The Ekadashi of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashwin, known as Papankusha Ekadashi, is approaching. In the Treta Yuga, on this Ekadashi, Bharata, the brother of Lord Shri Rama, mourned after Dussehra. According to tradition, whatever a person desires through intense penance can be fulfilled just by worshiping Lord Vishnu, who rests on the Sheshnaag, on this Ekadashi.
In this article, we will discuss ,When is Papankusha Ekadashi, on the 13th or 14th of October 2024? What is the auspicious time and breaking time for the Ekadashi fast? and etc.
Papankusha Ekadashi in October 2024: Start Date, End Date, Parana Time & Significance
In the scriptures, Lord Krishna himself has said that this Ekadashi is great and capable of curbing sins. Now, let us know the auspicious time and fasting time for this Mahaphalaka Ekadashi. In the year 2024, Papankusha Ekadashi of the bright fortnight in Ashwin month is observed on both the 13th and 14th of October.
Ekadashi Tithi Start Date & Time : October 13 at 9:08 AM (also called Smarta Ekadashi)
Ekadashi Tithi End Date & Time : October 14 at 6:41 AM. (also called Vaishnava Ekadashi)
A special Trispursha Yoga is also forming on October 14, making it a Maha Dwadashi fast.
October 13 has Dashami combined with Ekadashi because Dashami Tithi will be present at sunrise, while October 14 will have Dwadashi combined with Ekadashi, forming a rare Maha Dwadashi conjunction.
What is Trispursha Yoga?
When Ekadashi Tithi is present in the morning, followed by Dwadashi Tithi throughout the day and night, and the next day at sunrise, Dwadashi Tithi is still present, this is called Trispursha Dwadashi. This Dwadashi is very dear to Lord Hari. When three Tithis (Ekadashi, Dwadashi, and Trayodashi) occur within a single day, it is known as Trispursha. Observing a fast on this Mahadwadashi grants a thousand times more merit than an Ekadashi fast.
Our scriptures mention eight types of Mahadwadashi fasts, which depend entirely on the timing of the Tithi or the combination of auspicious Yogas. However, it is important to note that this special Trispursha Yoga does not form every year on Papankusha Ekadashi. When it does occur, we should observe the fast accordingly.
How to do Papankusha Ekadashi?
Devotees who seek the love of Shri Krishna should fast on both days. They should follow the rules of Dashami Tithi on October 12, fast on the 13th and 14th of October, and break the fast on October 15. Its a continuous fast for 48 hours. But it is not mandatory to do so. It is fine to do fast on any one day or can skip entirely.
Importance of Trisparsha Ekadashi and How to Observe It
If you cannot offer many items for worship on Ekadashi, you can still perform many recitations and prayers on the first day, which is October 13th. On the second day, October 14th, you can offer whatever you can and perform simple rituals. Those who install a holy pot (Kalash) for worship should do so on the 13th and immerse it on the 15th. This applies to people who are fasting for both days. If you are only fasting on one day, install the Kalash on that day.
For people observing a Nirjala (waterless) fast, eat fruits on October 13th and fast without water on the 14th. If you cannot fast for two days, it is best to fast on October 14th. This is because on that day, the Ekadashi is combined with Dwadashi (12th lunar day), forming an auspicious Trisparsha Maha Dwadashi Yoga. By fasting on this day, you get the benefits of 100 Ekadashi fasts.
On this day, chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” to receive blessings.
Also Chant 1000 names of Lord Vishnu
Auspicious Times for Worship on Papankusha Ekadashi
On October 13th, there are some special times when worship can be done. Panchak starts at 3:39 PM and ends on October 17th at 4:01 PM. A special time known as Ravi Yoga also begins at 6:02 AM on October 13th and lasts until 2:51 AM on October 14th. During Ravi Yoga, all problems are removed, and the Sun’s energy is strong.
Additionally, Abhijit Muhurat (another good time) on October 13th is from 11:04 AM to 12:30 PM. The most auspicious time for worship on this day is between 7:47 AM and 12:07 PM.
Conclusion
Trisparsha Ekadashi is a very powerful and important day for worship and fasting. Even if you don’t usually observe fasts, it’s recommended to fast on this special day. By doing so, you can remove sins, fulfill desires, and bring blessings to your entire family.