Ekadashi in Ashwin Shukla Paksha; destroys all sins

Papankusha Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Ashwin, soon after Vijayadashami (two days after it in 2026). Its name means the goad (ankusha) that restrains sin (papa): just as the mahout's goad controls a wild elephant, this Ekadashi is said to check and destroy the accumulated sins of the one who observes it. In the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Krishna tells Yudhishthira its glory, and a well-known katha relates how Krodhana, a cruel hunter of the Vindhya mountains who had spent his life in violence, grew terrified as death approached and sought refuge with the sage Angira. The sage told him to keep the Papankusha Ekadashi; by observing it with sincerity, Krodhana was freed of his sins and attained Vishnu's abode. On this day Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Padmanabha form, reclining on the serpent with the lotus springing from his navel. The Purana praises its merit as equal to a thousand Ashvamedha and a hundred Rajasuya sacrifices, and recommends charity of land, cows, grain, water, umbrellas and footwear. The fast is broken on Dwadashi within the parana window.

Strict observers keep nirjala; others take fruit and milk once. Rice is especially avoided.