Papankusha Ekadashi on October 22: rituals and rules for Vishnu worship

The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing fortnight) of the Ashwin month is known as Papankusha Ekadashi. This year the fast will be observed on Thursday, October 22. According to religious belief, fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day brings prosperity and joy in life. What to do and what to avoid to please Lord Vishnu is set out below.

On worship, devotees are advised to worship Lord Vishnu according to the prescribed rites on Papankusha Ekadashi. During the puja, water is offered to Lord Vishnu from a conch and tulsi leaves are offered to Lord Hari. A ghee lamp is lit before the idol of Lord Vishnu and the Vishnu Sahasranama is recited. It is believed that this fulfils wishes.

On lamps, devotees are advised to light a ghee lamp near the tulsi plant at sunset and circumambulate the plant at least three times. This is said to bring the special grace not only of Lord Vishnu but also of Goddess Lakshmi.

On mantra chanting, the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" should be chanted at least 108 times while worshipping Lord Vishnu. It is believed that chanting this mantra on Ekadashi brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Charity is also a tradition on this day. According to the scriptures, donating black or white sesame seeds, khichdi, yellow clothes and food brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Charity has special significance on Ekadashi, so devotees should feed and donate to the needy or to Brahmins according to their means.

On the offering (naivedya), citing the Vishnu Purana, it is said that yellow flowers, yellow sandalwood, tulsi leaves, kheer or mishri should be offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on Papankusha Ekadashi. It is believed that this brings the blessings of both, and happiness, prosperity and well-being in life.

According to the scriptures, devotees should rise in the morning, bathe and take the vow to perform the puja. Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are to be anointed with panchamrit and Gangajal, then offered yellow sandalwood, yellow flowers and tulsi leaves. During the puja the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" is chanted, and the story of the Ekadashi fast is read or heard.

Now the things not to be done on Ekadashi. Rice should not be eaten on this day. In some traditions even touching rice is forbidden. This rule is mainly for those observing the fast. Meat, onion, garlic, liquor and pulses should also not be consumed. It is a religious belief that this breaks the sanctity of the fast.

On Papankusha Ekadashi, one should avoid lying, gossiping, getting angry and insulting anyone. Those observing the Ekadashi fast should also not sleep during the day. According to religious belief, doing so means the full benefit of the fast is not obtained.

This information on subjects such as religion, astrology, vastu and feng shui is meant only for readers' information. Consult experts before trying any related practice.