April 05, 2024, Friday
08:48 AM to 10:23 AM
11:59 AM to 01:34 PM
04:45 PM to 06:21 PM
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‘Papmochani’ in Sanskrit, means deliverance from sins. This Ekadasi (11th day of the Moon’s lunar phase) falls on the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Chaitra (March–April). One is relieved from all sins, by observing a fast for Lord Vishnu on this Ekadasi.
According to Bhavishya Uttara Purana, Lord Krishna highlights the significance of Papmochani Ekadasi to King Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas in Mahabharata. There was a sage named Medhavi, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Beautiful damsels from Indira Loka tried to seduce him during his deep penance, and all their efforts were futile. Hence, Kamdev sent the most beautiful damsel Manjugosha to allure the sage and succeeded in it. The sage fell for her serene beauty and lived with her for 57 years. One fine day when the damsel wanted to leave for her abode, the sage declined and cursed her into an evil witch. Medhavi himself felt very guilty for being a part of this, took her to his father, Sage Chyavana, for a solution. Sage Chyavana asked both of them to observe Papmochani Ekadasi in praise of Lord Vishnu, which absolved their sins.
The day begins with a ritual bath early in the morning and by making 16 varieties of offerings to Lord Vishnu decorated with flowers. The fast starts on Dasami (10th Moon) and ends on Dwadasi (12th Moon) by consuming Tulsi water. Under specific circumstances, one can observe partial fasting with the consumption of milk and fruits. The night is spent chanting Mantras and Vishnu Sahasranamam (1000 names of Vishnu). One must refrain from eating grains, pulses, and spices. Foods that can be consumed include fruits, potato, sweet potato, nuts, olives, milk, sugar, coconut, ginger, and black pepper.
As per sacred texts, observing Papmochani 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.
