Papmochani Ekadashi 2017

Papmochani Ekadashi is a Ekadashi vrat observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.

Papmochani Ekadashi is associated with the story of the ascetic Medhavi and the celestial performer Manjughosha. In the traditional katha Sage Lomasha recounts the episode to King Mandhata in the Chaitraratha forest, where Medhavi practises austerities devoted to Shiva. Manjughosha sings and plays music near his hermitage, drawing his attention. Medhavi becomes attached to her and neglects his spiritual discipline, losing awareness of the passing years.

When Manjughosha asks permission to return, Medhavi realizes how much time has passed. In anger he curses her to become a pishachi. Her appeal for a way to be freed reveals the harshness of the sage's own reaction. Some retellings describe Medhavi receiving guidance from his father Chyavana and practising the Papmochani Ekadashi vow; Manjughosha also performs the observance and is released from the curse. The narrative therefore involves two kinds of failure: neglect of self-discipline and anger at another person.

Devotees worship Vishnu and reflect on self-control, repentance and forgiveness. This is a devotional account, not evidence for supernatural curses. The Ekadashi is called Fagan Krishna in Gujarat's amanta reckoning and Chaitra Krishna in many northern purnimanta calendars. Appropriate fasting and Dwadashi parana must be calculated locally.

The last ekadashi of the lunar year, and the name says its work: the releasing of wrongdoing before the year turns at Chaitra.

Vishnu worship, katha, voluntary fasting and correctly calculated Dwadashi parana.

The twenty-fourth and last of the year, kept in the dark fortnight of Fagan before Chaitra opens. Those who have kept all of them end here.

Gujarati Fagan Krishna is northern Chaitra Krishna; local fasting/parana can vary.