Significance of Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat [2024]

Papmochani Ekadashi is one of the Ekadashis observed by Hindus. An Ekadashi is the eleventh Tithi (lunar day) in the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases. Hindus consider all Ekadashis as important and dedicate these occasions to Lord Vishnu. Like all other Ekadashis, Papmochani Ekadashi is also observed with some special Pujas and Vrat.

What is Papamochani Ekadashi?

Papmochani Ekadashi is the Ekadashi falling on the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Chaitra month. There are two Ekadashis in a month and twenty-four Ekadashis in a year. The Papmochani Ekadashi that comes between Holika Dahan and Chaitra Navratri is the last among twenty-four Ekadashis in the Hindu solar calendar year.

Papmochani Ekadashi is observed during the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month according to the North Indian Purnimanta calendar and Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month according to the South Indian Amavasyanta calendar. However, it falls on the same day in both of these calendars. Papmochani Ekadashi falls before Ugadi and is the last Ekadashi of the year. In the Gregorian calendar, it falls in March or April.

Importance of Papmochani Ekadashi

The term Papmochani has two words ‘pap’ and ‘mochani’. ‘Pap’ means ‘Sin’ and ‘Mochani’ means ‘removal’. So, in the literal sense, Papmochani means to get rid of sins. It is believed that one who observes Papmochani Ekadashi would be absolved from all past and present sins.

Like every other Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is worshipped on the occasion of Papmochani Ekadashi. The one who observes the Papmochani Ekadashi fast would get rid of all the sins, grievances, and mental afflictions. It gives clarity of vision and thought and blesses the devotee with a peaceful and happy life.

Papamochani Ekadashi 2024 is on April 5, Friday.

Papmochani Ekadashi 2024 Important Timings

Ekadashi Tithi Begins April 04, 2024, 4:14 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends on April 05, 2024, 1:29 PM
Sunrise April 05, 2024, 6:18 AM
Sunset April 05, 2024, 6:40 PM
Dwadashi End Moment April 06, 2024, 10:19 AM
Parana Time April 06, 6:17 AM – April 06, 8:46 AM

What are the rituals of Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat?

The Papmochani Ekadashi rituals include Vrat (fasting) and Pujas. The observance of the vrat may start on Dashami (10th lunar day), the day before the Ekadashi. On the day of Ekadashi, the devotees should wake up early and take a holy bath. After the bath, they should worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, sandal paste, and incense sticks.

Fasting on Papamochani Ekadashi is considered very auspicious. Full fasting without consuming any food or water is recommended for those observing Ekadashi Vrat. Those who can’t afford this can observe vrat by consuming fruits, nuts, and water. Even those who are not observing the vrat should refrain from consuming grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian foods, which are forbidden on Ekadashi. The Papmochani Ekadashi fast is usually broken the next day after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.

Worshipping Lord Vishnu with dedication is an important Ekadashi ritual. One can worship the deity using lamps, incense sticks, Tulsi leaves, flowers, sandal paste, etc. If possible, those who observe vrat can visit the temples of Lord Vishnu. One may also choose to recite mantras of Vishnu, Satyanarayankatha, Vishnu Sahasranama, or Bhagavad Gita chapters on this auspicious occasion.

Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat

Devotees observing Papmochani Ekadashi vrat should fast from sunrise in Ekadashi to sunrise in Dwadashi. Observing vrat doesn’t just confine to abstaining from food. The devotees should stay strong and not succumb to lust, anger, or greed. Also, they should avoid lying or criticizing anyone. Thus, by resisting all feelings and temptations, the vrat purifies the body, mind, and soul.

Parana or breaking of Ekadashi fast should be done on Dwadashi (the next day) after sunrise. It is necessary to do Parana in Dwadashi Tithi unless it is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is even considered an offense. Also, while doing Parana or breaking the fast, one should avoid doing it during the Hari Vasara period, which is the first quarter of the Dwadashi tithi. The most auspicious time to break the fast is Pratahkal. Doing Parana in Madhyahna is also not recommended. If, for some reason, you can’t do Parana during Pratahkal, then you can do it only after Madhyahna.

Two types of Ekadashi Vrats are recommended: one for Smarthas, those with family, and the other for Sanyasis and Moksha-driven devotees. Smarthasor normal devotees can observe a one-day fast on the day of Ekadashi. Alternate Ekadashi fasting or fasting for two days is suggested for Sanyasis and those who seek moksha.

What are the Fasting Procedures for Papmochani Ekadashi

Since a complete fast is recommended, a devotee can observe fasting from the previous day’s sunset to ensure that no undigested food is left in the stomach.
The devotee should wake up before sunrise in Ekadashi. He should take a bath and worship Lord Vishnu.
Visiting a Vishnu temple and reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita with devotion would intensify the spiritual drive.
To end the vrat, the devotee can bathe on the next day (Dwadasi) morning, worship Lord Vishnu, and break the fast during the Parana time, which will vary for each Dwadasi.
Parana (breaking the fast) should not be done during Hari Vasara (fourth quarter of Dwadashi). The devotee should wait for Hari Vasara to get over to observe Parana (breaking the fast).
The most preferred time for Parana is Pratahkal. Those who can’t do it during Pratahkal should do it after Madhyahna only.

Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat recommends full fasting. Those who can’t bear a full fast due to ill health or some other reason can observe it by eating once, either at midday or in the evening. In that case, the devotee should know the food items that are permitted on Papmochani Ekadashi.

Permitted Foods/Spices:

Fresh & dry fruits, vegetables, nuts & nut oils, milk, coconut, potato, sweet potato, cassava, buckwheat, pepper, ginger, olive, sugar, rock salt, etc.

Foods/Spices that should be avoided:

Non-veg food (meat, fish, egg etc.), beverages (tea, coffee, cola and other energy drinks), mushrooms, all types of grains, onion, peas, beans, sesame seeds, mustard, asafoetida, cloves, fenugreek, cardamom, nutmeg, fennel, Tulsi, tamarind, custard, salt, baking soda, baking powder etc.

Significance of Papamochani Ekadashi

The significance of Papamochani Ekadashi is illustrated in the Bhavishyottara Purana and Harivasara. It was narrated by Sage Lomasa to King Mandhata and then by Lord Krishna to the Pandava King Yudhisthira.

It is believed that Papamochani Ekadashi destroys all sins and frees the observer from guilt. The term ’Papmochani’(pap + mochani) itself means ‘release from sins’. It is even believed that observing this Ekadashi is more meritorious than visiting pilgrimage places. The main purpose of Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat is to resist the temptations and body’s demands. By observing this with full devotion, one would get motivated to abstain from committing sins. Thus, it helps a person not to get influenced by any kind of demons or evils and blesses him with peace and happiness. When Papmochani Ekadashi falls on a Thursday, it is considered more auspicious.

The Legend behind Papmochani Ekadashi

The legend behind Papmochani Ekadashi is narrated in the Bhavishyottara Purana in dialogues between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira.

Sage Medhavi was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He used to perform strict meditation in the forest of Chaitraratha. The Chaitraratha forest was always in full bloom and was a favorite place of Lord Indra and his apsaras, who frequently visited there. During one such visit, Indra saw Medhavi and his penance. Fearing that this would elevate Medhavi’s status and give him a high place in heaven, Indra thought of distracting him from his meditation.

Indra sent the apsara Manjughosa to distract Medhavi from his meditation. Manjughosa tried many ways to seduce Medhavi but was unsuccessful due to the power of his sobriety. Later, Manjughosa stayed a few miles away from the stage and started singing. She sang so beautifully that Lord Kamdev was impressed and used his magical bows. Thus, Manjughosa started singing seductively, and Kamdev succeeded in drawing Medhavi’s attention towards Manughosha with his powerful and magical bows.

Medhavi stopped his meditation. He got trapped in Manjughosa’s charm and lost the purity of his mind. They got married and lived together. After many years, Manjughosa lost her interest in Medhavi. She decided to abandon him and asked him to let her go. At this point, Medhavi realized that he was cheated. Out of anger, he cursed Manjughosa to become an ugly witch.

Later, Medhavi returned to his father, Sage Chyavana, who advised him to observe fast on Papmochani Ekadashi to get released from his sins. Following this, Medhavi observed Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat with full devotion to Lord Vishnu and was relieved from his sins. Manjughosha, who lost all her charms, also observed the Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat. She who regretted her wrong deeds was also relieved from her sins.

Why you should observe Papmochani Ekadashi

Every fast and Ekadashi is a way to receive blessings from the almighty and lead a happy and healthy life. If you observe fast, your body and mind become attuned to nature and higher powers, helping you become a more spiritually oriented person.

Among all the Ekadashis, Papmochani is especially important as it helps remove all your sins truly and effectively.

Sacred texts and mythology state that observing Papmochani Ekadashi can give you the following benefits and blessings –

Absolving all sins
Gaining eternal blessings from Lord Vishnu
Attaining salvation or moksha
Help in clearing mental problems and desires
Gaining clarity in thought
Receiving good health and wealth

Now that you know the many benefits of Papmochani Ekadashi and the rituals you need to follow to make sure that you enjoy a happy and blessed life by practicing the same and requesting forgiveness for your sins on this auspicious occasion. You can also utilize this blessed day to grow closer to the almighty and become more spiritual as a person.