EkadashiGujarati · Hindu
Papankusha Ekadashi
Next date
Thursday, 22 October 2026
In short
Papankusha Ekadashi is a Ekadashi vrat observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.
The story
Papankusha Ekadashi is presented in the Ekadashi-mahatmya as a day for consciously turning away from harmful habits and toward Vishnu. Krishna explains its importance to Arjuna after the Navratri season and praises worship of Padmanabha Vishnu, fasting, charity and remembrance of the divine name. The traditional account is chiefly a discourse on the fruits of righteous conduct rather than one central dramatic legend. It stresses that spiritual practice should be accompanied by compassion: food, water, land or other useful gifts given according to one’s means are repeatedly praised. The name combines papa, wrongdoing, with ankusha, a controlling goad, suggesting mastery over tendencies that lead the mind astray. Devotees observe the day by avoiding grains, worshipping Vishnu, chanting, reading sacred texts, giving charity and breaking the fast on Dwadashi at the prescribed time.
Retold from the Padma Purana
Why it matters
Ankusha is the goad an elephant is steered with, and the name makes the fast a goad against wrongdoing. Aso sud, in the days after Navratri.
Fasting
Aso's bright fortnight, in the days after Navratri. Papankusha is the goad that holds wrongdoing back.
Retold from the Gujarati household practice
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