Papankusha Ekadashi

Story of Papankusha Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

Krodhana, a hunter on the Vindhya mountain, spent his life harming others. When his end came near, he was terrified and ran to the ashram of Sage Angira. The sage said that the way to be free was to keep the Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi, which is like an elephant goad (ankusha) that holds back the elephant of sin. The hunter fasted, worshipped Padmanabha, and the messengers of Yama turned back. At death he was taken to Vishnu's realm.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi

It comes right after Dussehra, which is why it is also called Dussehra Ekadashi in some places. Pap-ankusha means the goad that controls sin.

The tradition says that keeping Papankusha Ekadashi gives control over the mind and release from sin. It falls in Ashwin Shukla Paksha and is kept with the worship of Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu).

How to keep Papankusha Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu).
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.