MT News Service
Jammu, October 21:
The Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat, falling on October 25, 2023, will be observed this year. According to Shri Kailkh Jyotish avin Vedic Sanathan Trust’s Head Mahant Rohit Shastri, there are 24 Ekadashis in a year, but when an adhik mass (Malmas) occurs once every three years, the count increases to 26.
In a statement issued to mercury times, the Ashwin Shukla Paksha Ekadashi falls on October 24th, Tuesday, starting at 3:14 PM and ending on October 25th, Wednesday, at 12:32 PM. Since the sunrise spans across October 25th, the Papankusha Ekadashi Vrat will be observed on October 25th, Wednesday. The breaking of the fast (Parana) will be on the morning of October 26th, Thursday, from 6:28 AM to 8:26 AM.
Papankusha Ekadashi is named after the Ekadashi that vanquished sins and represents a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Observing this Vrat is said to prevent suffering in the Yama Loka. People who follow this Vrat are free from the torments of Yama Loka.
On this day, individuals are encouraged to perform various charitable acts, including offering donations of gold, land, fruits, clothing, sweets, food, education, and gifting cows, to the best of their ability.
*Ekadashi Vrat Ritual:*
On the day of Ekadashi, maintaining physical and mental purity is essential. The rules for Ekadashi Vrat begin from Dashami (the day before Ekadashi). On Dashami, consume a sattvic meal and take a vow for the Ekadashi fast. On the day of Ekadashi, wake up early, take a purifying bath, offer water to the Sun, and make a sankalpa (vow) for the fast.
Install a pure and sacred place for worship in your house, or in a clean corner of a room, place an idol or image of Lord Ganesha and Lord Lakshmi Narayan. Purify the room with Ganga water or cow urine. Place a pot filled with water with a coconut on top. Perform a puja to all the deities, Navagrahas, Tirthas, Yoginis, and the local deities.
After the puja, listen to the story of Ekadashi and then distribute prasada to conclude the puja.
Chant the mantra on Ekadashi, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi Vrat not only holds religious significance but also promotes mental discipline and physical well-being.
*Things to Keep in Mind on Ekadashi:*
– Avoid consuming any tamasic (impure) foods on Ekadashi.
– Practice brahmacharya (celibacy) on this day.
– Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages or any form of intoxicants.
– Do not trim your beard, mustache, or nails during the Vrat.
– Do not wear a belt, shoes, or leather items during the puja.
– Avoid wearing black-colored clothes.
– Harmful actions and causing hurt to others are considered grave sins during Ekadashi.