Papankush Ekadashi fast is observed on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha, Ashvin month. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day, In the year 2023, Papakunsha fast will be observed on 25th October. It is believed that by worshipping this fast a person receives heaven after death. Bhog is offered to Lord Vishnu after completing all the rituals of worshipping.
It is said that the fruits of thousand Ashwamedha Yagya and 100 Surya Yagya can be obtained by observing this fast. Therefore, no fast is equivalent to this fast. Moreover, the person who performs Jagran in the night of this Ekadasi, receives heaven.
Rituals to Perform Papakunsha Ekadashi
Lord Vishnu is worshipped with incense sticks, lamps, coconut and flowers on Papakunsha Ekadashi. On the day of Ekadashi, person observing fast should wake up early in the morning and complete his routine work. After this, the resolution of fast is taken. Then, an urn is placed on which idol of Lord Vishnu is placed.
Person observing this fast should read the Vishnu Sahasranamam, at night. This Vrat is not concluded on Ekadashi itself, but on Dwadashi (a day after Ekadashi), by giving donations to Brahmans.
Papakunsha Ekadashi Fast Story
According to the Papakunsha fast story, there was a very cruel hunter named, Krodhan. At the end of his life, Yamraj ordered to bring the hunter in his court. Scared by death, he went to the Ashram of Angira Rishi and started pleading to save him from going to hell. Sage Angira said him to worship Lord Vishnu on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha, Ashvin Masa. By observing fast and performing Puja, on this Ekadashi, he became free from all his sins. By observing this fast as per the rituals told Angira, he attained peace and salvation in the end.
Significance of Papakunsha Ekadashi
The observer must give donations as per his potency. By observing this fast, all sins of a person are removed. The significance of this fast is also mentioned in various scriptures. Those who are not able to observe complete fast, can eat food in the evening also. Observing this fast helps to attain peace and salvation. Devotes should worship the lord with full faith and devotion.