Papmochani Ekadashi 2026

15 Mar, 2026

Sunday

Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 on
(15-03-2026)

The Significance of Papmochani Ekadashi

Papmochani Ekadashi has great significance and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is considered the holiest Ekadashi as it is believed to have the power to take away the sins of devotees.

The fast of Papmochani Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi tithi or the twelfth day of the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month. This full moon falls on the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunar month of the Hindu calendar, specifically during the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra.

Papmochani Ekadashi is observed between Holika Dahan and Chaitra Navratri. It is said in the Puranas that in Kaliyuga, only Ekadashi fast will free a person from all sins. The fast of Papmochani Ekadashi is also observed to attain holy happiness and to atone for sins. By observing this fast, even the most dreadful sins like killing a brahmin, stealing gold, drinking alcohol, going incest, etc. are destroyed and finally one attains heaven.

The Story of Papmochani Ekadashi

It is a story of the past, in a forest called Chaitrarath, served by Apsaras, where the daughters of Gandharvas roam around with their musicians playing musical instruments, an Apsara named “Manughosha” went to charm the sage, Medhavi. He went to charm the sage, Medhavi. The sage followed celibacy in the same forest. Fearing the sage, Manjughosha went few miles away from the ashram and started singing sweet songs while playing the Veena beautifully. The great Medhavi was seen and went there and seeing that beautiful Apsara in this manner, he was defeated by Kamdev with his army and was involuntarily overcome by love. In such a situation, the sage saw Manughosha coming down to his earth and started embracing him while lowering the Veena. Rishi Medhavi also started making love with her. He kept making love to her so much that he was not even aware of the day and night. In this way, abandoning the virtues of a sage, Ramzan with Apsara inspires him for a long time. Manughosha got ready to go to Devlok. While leaving, he said to the great sage Medhavi, 'Brahmin! now allow me to go to my country.'

Medhavi said: Goddess! till the time the morning turns into evening, I will stay with you.'

The Apsara said: Brahmin, I don't know how much of the next evening has passed! Kindly give me the time you have estimated.

While hearing the words of Apsara, Medhavi was surprised in his celebration. At that time, when he recorded the time, it happened that Satyavan year passed with him. He got very angry after knowing that the sages wanted to destroy his penance. He cursed her and said, inner! You become a witch.' That Brahmin was burnt by the sage's curse! My curse hit me. Seven sentences spoken or seven words with the same syllables make you friends with the good men. Brahmin! I have a story of many years with you; basically, hey swamin! 'have mercy on me'.

The sage said, Bhadre! listen to me, this is to be bought by a curse. What installation? that you are destroying my great penance. The auspicious night that comes in the dark fortnight of Chaitra is called 'Paapmochani Ekadashi'. It destroys all sins. Beautiful! By observing a fast on it, the signs of the death will be removed. Such as an Rishi Medhavi went to the ashram of his father Maharishi Chyavan. Seeing him coming, Chyavan asked: 'Son! What have you done? 'Then destroy your virtues.'

Medhavi said: This is a unique plan of my having sex with an Apsara. Tell me some such atonement, which will destroy the sin.

Maharishi Chyavan said: Son. Observing the fast of Papamochani Ekadashi, which falls in the dark fortnight of Chaitra month, will destroy all your sins.

Shocked by his father's statement, Medhavi observed that fast. This destroyed his sins and he again became an ideal by his penance. Similarly, Manuyogi also observed this great fast. Due to observing the fast of 'Papmochani', she was freed from the ghost form and the divinely-formed Apsara went to heaven. King! All the sins of the noble men who observe the fast of Papamochani Brahmanda are destroyed. One more reading and listening of Sahastra Godaan (donation of thousand cows) brings results. Even the great sinners who commit Brahma Hatya, theft of gold, drinking liquor and going against the Guru's will be freed by observing this fast. All the 24 Ekadashi have different significance. But Papmochoni Ekadashi fast is very virtuous.

When is Papmochani Ekadashi in 2026?

Papmochani Ekadashi falls on 15th March, 2026, Sunday.