पापांकुशा एकादशी व्रत कथा

The beginning
Arjun said to Shri Krishna, “O Lord of the world, I have heard the story of Indira Ekadashi in the Krishna paksha of Ashwin. Now please tell me: what is the name of the Ekadashi in the Shukla paksha of Ashwin, and how is its fast kept?”
Shri Krishna said, “O son of Kunti, this Ekadashi is called Papankusha. Just as an ankush, the elephant goad, keeps an elephant on the right path, this fast is said to hold the mind back from sin.”

The story
Shri Krishna went on, “On this day people bow with faith to Lord Vishnu, who rests on Sheshnag in the ocean of milk. It is said that the fruit of hard tapasya is gained on this day just by bowing to the Lord with a true heart.”

“O Arjun, remember one more thing. Devotees of Vishnu should not speak ill of Shiv ji, and devotees of Shiv should not speak ill of Vishnu ji. Respecting both is true devotion. On this day, give food, water, clothes, umbrellas and footwear as far as you can. Even those who have little should give a little. Now listen to its story.”

This happened long, long ago. A hunter named Krodhan lived on the Vindhya mountains. His nature was just like his name, which means ‘the angry one’. He was very harsh and quick to anger. He had spent his whole life troubling others, robbing, drinking and keeping bad company. He had never even taken God’s name.

When his last days came near, the messengers of Yamraj came to him and said, “Tomorrow is the last day of your life. Tomorrow we will come to take you.”
Hearing this, Krodhan was terrified. For the first time he feared the results of his deeds. He ran to the ashram of Maharishi Angira, fell at his feet and began to weep.

He said, “O great sage, all my life I have done only bad deeds. I am afraid of going to Yamlok. Please tell me a way by which my sins can be wiped away and I can find my good.”

Maharishi Angira saw that his regret was true. Out of kindness he said, “Keep the fast of Papankusha Ekadashi, in the Shukla paksha of Ashwin, in the proper way. On that day worship Lord Vishnu and chant his name with a true heart.” Then he explained every step of the fast to him.

Krodhan kept the Papankusha Ekadashi fast with his whole heart, just as the sage had taught him. He took Lord Vishnu’s name all day and was truly sorry for what he had done. By the power of the fast and the worship, and by the Lord’s grace, all his sins were wiped away.

When the messengers of Yama came to take him, they saw that he had received the Lord’s grace. Seeing this, they went back to Yamlok without him, and Krodhan went to the abode of Lord Vishnu.

This story of Papankusha Ekadashi tells us that, even late in life, one can turn back to God with true regret. A firm resolve to stay away from wrong is the true meaning of this fast.

May Vishnu ji keep faith and peace in every heart.
Bolo Shri Hari Vishnu Bhagwan ki Jai!