Pasankusha Ekadashi
Pasankusha Ekadashi is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September–October). The significance of this Ekadashi is described in the Brahmavaivarta Purana, as narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira.
Yudhisthira asked, “O Madhusudan, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs in the bright fortnight of Ashwin? Please tell me its greatness.”
Shree Krishna replied, “O king, listen attentively. This Ekadashi is known as Pasankusha Ekadashi, the remover of sins. On this day, one should worship Padmanabha Bhagwan, the lotus-naveled Lord. The one who does so attains heavenly pleasures and ultimately liberation.”
Simply offering heartfelt respects to Vishnu—the rider of Garuda—grants merit equal to performing long penances with full control of the senses. Even the greatest sinner is freed from hell by sincerely bowing before Lord Hari.
The Lord continued, “The merit earned from a thousand Ashwamedha Yagnas and a hundred Rajasuya Yagnas is not equal to even one-sixteenth of the merit gained by fasting on Ekadashi. Nothing in the three worlds purifies like Ekadashi.”
He added, “One who does not observe this vrat remains bound by sins. One who desires liberation, prosperity, good health, or abundance should fast on this holy day. Even sacred places like Ganga, Gaya, Kashi, Pushkar, or Kurukshetra do not match the merit gained by Pasankusha Ekadashi.”
“After fasting during the day, remaining awake throughout the night grants one the abode of Lord Vishnu. Ten generations of ancestors on one's mother’s side, father’s side, and wife’s side are liberated by a single observance of this vrat. They attain four-armed divine forms, adorned with yellow garments and garlands, ascending to Vaikunth on Garuda.”
“Regardless of age—child, youth, or elderly—anyone who observes this Ekadashi becomes free of sin and avoids hellish suffering. Donating gold, cows, shoes, umbrellas, water, grains, or land on this day removes all suffering and ensures one never faces Yamaraja.”
“Even the poor should bathe and give charity on this Ekadashi. Those who build ponds, temples, gardens, or resting places are protected from Yamaraja’s punishments. One who faithfully observes Pasankusha Ekadashi surely reaches the Supreme Lord’s abode.”
Lord Krishna concluded, “O saintly Yudhisthira, such are the glories of Pasankusha Ekadashi.”