Papankusha Ekadashi on October 22: Padmanabha form of Vishnu worshipped, fast observed

The Ekadashi fast holds a special place in Hinduism. The fast of Papankusha Ekadashi, which falls in the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month, is described as highly rewarding and beneficial for all devotees. According to the Panchang, it will be observed with devotion on Thursday, October 22.

This Ekadashi is considered especially significant for gaining happiness, peace, prosperity and merit in life. Devotees who keep the fast are advised to worship Lord Vishnu following the prescribed rituals and rules.

On Papankusha Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, is worshipped in his Padmanabha form. According to religious belief, this form removes all the sorrows from devotees' lives. It is believed that a devotee who worships the Padmanabha form with a sincere heart on this holy day receives the Lord's boundless blessings.

On this day, an idol or image of Lord Vishnu is installed with due ritual in the temple or the home shrine, and all the rules are observed with devotion. This form of Lord Vishnu is said to show the path of virtue and devotion in life and to give the strength to overcome every challenge.

After a bath in the morning, yellow flowers, clothes, tulsi leaves, seasonal fruits and naivedya are offered to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi leaves are considered essential in Vishnu worship, as worship without them is regarded as incomplete. Yellow clothes and yellow flowers are dear to the deity and are therefore used in the puja.

Devotees fast through the day and worship Lord Hari with these offerings. It is believed that when these offerings are made with the proper rites and sincere devotion, the Lord is pleased, happiness and prosperity come to the home, and all sorrows in life gradually go away.

There is a special tradition of chanting the Lord's name and reciting the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" at night. One should not sleep on the night of Ekadashi but spend the time singing the Lord's praises. The mantra is described as a powerful one, and continuous chanting is said to bring peace of mind and purify the soul.

Those who stay awake all night and chant this mantra with true devotion are said to have all their wishes fulfilled. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, their home and family remain filled with positive energy. Spending the whole day and night of Papankusha Ekadashi in devotion is said to make a person's life fully blessed.

For the puja, one should rise early, bathe and wear clean clothes. Then, holding water in the hand, take the vow of the fast. Next, clean the home shrine thoroughly, spread a yellow cloth on a low wooden platform and place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu on it. Offer yellow flowers, clothes, tulsi leaves, seasonal fruits and naivedya. Tulsi is considered essential for the Ekadashi puja. Fruits and sweets should also be offered to the deity.

Then light incense and lamps, perform the aarti of Lord Hari and recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or mantras. Fast through the day. If possible, sing hymns at night, chant the Lord's name and keep a vigil. On the morning of Dwadashi, bathe, give food to Brahmins or the needy, and only then break the fast.