Papankusha Ekadashi also known as Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi is on 15 October, 2013. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and observing fast on this day helps in abolition of all sins and attainment of heaven. With the observance of this fast one receives Akshaya Punya.
Legend behind the Ekadashi
In ancient times, there lived a very ruthless hunter named Krodhana, on the mountains of Vindhyachal. Throughout his life he was involved in sinful activities such as drinking, theft, violence and killing. Just before the last day of his life, Yamraj ordered his envoys to bring Krodhana in his court as his lifetime was over. After getting Yamraj’s order, his messengers went to Krodhana to inform him the same on which he got scared and went to Saint Angira. He told Saint Angira about his sins and the fear of the upcoming death. On this Saint replied, Tomorrow is Kwaar Sudi’s Ekadashi and this day eradicates all the sins of the humans and he should observe this fast with pure heart and worship Lord Vishnu as it will eliminate all his sins. After listening to the Saint, Krodhana observed the fast and worshipped Lord Vishnu with devotion. That night Krodhana chanted the name of God and went to sleep and with that, his soul left his body. But envoys of Yamraj failed to take his soul to Yamalok as he had observed Papakunsha Ekadashi’s Vrat before his death and as such his soul was taken to Heaven by the counsellors of Lord Vishnu. As a result messengers of Yamraj went back without his soul.
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Method to observe Ekadashi Fast
Glory of Papankusha Ekadashi Fast is unmatchable. The devotees get up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean clothes. Idol of Lord Vishnu is placed on a clean place and is worshipped with lamps, flowers, betel leaves, incense sticks and coconut. The rituals of the fast begin from Dashmi, a day before. Wheat, Moong, rice, Urad, Masoor, Barley and Gram are the seven cereals worshipped on this day. This day the devotees should refrain from lies and should not harm anyone. They should speak less for the abolition of their sins. On the day of Ekadashi the food prepared must not contain salt and spices. Vishnu Sahasranaman is read at night. This fast is concluded on the next day (Dvadashi) by giving donations to the Brahmins.
Papankusha Ekadashi Fast Benefits
It is believed that by observing this fast a person goes to heaven after death. He does not face the fear and problems of Yamlok (hell). It is also said that fruits of 1000 Ashvamedha Yagya and 100 Surya Yagya cannot be compared to even the 16th portion of the Ekadashi fast which clearly shows how unique this fast is from every other fasts. A person gets health, wealth and a beautiful life partner by observing this fast.
Performing Jagran at night of Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and 10 ancestors each, from maternal and paternal side are sent to Vishnu Lok (heaven). Blessing of Brahmins is taken by feeding them and offering them cereals, donation, cow, land and clothing. Mahurat of Papankush Ekadashi is the best day to begin any kind of construction activities which serve the mankind like constructing temple, water-tank, alms-house and garden.
Papankusha Ekadashi is a very auspicious day and this fast is truly inequivalent. You can overcome all your sins by observing this fast and could seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for a healthy, wealthy and long life.
Click here to know the Ekadashi dates for 2013 - Ekadashi 2013
