March 18, 2012 – Papmochani Ekadasi

March 18, 2012 – Papmochani Ekadasi 

Papamocani Ekadasi, or Papamochini Ekadashi, is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month of March – April. In 2012, the date of Papamochini Ekadasi is March 18. It is believed that observing Papamochini Ekadasi will help in the redemption of sins. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in traditional Hindu calendar.

The importance of Papamocani Ekadasi was mentioned to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavishyottara Purana. Legend has it that an Apasara named Manju Ghosha lured Sage Medhavi into married life. After several years, the Apasara wanted to return back to Devaloka but this was objected by the Sage. But the Apsara was unwilling to listen to the sage and in anger he cursed the Apsara and turned her into a witch. The sage told her that she will be relieved of the curse by observing Papamochini Ekadashi.

The sage too felt that he too had committed sins by falling into the trap of the Apsara and he too decided to observe Papamochini Ekadashi. Papa means ‘sin’ and ‘Mochini’ means to escape. Thus this Ekadashi exclusively helps in destroying sins and guilt associated with the sins committed.

All the normal rules associated with the Ekadasi fasting is observed during Papamochini Ekadasi.

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March 4, 2012 – Amalaki Ekadasi – Amalki Ekadashi

March 4, 2012 – Amalaki Ekadasi – Amalki Ekadashi

Amalaki Ekadasi, also written as Amlaki or Aamalaki Ekadashi, occurs during the waxing phase of the moon in February – March. In 2012, the date of Amalaki Ekadasi is March 4. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. The greatness of Amalaki Ekadashi was narrated by Sage Valmiki and is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana.

It is believed that by observing Amalaki Ekadasi, a devotee attains Moksha and washes away all the sins committed. Special pujas and offerings are made of Amalaki Tree and Lord Parashurama on the day.

There are numerous folk tales and stories in Puranas that extols the greatness of Amalaki Ekadasi.

Most devotees fast on the day and keep vigil in the night. Those people observing partial fasting abstain from food made of rice.

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February 17, 2012 – Vijaya Ekadashi

February 17, 2012 – Vijaya Ekadashi

Vijaya Ekadashi occurs during the waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha) in February – March. In 2012, the date of Vijaya Ekadashi is February 17 - Smarta and February 18 - Vaishnava. The greatness of this Ekadasi is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and observing of Vijaya Ekadasi helps in removing all the guilt associated with sins committed and also helps in attaining victory. It is believed that Lord Ram observed Vijaya Ekadashi to cross the ocean to reach Lanka and defeat Ravana.

The importance of Vijaya Ekadasi was narrated to Narada by Lord Brahma. Legend has it that when Lord Ram and his army – the Vanarasena – was searching for a means to cross the ocean to reach Lanka, Lakshmana mentioned about a great a Sage who lived nearby and said that perhaps he might provide us with a solution.

It is this sage who mentioned about Vijaya Ekadashi to Lord Ram and its benefits – observing it will help in being victorious.

All the normal rules associated with Ekadashi fasting is observed during Vijaya Ekadasi. Some people don’t sleep on the day. Grains and food made of rice are strictly avoided.

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