Papamochani Ekadashi 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Papamochani Ekadashi

Papamochani Ekadashi: Letting Go Before the New Year

Papamochani Ekadashi falls on Phalguna Bahula (Krishna) Ekadashi in the Telugu calendar. As the name says, it is believed to free one from sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. It is the last Ekadashi of the Telugu year, coming just before Ugadi. Purnimant calendars list it as Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi.

The Story of Medhavi and Manjughosha

Sage Medhavi, son of Sage Chyavana, was doing tapas to Lord Shiva in the beautiful Chaitraratha forest. The apsara Manjughosha came to disturb his penance. Captivated by her music and beauty, Medhavi did not even notice the years slipping by. When he finally realised what had happened, he cursed her to become a pishachi.

When she begged for release, Medhavi told her to observe Phalguna Bahula Ekadashi, Papamochani. He then went to his father Chyavana, who said that Medhavi's own tapas had weakened and that he too should keep the same vrata. Both observed it and were freed from their sins, according to the Bhavishyottara Purana.

Puja Steps

Bathe early and make the sankalpa, sincerely recalling the year's mistakes and asking forgiveness.
Garland Lord Vishnu's picture and light a ghee lamp.
Do nama archana with tulasi, sandal paste and akshata.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranamam and read the Papamochani Ekadashi katha.
Offer fruits, panakam and milk as naivedyam and perform harathi.
Give charity on Dwadashi and break the fast in the parana time.

Fasting Rules

Rice and grains are avoided and fruits and milk are taken. Elders say that speaking gently and forgiving others are as much part of this vrata as the fast. Choose the fasting level according to your health.

Significance

This Ekadashi is a chance to cleanse the mind before the new year. The story shows that honest repentance opens a new path with God's grace. It can be seen as the day to set down old burdens before welcoming the many tastes of life with Ugadi pachadi.

May Sri Hari wash away all sins and bless everyone with an auspicious new year.

Frequently asked questions

When is Papamochani Ekadashi?

Papamochani Ekadashi falls on Phalguna Bahula (Krishna) Ekadashi in the Telugu calendar, shortly before Ugadi.

What does Papamochani mean?

It means the Ekadashi that releases one from sins.

What is the story of Papamochani Ekadashi?

The cursed apsara Manjughosha and Sage Medhavi, whose tapas had weakened, were both freed from sin by observing this Ekadashi, says the Bhavishyottara Purana.

What should I eat on Papamochani Ekadashi?

Avoid rice and grains and take fruits, milk or panakam; break the fast on Dwadashi.

Which is the last Ekadashi of the Telugu year?

Papamochani Ekadashi, on Phalguna Bahula Ekadashi, is the last Ekadashi before Ugadi.

How can Papamochani Ekadashi be observed at home?

Light a lamp for Lord Vishnu, offer tulasi, recite Vishnu Sahasranamam, listen to the katha and keep the fast as health allows.

Papamochani Ekadashi 2026

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