PapankushaEkadashi
‖ 22 October 2026 (Thursday) ‖
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.
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.
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Papankusha Ekadashi — FAQ
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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.