Papankusha Ekadashi is a significant Hindu fasting day observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. This year, it falls on October 13, 2024¹. The day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu².

Significance and Rituals

• Significance: Observing the Papankusha Ekadashi fast is believed to absolve devotees of their past sins and grant them worldly desires, wealth, and good health. The merits of this fast are considered equivalent to performing several Ashwamedha Yajnas and Surya Yajnas².
• Rituals: Devotees begin preparations on the eve of Dashami (the tenth day) by consuming a single sattvic meal before sunset. On Ekadashi, they wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes. The fast involves abstaining from sinful deeds, lies, and sleeping during the day and night. Devotees spend their time reciting mantras, especially the Vishnu Sahasranama, and performing aarti. The fast concludes on Dwadashi (the twelfth day) with donations and offering food to Brahmins²¹.

Parana (Breaking the Fast)

The fast is broken on Dwadashi, after the conclusion of Hari Vasara. For 2024, the Parana time is from 1:20 PM to 3:43 PM on October 14