PapankushaEkadashi
‖ 11 October 2027 (Monday) ‖
Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi — the "goad upon sin". Dedicated to Vishnu in his Padmanabha form, this fast is kept for the wearing away of accumulated wrongdoing.
Papankusha Ekadashi falls on 11 October 2027 (Monday).
The name carries its meaning: papa (sin) and ankusha (goad). As a mahout gives direction to an animal as large as an elephant with a small goad, so this fast is said to give direction to the weight of a person’s accumulated deeds. Falling just after Sharad Navratri and Vijayadashami, it is a festival of clearing.
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The meaning of the name
"Papankusha" is made of two words — papa and ankusha. The image is the mahout’s goad, which turns an elephant by a touch. The scriptures say that this fast, kept with faith, sets a check on sins accumulated across many lifetimes.
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Worship of the Padmanabha form
On this day Vishnu is worshipped as Padmanabha — the form from whose navel the lotus emerged and creation began. The Puranas describe the fruit of this fast as equal to many Ashwamedha and Surya sacrifices.
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Forgiveness in Baba’s court
The court at Khatu is open precisely to those who arrive having lost elsewhere. "Hare ka Sahara" does not only mean losing to circumstance — it also means being defeated by one’s own deeds. Papankusha Ekadashi belongs to that same sentiment: a day to lay down what is past at Baba’s feet and walk on.
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Restraint from the night of Dashami — sattvic food, and no untrue speech.
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Bathe at dawn on Ekadashi, worship Vishnu as Padmanabha and Shyam Baba, and take the sankalp.
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Keep the fast through the day, without food or on fruit, as you are able.
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Give grain, cloth and sesame; feeding those in need is especially fruitful on this day.
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Break the fast on Dwadashi morning after bathing and puja.
Papankusha Ekadashi — FAQ
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Which Ekadashi is on 11 October 2027?
11 October 2027 (Monday) is Papankusha Ekadashi — the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Ashwin. Its vrat vidhi, significance and connection to Khatu Shyam Ji are set out on this page.
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What does Papankusha Ekadashi mean?
"Papankusha" is formed from papa (sin) and ankusha (goad) — the one that sets a check upon sin. As a goad turns an elephant, this fast stands for control over the weight of accumulated deeds.
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Who is worshipped on Papankusha Ekadashi?
Vishnu is worshipped in his Padmanabha form — the form from whose navel the lotus emerged. The Puranas describe the merit of this fast as equal to many Ashwamedha and Surya sacrifices.
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When in the year does this Ekadashi fall?
Papankusha Ekadashi falls in the bright fortnight of Ashwin, a few days after Sharad Navratri and Vijayadashami. The next date is given at the top of this page.