Mumbai: Papmochani Ekadashi, observed during the Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar, is one of the 24 sacred Ekadashi fasts dedicated to Lord Vishnu—the preserver of the universe. Regarded as a highly auspicious day, this Ekadashi is believed to absolve devotees of their sins and bestow blessings from Lord Vishnu. This year, the fast will be observed on Monday, 25 March 2025, according to the Hindu Panchang.
The Ekadashi tithi will begin at 5:05 AM on 25 March and conclude at 3:45 AM on 26 March. Therefore, the fast will be observed on 25 March based on the sunrise timing. In addition to the general observance, the Vaishnava community will perform special rituals and keep the fast on 26 March. This day holds immense significance for devotees seeking spiritual upliftment and divine grace.
Rituals and Worship Method
On the day of Papmochani Ekadashi, devotees begin their day with an early morning bath and take a vow to observe the fast. Clean and pure attire is worn before preparing the worship area. A yellow cloth is placed on a platform, upon which an idol or image of Lord Vishnu is installed. The deity is then worshipped with the traditional Shodashopachara (16-step ritual), which includes offering sandalwood paste, fruits, lighting incense and lamps, and presenting bhog items such as coriander panjiri, fruits, and sweets.
Devotees chant Vishnu mantras and recite the Papmochani Ekadashi Vrat Katha, Bhagavad Gita, and Vishnu Sahasranama. The worship concludes with an aarti (ceremonial light offering), and charity is encouraged throughout the day. The fast is to be observed with full dedication and concluded the next day with a specific ritual.
What to Eat and Avoid During the Fast
During Papmochani Ekadashi, only select foods are allowed. Devotees may consume milk, yoghurt, fruits, sherbet, sabudana (tapioca), almonds, coconut, sweet potato, potatoes, rock salt, and rajgira flour. One must strictly avoid grains, rice, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and spicy or oily dishes. Sattvic (pure) conduct is essential, and staying awake at night while chanting and singing bhajans is highly recommended.
Lying, causing harm, anger, and sleeping during the day are considered inauspicious. The day is meant for spiritual reflection, meditation, and righteous behaviour.
Significance and Charity
The Papmochani Ekadashi fast is said to cleanse all sins and lead the soul towards moksha (liberation), granting a place at the feet of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha. It is also believed to bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings into one’s home. Offering charity on this day is considered highly meritorious. Items like rice, wheat, pulses, money, clothing, fruits, water, umbrellas, and footwear should be donated to the poor and needy.
Recommended Mantras for Chanting
Devotees are encouraged to chant the following mantras during the day:
Om Shreem Hreem Poorn Grihasth Sukh Siddhaye Hreem Shreem Om Namah।।
Om Narayanaya Vidmahe। Vasudevaya Dheemahi। Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat।।
Om Hreem Kartaviryaarjuno Naam Raja Bahu Sahasravaan। Yasya Smaren Maatren Hritam Nashtam Cha Labhyate।।
Vrat Parana
As per Hindu scriptures, the Ekadashi fast is to be broken the next day on Dwadashi tithi. In 2025, the Parana for Papmochani Ekadashi will be performed on 26 March. The auspicious timing for breaking the fast begins at 1:41 PM and remains until 4:08 PM.
To conclude the fast, one should rise early on Dwadashi, bathe, and perform a final prayer to Lord Vishnu. A ghee lamp should be lit, mantras chanted, and fruits and sweets offered. The fast should be broken by consuming Tulsi-infused water.
Papmochani Ekadashi is a golden opportunity for devotees to purify their mind, body, and soul, paving the path towards a spiritually fulfilling life.
Papmochani Ekadashi 2025 falls on 25 March. Discover its powerful rituals, dos and don’ts, mantras, significance, and how this fast brings divine blessings and spiritual upliftment. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
