Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, O Madhusūdana, please describe to me the Ekadasi which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra (March–April). What is its name, and what benefit does one obtain by observing it? Kindly narrate this for my enlightenment.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, this Ekadasi is known as Pāpamocanī Ekadasi. By observing this sacred day with faith and devotion, one is released from all sins—both known and unknown—and attains the supreme goal of life.
Now hear from Me an ancient history related to this Ekadasi, as once narrated by Sage Lomāśa to King Mandhātā.”
The Story of Sage Medhāvī and Apsarā Lalitā
“There once lived a powerful sage named Medhāvī. He was learned in all scriptures and practiced strict austerities in his hermitage, which was located in a dense forest. He worshiped Lord Śiva and Lord Viṣṇu with devotion and lived only on fruits and roots.
One day, by the will of Providence, the beautiful celestial Apsarā named Lalitā came to that forest. Seeing the sage performing austerities, she became attracted to his youth, beauty, and strength. Lalitā began to sing sweetly and dance before him, her movements filled with charm and grace.
Although Sage Medhāvī was devoted and self-controlled, the power of her beauty and the influence of Cupid made him lose his concentration. His mind became disturbed, and he fell victim to desire. Forgetting his vows, he lived with Lalitā in his āśrama for many years, completely neglecting his austerities.”
The Sage’s Fall from Austerity
“In due course of time, Lalitā grew tired of living in the forest. She wished to return to the heavenly planets. One day, she said to the sage, ‘O great brāhmaṇa, you are born of a noble lineage and are engaged in severe penance. How long will you remain attached to this material pleasure? It is time for you to return to your austerities and regain your divine power.’
Hearing her words, Medhāvī came to his senses. Ashamed and repentant, he rebuked her harshly and said, ‘Wicked woman! Because of you, I have fallen from my vows and lost all spiritual merit. Go away from here at once!’
Terrified, Lalitā left the hermitage and went to the celestial realm of Indra. She approached him with tears in her eyes, telling him what had happened. Indra, feeling compassion for her, advised her to seek the guidance of Sage Chyavana.”
Lalitā’s Redemption through the Sage
“Following Indra’s advice, Lalitā went to Sage Chyavana and bowed before him. She said, ‘O great sage, please save me! Because of my offense to Sage Medhāvī, I am cursed and suffering in distress. Kindly tell me how I can be freed from this sin.’
Sage Chyavana replied, ‘O beautiful one, there is a sacred day known as Pāpamocanī Ekadasi, which falls during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra. By observing fasting on this day with sincerity and devotion, you will be freed from all your sins and regain your celestial status.’
Hearing this, Lalitā thanked the sage, performed the Ekadasi fast as instructed, and became completely purified. Her beauty and splendor returned, and she ascended once again to the heavenly planets.”
The Deliverance of Sage Medhāvī
“Meanwhile, Sage Medhāvī, remembering his fall from austerity, also repented deeply. To purify himself, he too observed the vow of Pāpamocanī Ekadasi. By fasting and staying awake throughout the night, worshiping Lord Viṣṇu with flowers, incense, and lamp, he was freed from all contamination and regained his former spiritual brilliance.
Thus, both the sage and the Apsarā were delivered from their sins by the power of observing this sacred Ekadasi.”
The Power and Glory of Pāpamocanī Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, this Ekadasi is so powerful that it destroys even the greatest sins—such as killing a brāhmaṇa, killing an embryo, eating forbidden foods, breaking vows, and committing offenses to demigods and ancestors.
By fasting on this day and remaining awake at night, one becomes freed from all sinful reactions and attains a radiant spiritual body.
O king, this day purifies one even from the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, and even those incurred by the influence of bad company or forgetfulness. The merit gained by observing this Ekadasi surpasses that of giving thousands of cows in charity or performing great sacrifices.”
Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes Pāpamocanī Ekadasi faithfully and hears or recites its glories becomes free from all sins and attains the supreme destination. Even by hearing the narration of this Ekadasi, one gains the merit of performing a thousand sacrifices.
Therefore, O king, this sacred day should be observed with great devotion, for it delivers all souls from sin and leads to the path of liberation.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Pāpamocanī Ekadasi is described in the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa and the Padma Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of Sage Medhāvī and Apsarā Lalitā. Observing this Ekadasi with sincerity removes all sins, purifies the heart, and leads to eternal service of the Lord.
