Every fast has its own importance and benefits as per the Hindu scriptures. It is believed that keeping a fast brings the divine blessings of the Lord and showers the devotees with happiness and prosperity. Ekadashi Vrat holds a very significant place among all the fasts.
In Hinduism, Ekadashi is a very auspicious day that holds great importance. In a year, there are 24 Ekadashis and every month, there are two Ekadashis. Ekadashi (11th) day of Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon Period) of Chaitra month (as per the Hindu Calendar) (April-May) is known as Papmochani Ekadashi. It usually falls between the festival of Holi and Chaitra Navratri
In literal terms, Paapmochani is made of two words – ‘Paap’ which means sins and ‘mochani’ means remover. Hence, the one that removes the sins and misdeeds committed knowingly or unknowingly. Therefore, it is said that observing Paapmochani Ekadashi helps to remove sins and bad deeds.
So, let’s get to know more about Date, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi, and the Benefits of fasting on Papmochani Ekadashi 2023.
Papmochani Ekadashi 2023: Date, Muhurat and Timings
In the year 2023, Papmochani Ekadashi will be celebrated on Saturday, March 18.
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 02:06 p.m on March 17, 2023
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 11:13 a.m on March 18, 2023
- Parana Tithi (breaking fast) of Ekadashi: March 19 between 06:27 a.m to 08:07 a.m
Significance of Papmochani Ekadashi
According to Hindu scriptures, Papmochani Ekadashi is the most divine Ekadashi fast that nullifies all sins. It is believed that Papmochani Ekadashi is highly rewarding as Devotees who observe a fast on this particular day get freedom from all their sins and live a peaceful and happy life ahead. By observing this Ekadashi fasting, devotees gain clarity of vision and thought as well as all their worries, grief and mental afflictions are removed. Devotees also gain immense wealth by observing a fast of Papmochani Ekadashi.
The significance of Papmochani Ekadashi vrat was explained by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira during the Treta Yug. To invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu and eliminate past life sins, devotees must observe Papamochani Ekadashi with a pure heart. The Bhavishyottara Purana also mentions the Papmochani Ekadashi. It is detailed in the Bhavishya Uttara Purana as dialogues between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishthira, narrating Papmochani Ekadashi.
Papamochani Ekadashi 2023 Puja Vidhi
On Papamochani Ekadashi, worshipping Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious. Performing puja is not only rewarding but also brings positive energy into the house and helps to eliminate negative energy. So, let’s find below the puja vidhi on Papamochani Ekadashi.
- On the day of fasting, One should wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean cloth.
- Devotees need to observe a strict fast and refrain from the consumption of food and water.
- In the milder form of fasting, devotees can consume water and fruits.
- After taking bath, devotees need to perform puja of Lord Vishnu where they offer sacred food (Prasad), sandalwood paste and flowers to the deity.
- An oil lamp along with an incense stick should be lit in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol.
- Chant the mantras of Lord Vishnu and then perform His aarti.
- In the evening as well, perform the aarti of Lord Vishnu.
Find out the importance of Satyanarayan Vrat Katha
PAPMOCHANI Ekadashi Mantra
The mantra ‘OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah’ should be chanted 108 times if possible using a Tulsi Mala.
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः
OM Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah
Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Sage Medhavi had a great devotion towards him. He used to perform strict penance in the forest of Chaitraratha which was bloomed with beautiful flowers. The Chaitraratha forest was frequently visited by Lord Indra and Apsaras. During her visits, Apsara, “Manjughosa” numerous times tried different ways to seduce sage Medhavi with her beauty but she was unsuccessful every time she attempted due to the great power of his austerity. However, once staying at a distance, Manjughosa started singing. Her singing was so melodious that Lord Kamdev was delighted. When Manjughosha looked at the beautiful body of sage Medhavi, she became restless. She began to sing more seductively. Kamdev drew Medhavi’s attention to Manughosha with his powerful magic bow. Stuck by Kamdev’s magic,
Medhavi stopped his meditation and fell in love with Manjughosha. He lost his pure heart. For a long time, he was attracted by her charm.
After many years of marriage, Manjughosha lost interest in the sage and decided to leave him. He realized he had been tricked. Enraged, Medhavi cursed her to become an evil witch.
Medhavi returned to the ashram of his father, Sage Chyavana. Sage Chyavana asked Medhavi to fast on Papamochani Ekadashi and assured her that all her sins would be removed through this fasting. Medhavi devoutly observed Lord Vishnu’s fast and was freed from her sins. Manjughosha also observed the Papmochani Ekadashi fast and regretted her wrong deeds. Finally, she was also relieved from her sins and misdeeds.
Learn about the Religious Benefits of Fasting on Ekadashi
Benefits of Observing Paapmochani Ekadashi
- It helps removes all sins, misconducts, misdeeds and misgivings committed knowingly or unknowingly.
- Aids to give clarity of thoughts and helps to nullify all guilt feelings
- It helps to increase spiritual, intellectual and emotional strength.
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