For Hindus all over the world, and especially the followers of the Vaishnava sect, Ekadashi is a big and sacred day. Ekadashi comes twice a month, in the Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Today is Papmochini Ekadashi, observed in the month of Chaitra. This Ekadashi is believed to cleanse people’s sins and make way for their spiritual growth, especially when they fast on this day and observe a calm and spiritual nature throughout.
The word ‘Papmochini’ means ‘one that removes all sins’, and it is believed that people who observe the fast of Papmochini Ekadashi with devotion and without any profits in mind help clear off bad karma slowly. In fact, some people also say that people who fast on Papmochini Ekadashi all their lives are able to clear out the sins of their previous births as well and are blessed by Lord Vishnu for a better life.
Papmochini Ekadashi in 2025
This year, the Papmochini Ekadashi will be observed on March 25, Tuesday. .
According to Drik Panchang “Papmochani Ekadashi on Tuesday, March 25, 2025
On 26th Mar, Parana Time – 01:41 PM to 04:08 PM
On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment – 09:14 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Begins – 05:05 AM on Mar 25, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Ends – 03:45 AM on Mar 26, 2025”
How to prepare for Papmochini Ekadashi
Just like any other Ekadashi, people prepare for this one with simple, everyday rituals, accompanied by fasting for the day. They chant, pray, read sacred texts, listen to bhajans of Lord Vishnu, meditate through the day, repent for the sins they did, and more.
And fasting on Papmochini Ekadashi is believed to purify a person from within, helping them have a clean slate of life, devoid of any past sins, especially those committed by mistake.
On Ekadashi day, people who fast abstain from any form of grains, lentils, and other food items, especially during the day, and break their fast after the evening prayers.
This fasting is believed to be important so that the body is at rest and can focus on internal purification.
On Papmochini Ekadashi, it is said that fasting is not merely about not eating food and detoxing your body, but also about practising restraint and showing that you are in control of your mind and body, and senses and desires. By not eating any heavy, indulgent food throughout the day, devotees focus their energies on spiritual activity and connect with the divine on a deeper level.
Significance of Papmochini Ekadashi
For people around the world, Papmochini Ekadashi is important as it gives them a chance and opportunity to ask for forgiveness and remove their past sins. It is believed that the person who keeps a fast and engages in devoted prayer and sadhana on this Ekadashi will be absolved of sins committed unknowingly, and their life will start afresh. As they pray to Lord Vishnu on the day of Papmochini Ekadashi, they ask for not just erasing of sins, but also blessings that they will not commit any mistakes in the future, and when such a situation arises, Lord Vishnu will protect them.
Rituals for Papmochini Ekadashi
On the day of Papmochini Ekadashi, wake up early, preferably in the Brahma Muhurat which is between 3 AM to 5 AM, and take a shower to cleanse yourself. After the bathing rituals are done, clean your home temple, and the idols in the room, and lay out a fresh cloth on the temple.
Most devotees select a red or an orange cloth, and over it, they place the idols and pictures of the Gods and Goddesses.
Once the cleaning is done and the puja room is set, sit down for your daily prayers, and recite the Papmochini ekadashi vrat katha. Blow the conch, ring the bell, and the puja is done.
Then throughout the day make sure to not eat anything heavy or Tamsik in nature, and try to limit yourself to some fruits and water or milk. Spend the day in prayer and meditation, and ask God for forgiveness for any sins you might have committed unknowingly.
Then after the evening puja you can break your fast but with a light, simple meal. Simple vegetables like potatoes are eaten with some sweets made with Makhana or Sabudana.
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