Papamocani Ekadashi

The glories of Papmochani Ekadashi are described in the Bhavishyottara Purana through a conversation between Lord Krishna and Maharaja Yudhishthira.

Once, Yudhishthira Maharaja asked Lord Krishna about the Ekadashi that occurs during the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra and requested Him to explain its significance. Lord Krishna narrated an ancient history that was originally spoken by Sage Lomasa to King Mandhata.

Long ago, there existed the celestial garden known as Chaitraratha, owned by Kubera, the treasurer of the demigods. The garden was filled with beautiful flowers, celestial beings, Gandharvas, and Apsaras, and springtime prevailed there throughout the year. In that sacred place lived a great sage named Medhavi, who was deeply absorbed in austerity and meditation. His spiritual practices were so powerful that many celestial beings admired him. However, an Apsara named Manjughosha was sent to disturb his penance.

Determined to break the sage’s meditation, Manjughosha built a small cottage near his ashram and began singing melodious songs and performing enchanting dances. At the same time, Kamadeva, the god of desire, assisted her by influencing the sage’s mind. Gradually, Sage Medhavi became attracted to Manjughosha and abandoned his strict austerities. Forgetting the passage of time, he remained in her association for many years, believing only a short period had passed.

After many decades, Manjughosha requested permission to return to the heavenly planets. When Sage Medhavi finally realized how much time had been wasted and how his spiritual practices had been disrupted, he became overwhelmed with regret and anger. In that state, he cursed Manjughosha to become a fearsome demoness. Terrified and repentant, Manjughosha fell at the sage’s feet and begged for forgiveness. Seeing her sincere repentance, Sage Medhavi softened his heart and instructed her to observe the sacred Papmochani Ekadashi. He explained that by faithfully observing this Ekadashi, she would become free from the effects of the curse.

Afterward, Sage Medhavi returned to his father, the great Sage Chyavana, and confessed everything that had happened. Chyavana Rishi also advised him to observe Papmochani Ekadashi in order to become free from the sinful reactions caused by his fall from austerity. Both Manjughosha and Sage Medhavi observed Papmochani Ekadashi with devotion. By the power of this sacred vrata, Manjughosha was freed from her curse, and Sage Medhavi became purified from all sinful reactions and regained his spiritual strength.

Thus, Papmochani Ekadashi became renowned as the Ekadashi that destroys sins, removes illusion, and restores one to the path of devotion.