Papmochani Ekadashi 2023 Vrat Date

Papmochini Ekadashi is one of the most significant Ekadashi falling in Chaitra month. The two words Pap and Mochini combine to form the word Papmochini. The term "Papmochini" means the "one who frees you from all sins". It is a revered term used in Hinduism to describe the deity who has the power to absolve one of their sins. It is said that observing a fast and performing puja rituals on this day can help one attain divine blessings and absolution from their wrongdoings. The day is considered auspicious and is celebrated with great devotion and faith by Hindus all over the world. It helps in washing away all the sins committed in the past and in securing a place in the abode of Lord Vishnu.

 

Papmochini Ekadashi date and auspicious time

Ekadashi Tithi Begins: March 17, Starting at 12:07 PM
Ekadashi date ends: March 18, at 11.12 am
Auspicious time for worship: March 18, 2023, from 7.59 am to 9.30 am.
Paran of Papmochini Vrat: March 19, 2023, will be from 6.28 am to 8.09 am.

 

As per Hindu myths, King Mandhata was known for being a fair and just ruler. Nevertheless, he made the mistake of offending the highly respected sage Angiras due to his conceit, resulting in a harsh drought on both him and his entire kingdom. The people of his realm faced vast difficulties, and the king, accepting his faults, reached out for Lord Vishnu's aid. The deity instructed him to observe the fast of Papmochini Ekadashi, which eventually helped the king and his subjects purge themselves of wrongdoing and achieve liberation.

 

Papmochini Ekadashi involves several practices such as fasting, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, and studying sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Vishnu Sahasranamam. Additionally, followers perform benevolent deeds like providing aid to those who are struggling by offering food and clothes.

During this occasion, followers arise at dawn to bathe and partake in puja ceremonies. They present Lord Vishnu with offerings of sweet treats, fruits, and flowers while reciting his mantras. Additionally, they listen attentively to the stories related to this annual celebration and show appreciation by providing meals to Brahmins.

 

Papmochini Ekadashi is deemed as a propitious time to request absolution for previous wrongdoings and begin a fresh journey towards virtue. As per Hinduism, it is believed that adhering to this fast and carrying out the puja ceremonials sincerely and devotedly can aid in achieving moksha, which is the most significant objective of human life.

 

Significance and Importance of Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat

Papmochini Ekadashi is believed to be one of the most important Ekadashi fasts observed by Hindus. It is believed that observing fast and performing puja rituals can lead to freedom from past sins and propel an individual towards spiritual enlightenment. This act is seen as a form of devotion to one's beliefs and is often practiced during auspicious occasions. By abstaining from food and other distractions, one can focus their mind and energies on seeking inner peace and connecting with a higher power. This discipline is considered a vital step towards leading a righteous and fulfilling life.

 

Ekadashi 2023 Dates

 

Papmochani Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

On the day of Papmochini Ekadashi, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and perform puja rituals. As the puja commences, the first step involves the installation of a beautifully crafted statue or picture of Lord Vishnu. The devotees then begin to offer the deity a variety of offerings, including colorful flowers, sweet and juicy fruits, and delicious sweets. Along with these offerings, the recitation of mantras dedicated to the Lord fills the air with a soothing and peaceful energy, creating a spiritual ambiance that uplifts the soul.

 

As the puja commences, the first step involves the installation of a beautifully crafted statue or picture of Lord Vishnu. The devotees then begin to offer the deity a variety of offerings, including colorful flowers, sweet and juicy fruits, and delicious sweets. Along with these offerings, the recitation of mantras dedicated to the Lord fills the air with a soothing and peaceful energy, creating a spiritual ambiance that uplifts the soul.

 

Papmochani Ekadashi  Vrat Katha

This Papmochani Ekadashi Katha is outlined in the Bhavishya Uttara Purana as dialogues between Lord Krishna and King Yudhishtira. According to the story, there was a sage called Medhavi who was a big devotee of Lord Shiva. This sage used to do Tapasya (meditation) in the forest of Chaitraratha, which was full of beautiful and fragrant flowers. Lord Indra and the Apsaras visited the forest frequently. The Apsaras tried many times to distract the young Medhavi but never succeeded. One of the Apsaras, called Manjughosa, tried several ways to distract this sage, but she could not even come close to him due to the power of his Tapasya.

 

Eventually, Manjughosa decided to make a tent a few miles away from the sage and then started to sing, which even got Kamdev (Cupid) excited. Every time Manjughosha looked at the young and attractive body of the sage, she got restless with lust. Finally, Manughosha managed to reach close to Medhavi and embraced him, which broke the sage’s Tapasya. After that, the sage lost himself completely in the charms of Manjughosha and was trapped. He lost his purity immediately. He even forgot the difference between day and night.

 

Medhavi kept the sage entrapped in her charms for 57 years, after which she lost interest in him and decided to leave. When she told Medhavi of her wish to go away, the sage returned to his senses and realised how the apsara had kept him trapped for 57 years. This made Medhavi angry and cursed Manjughosha to transform into the ugliest woman.

 

Enraged, the sage cursed the Apsara to become an ugly witch. Feeling very sad, Medhavi went back to his father, Sage Chyavana’s ashram and recounted the whole Papmochani Ekadashi Katha. Sage Chyavana asked both Medhavi and Manjughosha to observe the Papmochani Ekadashi vrat and pray to Lord Vishnu with full devotion. As a result, they got cleansed from their sins.

 

Here are some Do's and Don'ts for observing Papmochini Ekadashi?

Do's:

Observe a fast on this day and eat only after the puja rituals are completed.

Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes.

Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu during the puja rituals.

Listen to the stories associated with Papmochini Ekadashi and perform charitable acts like donating food and clothing to the needy and the poor.

Recite the mantras of Lord Vishnu and read the Holy Scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and Vishnu Sahasranamam.

Seek forgiveness for past sins and resolve to lead a righteous life.

 

Don'ts:

Do not eat non-vegetarian food, consume alcohol or smoke on this day.

Avoid sleeping during the day and maintain a positive and spiritual mindset.

Do not engage in any form of violence or negative thoughts.

Avoid wearing black or dark-coloured clothes on this day.

Do not break the fast before completing the puja rituals or without seeking blessings from Lord Vishnu.