Papmochani Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Significance
Papmochani Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Significance
Papmochani Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra. The word “Pap” means Sin and “Mochani” means Liberator. True to its name, this Ekadashi is believed to absolve a devotee of the most heinous sins and guilt. It is the last Ekadashi of the Vedic lunar year, falling just before Chaitra Navratri.
In 2026, Papmochani Ekadashi falls on a Sunday, making it convenient for devotees to observe the fast and visit temples.
📅 Papmochani Ekadashi 2026 Muhurat
- Vrat Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Parana Time (Break Fast): Mar 16, 06:30 AM to 08:54 AM
- Hari Vasara End Time: Mar 16, 09:40 AM
⚠️ Note: Tithi timings and Parana windows may vary slightly based on your location (sunrise time). Please check your local Panchang for precise timings.
Wish to start the New Year sin-free?
Significance of Papmochani Ekadashi
Lord Krishna narrated the importance of this Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira in the Bhavishya Uttara Purana. It is said that fasting on this day burns away sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, just as fire burns wood to ashes. It is particularly effective for removing the guilt associated with lust and attachment.
Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The legend involves a young sage named Medhavi (son of Sage Chyavana) who was performing intense penance in the Chaitraratha forest. Lord Indra, feeling threatened by the sage’s power, sent a beautiful Apsara named Manjughosha to break his meditation.
Manjughosha sang and danced beautifully. Sage Medhavi, enchanted by her beauty, lost control of his senses. He broke his vow of celibacy and lived with her for 57 years, thinking it was only a moment.
When Manjughosha eventually asked to return to heaven, the sage snapped out of his illusion. Realizing he had lost his spiritual merit (Tapobal), he cursed Manjughosha to become a Pishachini (ugly witch).
Distraught, both of them sought help from Sage Chyavana. The father advised them to observe Papmochani Ekadashi to wash away their sins. Both the sage and the Apsara observed the fast with full devotion. Manjughosha was liberated from the curse and returned to heaven, while Sage Medhavi regained his spiritual power.
Puja Vidhi for Papmochani Ekadashi
- Sankalp: Take a bath early in the morning and vow to fast to cleanse your soul.
- Worship: Light a lamp (Diya) before Lord Vishnu using Ghee. Offer Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, and fruits.
- Chanting: Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times.
- Donation: Since this is a sin-removing fast, donating food and clothes to the needy is highly recommended.
- Parana: Break the fast the next morning (Monday) within the specified Parana time.
Check the complete list of 26 Ekadashis this year in our master guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Papmochani Ekadashi falls on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
It is celebrated to seek forgiveness for past sins, especially those related to lust, anger, and attachment, before the start of the New Hindu Year.
No, eating rice and grains is strictly prohibited. One should consume only fruits, milk, and nuts (Phalahar).
