnation as Padmanabha or Anantapadmanabha, see a large number of visitors on this day.

Offering of Flowers, Tulsi, and Prasad: Devotees offer Tulsi leaves, flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity during the puja. Incense and lamps are lit as part of the ritual.

Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama: Chanting hymns like the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra (a thousand names of Vishnu) is considered highly auspicious and helps invoke the Lord’s blessings. Some also recite Bhagavad Gita verses as part of their spiritual practice.

Charity and Donations: Acts of charity, such as distributing food, clothes, or money to the needy, are an essential aspect of the observance. Offering cows, grains, and gold to priests is also encouraged.

Papankusha Ekadashi 2024 Mantra

Om Namo Bhagavte Vasudevaye..!!
Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..!!
Ram Ram Rameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahastranaam Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane..!!