Papmochani Ekadashi and Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat is Coming on 6th April 2013.
About Papmochani Ekadashi
Papamocani Ekadasi, or Papamochini Ekadashi, is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month of March – April. In 2013, the date of Papamochini Ekadasi is April 6. It is believed that observing Papamochini Ekadasi will help in the redemption of sins. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in traditional Hindu calendar.
The importance of Papamocani Ekadasi was mentioned to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavishyottara Purana. Legend has it that an Apasara named Manju Ghosha lured Sage Medhavi into married life. After several years, the Apasara wanted to return back to Devaloka but this was objected by the Sage. But the Apsara was unwilling to listen to the sage and in anger he cursed the Apsara and turned her into a witch. The sage told her that she will be relieved of the curse by observing Papamochini Ekadashi.
The sage too felt that he too had committed sins by falling into the trap of the Apsara and he too decided to observe Papamochini Ekadashi. Papa means ‘sin’ and ‘Mochini’ means to escape. Thus this Ekadashi exclusively helps in destroying sins and guilt associated with the sins committed.
All the normal rules associated with the Ekadasi fasting is observed during Papamochini Ekadasi.
Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The greatness of keeping vrat on this Ekadashi is depicted in Bhavishya Puran. In the Lok of Swarag, there is a beautiful garden in the name of Chaitrarath. Nearly all devtas go to the garden and spend most of their time for relaxation. The Rishis spent their time performing penance in order to please the Supreme Almighty God. Once Kamdeva, out of revenge wanted to disturb and break the continuous penance of a Rishi named as Medhavi. The path Kamdev chose was to send an attractive dancer and encourage Medhavi Rishi into loosing concentration to God and instead focus on the dancing and falling into the cage of fantasy illusion. Upon dancing, Medhavi Rishi got entangled with the dancer and began living with her. The Rishi spent most of his time in looking after the dancer and overlooked the meditation of God. He would not let her out of his sight for even a second.
As this was getting too much for the dancer, she called upon the Rishi and pleaded, “O Rishi, please allow me to go home now. My parents and family must be waiting for my arrival.” Listening to her request, Medhavi Rishi asked her to stay until nightfall and thereafter she was free to go. Scared to say, the dancer replied, “O Rishi, Are you in any sense how many nights I have been with you?” When the Rishi began thinking, he realized that 75 years had passed by staying with the dancer. Furious at this, the Rishi realized that he had been setup with this evil act of the devtas and the dancer. Angrily, he cursed the dancer to become a ghost. But then Medhavi Rishi realized that the dancer was used as an enticement to break his constant meditation to God and was not really her fault. So the Rishi reassured the dancer and said, “O Devi, keep a full fast vrat on Papmochani Ekadashi which arrives in the month of Fagan. You will be freed from my curse.”
Medhavi Rishi went to his father Chavan Rishi and pleaded, “O Father, I have broken the continuous communion to God and ended up in living in sin with this dancer. Please guide me and show me how I can get released from these sins.” Chavan Rishi replied, “O Son, by keeping full vrat of Papmochni Ekadashi frees you from all sins.”
Medhavi Rishi and the dancer both performed the vrat of Papmochni Ekadashi and were ultimately freed from their sins.
Papamochani Ekadashi Fast Method
Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the fast of Ekadashi. Person observing the fast of Papamochani Ekadashi should have Satvik food (meal with no onion and garlic etc.) on the Dashmi Tithi (a day before Ekadasi). The fasting period of Ekadashi Vrat is for 24hours. Hence, a person needs to prepare himself mentally before starting the fast. In the day time of Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is remembered and meditation is performed. And, Jagran is performed by reading Vishnu Path, in the whole night. Person observing the fast should wake up at the time of sunrise and complete his routine works. Then, the resolution of fast is taken and Lord Vishnu is worshipped. Now, the person should sit infront of Lord Vishnu’s idol and read the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. After fasting the whole day, Jagran performed at night, multiplies the auspiciousness of fast results. Not having any food, in the night of Ekadashi and performing Jagran, increase the virtues of fasting. Person should sacrifice luxury and pleasure, on the day of fast. He should avoid having any sorts of bad thoughts in his mind. On the day of fast, it is must to hear the Vrat Katha. On the Dvadashi (a day after Ekadashi), person observing fast should take bath in the early morning, then Lord Vishnu is worshipped and Brahmans are given food and alms. After completing all these thing, food is eaten. This way the fast is concluded.
