Taking a Look at Paapmochni Ekadashi

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Paapmochni Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of fading phase of moon in Chaitra month, according to north Indian Hindu calendar. This Ekadashi is the last one in all 24 Ekadashi fasts. As per South Indian calendar, it is marked on the Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month whereas it is celebrated on Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month according to the North Indian calendar. Interestingly this Ekadashi falls on the same day in both north and south Indian calendars. The Paapmochni Ekadashi will fall on 27th of March in 2014.
The word Paapmochni is made with two words Paap and Mochni. “Paap” means sin or misdeed and word “Mochni” means remover. Devotees believe that observing fast on Papamochini Ekadasi is highly auspicious. Those who observe this fast would be forgiven from their sins. Lord Vishnu is mainly worshipped on Ekadashi Fasts.
Method:
The method of observing Paapmochni Ekadashi fast is same as other Ekadashi fasts and it is clearly described in ‘Harivasara’.
The proper method and strictness of Ekadasi fast is difficult to follow in modern times. Devotees observe a full day fast on Ekadashi day. They pray to Lord Vishnu, chant mantras and Krishna songs. In various temples special gatherings are organized where lectures are held on Bhagwat Gita .It is believed that chanting and fasting together forms a protection layer around devotee’s body.
Ekadashi Parana (Parana means ending the Fast) is done next day on Dwadashi morning.
The Paapmochni Ekadasi vrat katha:
This tale is narrated in the Bhavishya Uttara Purana in the form of dialogues between Lord Krishna and king Yudhishtira.
There was a sage named Medhavi who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. This sage used to perform deep Tapas (meditation) in the forest of Chaitraratha. This forest was full of beautiful and scented flowers. The Chaitraratha forest was also frequently visited by Indra and Apsaras. Beautiful Apsaras tried many times but could never succeed in seducing young Medhavi. One famous Apsara, “Manjughosa”, also tried many ways to seduce this sage but she could not come closer to him due to the power of his sobriety that he had attained over the years.
After many attempts Manjughosa decided to pitch a tent couple of miles away from the sage and started singing. She sang so beautifully that even the Kamdev (Cupid) got excited and decided to use Manjughosha to target Medhavi. But when Manjughosha looked at powerful and attractive body of the sage, she herself got restless by lust .

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