Papankusha Ekadashi 2025 – Date, Significance, Vrat Rituals, and Spiritual Benefits

Papankusha Ekadashi, observed during the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, is a spiritually powerful day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, especially in his Padmanabha form. The word "Papankusha" means the one who pierces and destroys sins. This vrat is considered highly potent for erasing past karmas, granting divine protection, and securing a peaceful path toward liberation.

In 2025, Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, 3rd October. Devotees believe that observing this Ekadashi with sincerity earns them blessings equal to great yajnas and years of penance.

Papankusha Ekadashi 2025 – Date and Tithi

Date: Friday, 3rd October 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 2nd October at 4:26 PM
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 3rd October at 6:49 PM
Parana (Breaking the Fast): 4th October between 6:05 AM and 8:29 AM IST
(Parana should be done after sunrise and after offering food or donations to a Brahmin, cow, or needy person. Always check local sunrise timing.)

Spiritual Significance of Papankusha Ekadashi

Helps eradicate sins committed knowingly or unknowingly
Provides protection from negative karma and lower realms
Aids in attaining Vaikuntha loka, the abode of Lord Vishnu
Enhances spiritual merit and supports the soul’s path toward moksha
Also benefits departed ancestors, especially when Pitru Tarpan is performed, as this Ekadashi follows Pitru Paksha

Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat Katha

According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, a sinner named Krodhana lived a life full of negative actions. On the advice of a saint, he observed Papankusha Ekadashi with complete devotion. Upon his death, Yamraj’s messengers were unable to claim his soul. Instead, divine messengers of Lord Vishnu came and led him to Vaikuntha, signifying how powerful the vrat is in absolving even the gravest sins.

Rituals and Fasting Process

Preparation on Dashami (2nd October)

Consume only one satvik meal before sunset
Avoid tamasic food like onion, garlic, meat, and alcohol
Mentally take a sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast with devotion

On Ekadashi Day (3rd October)

Wake up early and bathe (preferably in tulsi-infused water)
Set up an altar or space with an image or idol of Lord Padmanabha or Vishnu
Perform puja using tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, ghee lamp, and incense
Offer coconut, jaggery, fruits, dry fruits, and chant:
- "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
- Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita chapters

Types of Fasting

Nirjala Vrat: No food or water (only for those in good health)
Phalahar: Fruits, milk, and dry fruits
Satvik Meal Once: For elders or those with medical needs
Spend the day in silence, bhajans, chanting, or spiritual reading
If possible, observe Jagaran (staying awake at night) with mantra chanting or meditation

Parana (Breaking the Fast) – 4th October

Break the fast after sunrise, within the prescribed muhurat
Traditionally, the fast is ended after offering food or charity to a Brahmin, cow, or poor person
Consume light, satvik food post-parana