Papankusha Ekadashi 2026: date, parana time, story and significance
By Kulasekhar Mittapalli · Updated
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Papankusha Ekadashi falls on Thursday, October 22, 2026 in India and on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in the US. The fast is broken the next morning: Hyderabad Fri, Oct 23, 6:11 AM – 8:30 AM; Dallas Thu, Oct 22, 10:16 AM – 6:00 PM. It is the Ashwayuja Shukla Ekadashi, dedicated to Padmanabha.
1The story
The fowler Krodhana lived his whole life in cruelty. Near death and afraid, he went to the sage Angiras on the Vindhya mountains and begged for a way out. Angiras told him to keep Papankusha Ekadashi. He fasted and worshipped Vishnu, and at death he was taken to Vishnu's abode instead of Yama's.
From the Ekadashi Mahatmya (Padma and Bhavishyottara Puranas), as Sri Krishna told it to Yudhishthira.
2How to keep the fast
- Dashami (the day before): one simple meal, no rice in the evening.
- Ekadashi: fast as your health allows: without water (nirjala), with fruit and milk (phalahara), or one meal without grains. Rice, wheat, pulses and beans are avoided by all.
- Worship: Vishnu puja with tulasi leaves, a lamp, and the Vishnu Sahasranama or the story of the day.
- Night: many keep jagarana, staying awake with bhajans and readings.
- Dwadashi: break the fast in the parana window shown above, after the Hari Vasara (the first quarter of Dwadashi) has ended, ideally with tulasi water and a little rice.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone who is unwell or on medication should keep a light fast, or simply avoid grains. Ask your priest and doctor.
3Checklist: what you need
8 items
- Vishnu or Venkateswara picture
- Tulasi leaves (picked the day before; not on Ekadashi)
- Yellow or white flowers, sandalwood, akshata
- Ghee lamp and agarbatti
- Fruits, milk and (if you take them) fasting foods without grains
- Vishnu Sahasranamam book or app
- Ekadashi katha for this Ekadashi (section 1 above)
- For Dwadashi parana: a simple rice dish, and the parana time for your city
4A priest, or do it yourself
5Puja items near you
Indian groceries and puja stores near the city you picked above.
6Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 by city
| City | Fast · parana |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Thu, Oct 22 Parana Fri, Oct 23, 6:11 AM – 8:30 AM |
| Bengaluru | Thu, Oct 22 Parana Fri, Oct 23, 6:11 AM – 8:32 AM |
| New York | Wed, Oct 21 Parana Thu, Oct 22, 11:16 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Dallas | Wed, Oct 21 Parana Thu, Oct 22, 10:16 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Bay Area | Wed, Oct 21 Parana Thu, Oct 22, 8:16 AM – 9:34 AM |
| London | Thu, Oct 22 Parana Fri, Oct 23, 7:38 AM – 9:40 AM |
| Singapore | Thu, Oct 22 Parana Fri, Oct 23, 6:46 AM – 9:11 AM |
| Sydney | Thu, Oct 22 Parana Fri, Oct 23, 6:04 AM – 8:42 AM |
Next: India Mon, Oct 11, 2027 · US Sun, Oct 10, 2027.
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More about Papankusha Ekadashi
Significance
Papankusha means 'goad against sin': as the ankusha controls an elephant, this fast restrains the mind from wrongdoing. It follows Vijayadashami.
Smarta and Vaishnava dates
If Dashami still runs at arunodaya, 96 minutes before sunrise, Vaishnavas move the fast to the next day. Where the dates differ, the Vaishnava date is shown in the table above. See the Ekadashi guide.
← Indira Ekadashi · All Ekadashis · Rama Ekadashi →
Frequently asked questions
When is Papankusha Ekadashi in 2026?
Thursday, October 22, 2026 in India and Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in the US (Dallas).
What is the parana time for Papankusha Ekadashi?
Hyderabad: Fri, Oct 23, 6:11 AM – 8:30 AM. Dallas: Thu, Oct 22, 10:16 AM – 6:00 PM. Open the Global Panchang app for your own city.
What is the story of Papankusha Ekadashi?
The fowler Krodhana lived his whole life in cruelty.
Why do Smarta and Vaishnava dates sometimes differ?
If Dashami still runs at arunodaya, 96 minutes before sunrise, Vaishnavas (including ISKCON) move the fast to the next day; Smartas follow the tithi at sunrise.
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Calculated for each city's own sunrise and sunset; times are shown to the minute in local time, including daylight saving. Panchangams can differ by a few minutes, and family and temple traditions vary. For general information only; it may contain errors and is not religious, astrological or medical advice. Always confirm important dates and muhurtams with your priest or temple. See the disclaimer and terms.
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