Papankusha Ekadashi पापांकुशा
Papankusha Ekadashi, in the bright fortnight of Ashwin, acts as a 'goad against sin' (papa-ankusha). Its observance is said to grant heavenly merit, health and relief from suffering.
- Lunar month
- Ashwin
- Paksha
- Shukla (waxing)
- Deity
- Vishnu
Significance
Papankusha Ekadashi, in the bright fortnight of Ashwin, acts as a 'goad against sin' (papa-ankusha). Its observance is said to grant heavenly merit, health and relief from suffering.
How the fast is kept
Papankusha Ekadashi is observed like every Ekadashi - a fast (vrat) sacred to Vishnu, avoiding grains, rice, lentils and beans from sunrise until it is broken the next morning on Dwadashi, within the paran window. Observers keep it as nirjala (without water), phalahar (fruit and non-grain foods) or a single satvik meal, according to their health and devotion. See the full Ekadashi guide for the complete rules and the list of all the Ekadashis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Papankusha Ekadashi?
Papankusha Ekadashi, in the bright fortnight of Ashwin, acts as a 'goad against sin' (papa-ankusha). Its observance is said to grant heavenly merit, health and relief from suffering.
Which month and paksha does Papankusha Ekadashi fall in?
Papankusha Ekadashi falls in Ashwin, in the Shukla Paksha (the waxing fortnight).
When is the next Papankusha Ekadashi in Mumbai, MH?
The next Papankusha Ekadashi in Mumbai, MH is on 22 October 2026.
How is Papankusha Ekadashi observed?
Like every Ekadashi, it is kept as a fast (vrat) sacred to Vishnu - avoiding grains, rice and beans - with worship, chanting and charity, and the fast broken the next morning (Dwadashi) during the paran window. See the full Ekadashi guide for the fasting rules.
Last updated 26 July 2026