The Papankusha Ekadashi 2025 fast is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and will be observed on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Ashwin month. Observing this fast and performing puja according to prescribed rituals on this day destroys the sins of one's life, brings peace, prosperity, and happiness to the home, and grants liberation (moksha) to the devotee. This fast holds special significance from religious, spiritual, and cultural perspectives.
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025: This year, Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, October 3, 2025, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees will observe fast and perform puja with due rituals on this day, which is believed to destroy life's sins and bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to the home. This fast will be performed by devotees across India and holds immense religious, spiritual, and social importance. During the fast, consuming fruits (falahar), making donations (dan), and worshipping Lord Vishnu are considered especially beneficial.
Significance and mythological beliefs of Papankusha Ekadashi
'Papankusha' means 'that which curbs sins'. According to mythological tales, observing this fast frees an individual from unknowingly committed sins and prevents them from facing the torments of Yamalok (the abode of Yama, the god of death). In the Padma Purana, Lord Krishna himself elucidated the significance of this fast to Yudhishthira. Devotees who observe this fast are said to attain the merit equivalent to performing thousands of Ashwamedha Yajnas and one hundred Surya Yajnas.
This fast is specifically dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it is believed that performing puja with faith and devotion on this day grants devotees happiness, peace, prosperity, and liberation (moksha) in life.
Auspicious Timing and Date
This year, Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, October 3, 2025. The fast will commence on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 07:10 PM, and the Ekadashi tithi (date) will last until Friday, October 3, at 06:32 PM. The time for breaking the fast (Vrat Paran) will be on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 06:16 AM to 08:37 AM.
On this day, devotees should take a purifying bath, make a vow to observe the fast, and then install an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu at home to perform puja. The use of yellow flowers, Tulsi (holy basil), sandalwood paste, and lamps (deepak) is considered especially auspicious on this day. Yellow items such as bananas, sweets, turmeric, and yellow clothing are used during the fast.
Puja Ritual for Papankusha Ekadashi Fast
Those observing the fast should take a morning bath, make a vow before Lord Vishnu, and consume only fruits (falahar) throughout the day. In the evening, one should chant Vishnu Sahasranama or the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'. Break the fast on the Dwadashi tithi.
During the puja, devotees should use Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, lamps (deepak), and yellow flowers. Keep the house clean and specifically adorn the home temple. The fast should be observed with faith and devotion to attain its full benefits.
Rules for the Fast
On Papankusha Ekadashi, one should avoid anger, laziness, and speaking untruths. It is essential to abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and negative tendencies. Those observing the fast must practice celibacy (brahmacharya). Donating to the poor and needy holds special significance on this day.
Making donations multiplies the merit (punya) of the fast many times over and paves the way for peace, happiness, and prosperity in life. According to religious scriptures, devotees who observe the fast along with making donations receive the special grace of Lord Vishnu.
Benefits of Papankusha Ekadashi
For individuals observing this fast, sins are destroyed, and peace and happiness spread throughout their lives. Prosperity comes to the family, and the path to liberation (moksha) is attained. The spiritual merit (punya) of this fast remains not just during life but also after death.
According to devotees, observing Papankusha Ekadashi brings mental peace, spiritual contentment, and spiritual advancement. This fast infuses positive energy into life and fills the home with divine light.
Cultural Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi
Papankusha Ekadashi is not just significant from a religious perspective but also from social and cultural viewpoints. On this day, people perform puja and charity together with their families and communities. This festival also promotes brotherhood, togetherness, and social harmony.
During this fast, people listen to traditional songs and bhajans, special programs are organized in temples, and children are imparted religious education. This festival works to enhance spiritual and cultural awareness within families and society.
