Papanasini Ekadashi

Papanasini Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the dark fortnight in Ashvin month (September-October). The name means 'the destroyer of sins,' and observing this Ekadashi washes away all accumulated sins from past lives. The story involves a sinful king liberated by this fast.

The Brahma Purana recounts the tale of a wicked king named Vitrasva who committed countless sins -- murder, theft, and neglect of his duties as a ruler. When the time of his death arrived, the messengers of Yama came to drag his soul to the darkest regions of hell. In his final moments, the king remembered the glory of Papanasini Ekadashi and observed it with whatever sincerity he could muster. Lord Vishnu, seeing the flicker of genuine repentance in his heart, destroyed the king's sins like fire burns away impurities in gold, and his soul was granted liberation.

In Odisha, Papanasini Ekadashi is observed with deep humility and devotion. Devotees take a holy dip before sunrise, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves and flowers, and spend the day in prayer and introspection. The fast is broken on Dwadashi after feeding Brahmins and the needy. It is believed that even the remembrance of this Ekadashi can destroy sins, making it one of the most compassionate observances in the Hindu calendar.