Out of all the Ekadashis observed according to Hindu Traditions, ‘Papmochini Ekadashi’ is considered the most sacred. It is believed to liberate the devotees from all sins that they might have committed in their previous lives.
This year, ‘Papmochini Ekadashi’ falls on April 5.
Significance
‘Papmochini Ekadashi’ has a deep religious significance. According to a legend, a sage named Medhavi was an avid follower of Lord Shiva.
Once, when Sage Medhavi was engrossed in meditation, Apsara Manjughosa tried to intervene and seduce him but failed miserably. She then tried to enchant the sage with her irresistible voice and started singing. Upon hearing this, Lord Kamdev became fascinated and drew Sage Medhavi’s attention towards Manjughosa.
The sage lost his concentration and got married to Manjughosa. But, after some years, Apsara Manjughosa lost interest in Sage Medhavi and left him.
Furious, the sage cursed Manjughosa to transform into an ugly creature. Sage Medhavi then turned to Chyavana, who instructed him to observe fast on this day to atone for his sins. Both Medhavi and Manjughosa observed fast on Papmochini Ekadashi and got lifted from their wrong deeds.
Rituals and Mantra
- Wake up in the morning, take a bath and clean the puja room.
- Place an idol of Lord Vishnu and Shree Yantra to depict Maa Lakshmi.
- Adorn the idol with yellow garland and offer Tulsi dal.
- Light diya made with desi ghee and recite Vrat Katha.
- Offer Bhog prasad to Lord Vishnu in the evening and chant mantras dedicated to Vishnu.
Mantras to chant
“Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye!”
“Om Namo Laxmi Narayanaye Namah!”
“Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!”