Papmochani Ekadashi
Papmochani Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Chaitra (usually March–April). Observed to be freed from sins (papa-mochani).
At a glance
| Lunar day | Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Chaitra |
| Usual season | March–April |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Observed for | Observed to be freed from sins (papa-mochani). |
The story of Papmochani Ekadashi
Its katha concerns the sage Medhavi, absorbed in deep penance in the Chaitraratha forest, who was tempted from his austerities by the apsara Manjughosha. Years later, when Manjughosha sought release from the burden of the sin she had caused, she was advised to observe Papmochani Ekadashi. Through the vrat she was freed, and the tradition holds that the fast can lift even sins committed unknowingly.
Significance
The name means 'the remover of sins' (paap-mochani). It is observed to cleanse wrongdoing done knowingly or unknowingly, and to restore a calm, purified mind before the new season. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Krishna paksha of Chaitra.
The fast is kept with worship of Vishnu; many take only fruit and water, and the katha is heard on the vrat day.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Papmochani Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Papmochani Ekadashi?
Papmochani Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Chaitra, usually in March–April. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Papmochani Ekadashi?
The name means 'the remover of sins' (paap-mochani). It is observed to cleanse wrongdoing done knowingly or unknowingly, and to restore a calm, purified mind before the new season.
What is the story behind Papmochani Ekadashi?
Its katha concerns the sage Medhavi, absorbed in deep penance in the Chaitraratha forest, who was tempted from his austerities by the apsara Manjughosha. Years later, when Manjughosha sought release from the burden of the sin she had caused, she was advised to observe Papmochani Ekadashi.
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.