Papmochini Ekadashi
is a sacred day for Hindus all over the world. It is observed in the month of Chaitra, on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha. The Papmochini Ekadashi is believed to cleanse one's
sins
and make way for spiritual growth of the person who observes a fast on that day.
The word ‘Papmochini’ itself signifies ‘one that removes all sins’. It is believed that observing Papmochini Ekadashi fast with devotion and sincerity can wash away the sins of the person, even during his or her previous births, and give them blessings for a better life.
The Papmochini Ekadashi is not just about fasting and elaborate rituals but also about introspection, being sorry about the sins committed, and purifying yourself from within.
Papmochini Ekadashi in 2024
This year, the Papmochini Ekadashi will be observed on April 5.
The Ekadashi Tithi will begin on April 4, 04:14 PM, and end on April 5, 1:28 PM.
How do people prepare for it?
Devotees prepare for Papmochini Ekadashi by engaging in spiritual practices such as chanting, praying, reading sacred texts, meditating, fasting and more.
Fasting is one of the most important parts of the Papmochini Ekadashi for it is believed to purify the person from within. When people abstain from eating grains, lentils, and other food items, their body is at better rest and can focus on internal purification. On Papmochini Ekadashi, people limit their food to fruits, milk, nuts, and other sattvic foods.
And on this Ekadashi, the fast is not merely a physical restraint from food but also is a symbol of being in control of one's senses and desires. By not eating any heavy, indulgent food throughout the day, devotees can focus their energies on spiritual activity and connect with the divine on a deeper level. This detachment from worldly pleasures helps in purifying the mind and soul.
Significance of Papmochini Ekadashi
The significance of Papmochini Ekadashi is its ability to allow devotees to ask for forgiveness and then remove their past sins. It is believed that the person who keeps a fast and engages in devoted prayer and sadhana on this Ekadashi will be absolved of sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, and not just in this birth but also in the previous ones.
The story behind Papmochini Ekadashi
The story of Papmochini Ekadashi has been recited as vrat katha for a long time.
According to legends, during ancient times, there was a beautiful forest where a wise sage meditated. The forest was frequented by gods like Devraj Indra and celestial beings and the sage worshipped Lord Shiva in all his might and being.
It is said that one day Kamadeva sent an Apsara named Manju Ghosha to distract the sage from his meditation. She succeeded in luring him and breaking his meditation and the two spent many years together after that. But unfortunately, after a while, Manju Ghosha decided to leave the Sage, who then realised his mistake and cursed her. Unfortunately, though, he too broke his meditation towards the Gods and was also cursed for it.
When the Sage asked around for forgiveness, he was advised to observe the Papmochani Ekadashi fast, assuring that it would cleanse his sins and restore his original Sage-like qualities.
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