- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:25 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025, also known as Ashwina-Shukla Ekadashi is observed on the eleventh day of Shukla Paksha in Ashwin month. This sacred fast is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and devotees worship him with complete devotion and enthusiasm. Observing Papankusha Ekadashi brings blessings of good health, wealth, and fulfilment of worldly desires. It is considered one of the most important Ekadashis, as it helps cleanse past sins and protects individuals from negative actions. Its spiritual merits are said to equal performing a hundred Surya Yagyas or a thousand Ashwamedha Yagyas. Devotees who keep this fast with sincerity receive peace, prosperity, and the grace of Lord Padmanabha in their lives. This year, Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on 3rd October 2025.
Let us check out all the important details regarding the date, time, shubh muhurat, significance, rituals and vrat katha of Papankusha Ekadashi below.
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025: Date And Time
- Papankusha Ekadashi 2025 Date: 3rd October 2025, Friday
- Papankusha Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 07:10 PM, 2nd October 2025
- Papankusha Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 06:32 PM, 3rd October 2025
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025: Parana Time
The Parana timings for Papankusha Ekadashi are from 06:10 AM to 10:11 AM on 4th October 2025.
- Hari Vasara End Moment is at 12:12 AM on 4th October 2025
- Dwadashi End Moment is at 05:09 PM on 4th October 2025
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025: Significance
The greatness of Papankusha Ekadashi is detailed in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and is considered highly auspicious for removing sins. In Hindu mythology, Maharaja Yudhisthira asked Sri Krishna to explain its benefits. Anyone who observes this fast with devotion and prays to Lord Vishnu attains freedom from sins and achieves salvation. Even reciting Lord Vishnu’s name on this day brings the same virtues as visiting sacred pilgrimage sites and protects the devotee from Yamraja, the Lord of Death. This Ekadashi offers spiritual liberation and divine blessings to all who sincerely follow it.
Papankusha Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Ashwin month. (Image Source: Canva)
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025: Rituals
Hindu devotees observe a strict fast or a vow of silence on Papankusha Ekadashi. They wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes to begin the sacred day. The fast starts on Dashami, the tenth day, with a single sattvik meal taken before sunset. Devotees refrain from lying or performing sinful acts throughout the day. The fast continues until the end of Ekadashi and concludes on Dwadashi, with offerings of food and donations to a Brahmin before breaking the fast.
During Papankusha Ekadashi, observers stay awake day and night, spending time reciting and singing Vedic mantras and bhajans in praise of Lord Vishnu. Reading the Vishnu Sahasranam is considered highly auspicious and brings spiritual merit.
Worship on Papankusha Ekadashi follows the Archana Vidhi, with Lord Vishnu depicted seated on Garur and in his Padmanabha form. Devotees offer flowers, betel leaves, diyas and incense and conclude the rituals with aarti. Charity is also highly encouraged, with donations of food, clothes and essentials to Brahmins or organising Brahman Bhoj. Those who offer selfless charity on this day are believed to receive divine blessings and protection from Lord Yamraja.
Papankusha Ekadashi 2025: Vrat Katha
Arjun asked, "O Lord of the Universe! I have listened to the detailed account of Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi, also known as Indira Ekadashi. Kindly explain the Ekadashi observed during the bright fortnight of Ashwin. What is its name, how is the fast performed, and what fruits does it bring? Please describe it fully." Lord Krishna replied, "O son of Kunti, this Ekadashi is called Papankusha Ekadashi. Observing it destroys all sins and grants the devotee eternal merit and blessings."
Lord Krishna continued, "On Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi, one should worship Lord Vishnu to attain desired fruits and reach the heavenly realms. Even those who strive for results through rigorous penance can gain the same benefits by offering devotion to Lord Vishnu seated on Sheshnag in the Kshir Sagar. Observing this Ekadashi protects one from the torments of Yama and brings peace and divine grace."
Krishna explained further, "Devotees must resolve firmly to avoid sin and maintain devotion. Remembering Lord Vishnu in any form brings joy and destroys sins, but on Papankusha Ekadashi, chanting, meditation, and kirtan remove all hardships and negative karma. Observing this fast with faith grants freedom from past sins, spiritual upliftment, and the blessings of Lord Vishnu for a prosperous and righteous life."
The story of Papankusha Ekadashi recounts a cruel hunter named Krodhan who lived on the Vindhya mountains. His life was filled with violence, theft, drinking, and sinful deeds. At the end of his life, Yama’s messengers came to claim him. Terrified, he ran to Sage Angira’s ashram and prayed for a way to cleanse his sins. Following the sage’s guidance, he observed Papankusha Ekadashi, completed the rituals with devotion, and obtained liberation. Even Yama’s messengers returned without taking him, and he attained the abode of Lord Vishnu.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)