Papmochani Ekadashi 2024: Date, Significance, and More!

Have you heard of Papmochani Ekadashi? also known as Papmochana Ekadashi, is a Hindu festivity that falls on the 11th day of the waxing and waning lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha). The ancient festival is observed during the months of April and May, according to the Gregory Calendar.

Devotees from all around the world pay their pilgrimage to Lord Vishnu on this day. They observe a fast known as the Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat to make the Lord happy so that their sins can be forgiven and they can get Moksha.

Papmochani Ekadashi 2024 Date: April 5, 2024 (Friday)
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 04:14 PM on Apr 4, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 01:28 PM on Apr 5, 2024

What is Papmochani Ekadashi?

According to the Hindu Lunar calendar, Papmochani Ekadashi comes twice a month. In a year, a total of 24 Ekadashis are observed, and Papmochani is the last one.

Papamochani means ‘one that removes sin’. Paap is sin, and Mochani means removal. As the name suggests, on this day, followers from the hindu community keep fasts or the Ekadashi Vrat to cleanse themselves of their sins. So, with that being said, let’s discover more about the festival of Papmochani Ekadashi, where you will learn about the Papmochani Ekadashi significance, Vrat Katha and the Ekadashi Vrat Katha.

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Papmochani Ekadashi Significance

Papmochani Ekadashi is a very promising day for the Hindu community. It holds significance in terms of spiritual purification and devotion to the divine like many observed Hindu festivals. But what makes it different?

Papmochani Ekadashi is a time for reflection and asking for forgiveness for one’s wrongdoings. Fasting holds great importance in the Hindu religion, according to their scriptures. The ancient texts mention Lord Krishna explaining the importance of Vrat to King Yudhishtra in Bhavishyottara Purana. If you look into it more, you will find that it says that the people who observe fasts and follow the rules will see the abode of Lord Vishnu and have a place in it.

The festival provides different benefits for the disciples of the Lord Vishnu. They tend to feel more at peace once they perform all their rituals and ceremonies. It is observed that they are stronger emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. As the evils are removed, it is observed that all the feelings of guilt are gone, and there is a clarity of thought.

Papmochani Ekadashi Katha or Mythological Story

According to the Papmochani Ekadashi Katha, the devotee of Lord Shiva and son of Rishi Chyavana, Medhavi, used to meditate in the forest of Chaitratha very strictly. Since no one could distract him, Kind Indra didn’t like his dedication, so he sent an apsara, Manjughosa.

She tried to seduce him, but the attempt failed. The temptation couldn’t overpower the Sage’s sobriety, so the apsara started to sing seductively. As the story proceeds, it is discovered that Lord Kamdev (cupid) likes this and begins to draw Medhavi’s attention through the use of magical bows.

Medhavi fell in love with her, and all the purity he had gained through years of hard work faded. Time passed, and Medhavi got so influenced by the apsara’s trick that he didn’t realise the blessings he had lost. After a span of years, the apsara asked Medhavi to leave her, and Medhavi returned to his senses. He discovered all the fruits of his meditation were gone. He cursed her in anger to become the ugliest woman in the universe.

After apologising to his father, Rishi Chyavana, for making the mistake of getting affected by the act of chasing a woman, he performed Papmochani Ekadashi to get rid of this sin.

As his father did, he also advised Manjugosha to do the same in order to be released from her wrongdoings. Now, both of them got cleansed of their sins by the grace of Lord Vishnu.

Why Puja for Papmochani Ekadashi Festival 2024?

Rituals are the key to cleansing in the Papmochani Ekadashi Festival. Devotees perform various activities like waking up early, taking a ritual bath, and performing prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

It is important to keep a strict fast throughout the day and follow the good examples of their ancestors. Consuming grains, pulses, and certain vegetables is not allowed. Engaging in Bhajans and reading the scriptures at night is a common practice among the followers of Lord Vishnu during this festival.

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List of Rituals one can practice on Papmochani Ekadashi Festival

Here is a list of Rituals one can do at the Papmochani Ekadashi Festival. In order to acquire blessings, make sure you perform these with complete devotion.

Devotees can bathe before sunrise and chant the mantras to the holy rivers.
Devotees can visit the vishnu temple and offer their prayers and flowers.
Vishnu Shasranama is another puja that can be performed under the supervision of qualified Brahmins.
Lamps can be lighted in order to please Lord Vishnu.
Bhajan and scriptures can be recited in order to please Lord Vishnu.
No beans and grains can be consumed on the day of Ekadashi.
Harming of animals is prohibited on Ekadashi.
The devotee must wake up early in the morning and should not sleep during the day.
The devotee should refrain from getting involved in the form of physical pleasures during Ekadashi.
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!” is another chant that can be recited by the devotees together to raise the spirits of the festivity.

Conclusion

Now we know Papmochani Ekadashi is a festival where devotees can cleanse themselves through the blessing of Lord Vishnu. It is a time to repent and ask for forgiveness. It is a good opportunity to get together with your family and friends and understand the importance of purity and devotion towards the creator. Don’t forget to follow through the rituals to gain the fruits of blessing for yourself and your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat ?

2. What are the benefits of Papmochani Ekadashi ?

The festival provides different benefits for the disciples of the Lord Vishnu. They tend to feel more at peace once they perform all their rituals and ceremonies. It is observed that they are stronger emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. As the evils are removed, all the feelings of guilt seem to be gone, and there is a clarity of thought.

3. What is Papmochani Ekadashi parana (beginning) time?

The Papmochani Ekadashi parana (beginning) time is 04:14 PM on Apr 4, 2024.

4. What is the meaning of Papmochani Ekadashi ?

Paap is sin, and Mochani means removal. Papamochani means ‘one that removes sin’. Devotees from all around the world pay their pilgrimage to Lord Vishnu on this day so that their sins can be forgiven and they can get Moksha.