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Ekadasi is the 11th day of the Moon’s lunar phase, and Papankusha Ekadasi falls in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the month of Ashwin (September–October). This Ekadasi is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This day is also known as ‘Ashwina–Shukla Ekadasi.’
Once a cruel hunter named Krodhana lived on the Vindhyachal Mountains and involved in many unethical activities. During the end of his life, Yama, the God of death, asked his representative to bring the hunter’s soul. Krodhana, being very afraid of death, surrendered to Sage Angira, asking for help. The sage suggested the hunter observe Papankusha Ekadasi Vrat. Hence, upon observing this fast, he reached the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu after death.
Worshipping Lord Padmanabha on Papankusha Ekadasi is believed to bestow one with health, wealth, and happiness. Fasting on this day relieves one from all sins and fulfill their desires.
The observer of the Papankusha Ekadasi Vrat begins the day with a holy bath and start the vrat on Dasami (10th Moon) and breaks the fast on Dwadasi (12th Moon). Ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a silent vow in addition to refraining from food. The idol of Lord Vishnu is worshipped as per the ‘Archana Vidhi.’ Lord Padmanabha is offered betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits, flowers, lamps, and incense sticks. The night of the fasting day is spent by singing bhajans and reading Vishnu Sahasranamam (1000 names of Vishnu). Giving clothes and food charity is considered more favorable. Donation of gold, land, cows, sesame seeds, drinking water, umbrella, or pairs of shoes is considered more auspicious and may ward-off the need to visit hell post-death.
As per sacred texts, observing Papankusha Ekadasi Vrat can bestow the following blessings:
The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.
Any form of ceremonial or organized worship can generally be termed a pooja. Rituals like an abhishekam, alankaram, archana, etc. can qualify to be so called. A pooja, in the present context, can be taken to specify an archana.
Lord Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe and one among the Trinity. Performing a sacred homa to Lord Vishnu can bestow you with wealth, good health, happiness, and prosperity.
Maha Vishnu is the protector of this Universe; he guards all the living beings on this earth plane. When you worship him, you will be gifted with long life, prosperity, peace, happiness and success. Impediments will no longer stand on your way of achievements.
