Ekadashi, which falls between Holika Dahan and Chaitra Navratri, is called Papmochani Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is regarded as the last of the 24 Ekadashis of the year. As per the North Indian Hindu calendar, the 11th day of the waning moon in the Chaitra month is celebrated as Papmochani Ekadashi. It is celebrated as per the South Indian calendar, in the Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month, but it falls on the same day in both calendars. The two words Pap and Mochani combine to form the word Papmochani, the former meaning ‘sin’ and the latter meaning the ‘remover’ of sin. Observing a fast on Papmochani Ekadashi is considered very auspicious, and devotees who follow this are forgiven all their sins. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this Ekadashi.
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Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 – Date And Timings
| Event | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papamochani Ekadashi | March 15, 2026 | Sunday | — |
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | March 14, 2026 | Saturday | 08:15 |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends | March 15, 2026 | Sunday | 09:20 |
| Parana (Fast Breaking) | March 16, 2026 | Monday | 06:40 AM – 09:10 AM |
| Dwadashi End Moment | March 16, 2026 | Monday | 09:30 |
Fasting Ritual For Papmochani Ekadashi
Devotees observe a full day fast on Papmochani Ekadashi day. They pray to Lord Vishnu, chant mantras and sing songs or bhajans to praise Lord Vishnu. In temples, gatherings are held where sermons are given on the Bhagwat Gita. It is believed that chanting while fasting forms a shield around a devotee’s body.
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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.
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FAQs
When is Papmochani Ekadashi in 2026?
Papmochani Ekadashi in 2026 falls on the 11th day of the waning moon in the Chaitra month according to the North Indian Hindu calendar, and in the Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month according to the South Indian calendar. It is celebrated on the same day in both calendars.
What is the significance of Papmochani Ekadashi?
Papmochani Ekadashi is considered very auspicious as it is believed to absolve all sins of the devotees who observe a fast on this day. The term ‘Papmochani’ means ‘remover of sin’, and Lord Vishnu is worshipped during this Ekadashi.
How do devotees observe Papmochani Ekadashi?
Devotees observe a full day fast, pray to Lord Vishnu, chant mantras, and sing bhajans. In temples, sermons on the Bhagwat Gita are given. It is believed that chanting while fasting forms a protective shield around the devotee.
What is the Papmochani Ekadashi Katha?
The Papmochani Ekadashi Katha is a story from the Bhavishya Uttara Purana involving a sage named Medhavi and an apsara named Manjughosa. The sage was distracted by Manjughosa, leading to his loss of purity. Both were advised to observe Papmochani Ekadashi to cleanse their sins.
What benefits can be attained by observing Papmochani Ekadashi?
Observing Papmochani Ekadashi is believed to absolve devotees of their sins, and performing puja to Lord Vishnu on this day can bring health, wealth, and prosperity into one’s life.
