Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, O ocean of compassion, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Āśvina (September–October). Kindly explain the observance of this sacred day and the merit that one attains by following it.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O King, this sacred Ekadasi is known as Pāśāṅkuśa Ekadasi. By observing this fast, one attains great merit and ultimately liberation.
The merit of fasting on this day equals that of performing all sacrifices, giving unlimited charity, and bathing in all holy rivers. It destroys all sins, fulfills all desires, and grants one My supreme abode.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, now hear attentively the glories of this Ekadasi, which I shall describe for your benefit and the benefit of all living beings.”
The Greatness of Worshiping Lord Pundarīkākṣa
“On this day, one should worship Lord Pundarīkākṣa (Viṣṇu, the lotus-eyed Lord), the Supreme Personality of Godhead, with full devotion.
One who fasts and worships Me on this day attains the merit of giving one thousand cows in charity. Even one who hears the glories of Pāśāṅkuśa Ekadasi is freed from the reactions of sinful life and achieves spiritual perfection.
The worship of Lord Viṣṇu on this day destroys the sins of countless lifetimes. Whoever observes this Ekadasi becomes famous, virtuous, and liberated at the end of life.”
The Result of Observance
“O King, by fasting on this day, one attains all worldly prosperity and spiritual advancement. A person who observes this fast and remains awake throughout the night achieves the merit of performing Agniṣṭoma and other great Vedic sacrifices.
By observing this Ekadasi, a person becomes freed from sins committed by the mind, words, or actions.
Whoever fasts on this sacred day and offers flowers, fruits, incense, and lamps to Me with devotion will never experience suffering in this life or the next.”
The Glory of Charity and Devotion
“Charity given on this day becomes multiplied endlessly. Offering gold, food, or land on this day is equal to offering the entire earth.
Even one who offers a simple leaf, flower, or drop of water to Me with a pure heart on this day achieves great spiritual progress.
One who donates a cow, clothes, grains, or sesame seeds on this day pleases Me more than one who performs countless sacrifices.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, one should give in charity according to one’s ability, observe the fast, and remain awake during the night, singing and hearing My glories.”
Liberation through the Power of Pāśāṅkuśa Ekadasi
“Whoever observes this Ekadasi with devotion is freed from all the bonds of material existence. Even the most sinful person can attain liberation by observing this sacred fast.
At the time of death, such a devotee is carried to My supreme abode by My personal messengers, the Viṣṇu-dūtas, and not by Yamarāja’s servants.
This Ekadasi is therefore called Pāśāṅkuśa, meaning ‘the one that cuts the noose of bondage.’ It removes the grip of material attachment and delivers the soul to eternal freedom.”
The Blessings upon Ancestors
“O King, by observing Pāśāṅkuśa Ekadasi, one not only benefits oneself but also delivers one’s ancestors.
If a person observes this fast, his ten generations of ancestors, as well as ten generations of descendants, become liberated from all sinful reactions.
By offering a lamp to Lord Viṣṇu on this day, one gains the merit of donating the entire world filled with jewels and gold. Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, observe this fast with great devotion.”
The Glories of Worship during Cāturmāsya
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, this Ekadasi occurs during the sacred Cāturmāsya period, and its observance during these months yields special benefit.
Those who remain devoted during this time, controlling their senses, avoiding sinful acts, and regularly chanting My names, attain My eternal abode.
Whoever faithfully hears or recites the glories of this day will never fall into ignorance or illusion and will surely attain spiritual perfection.”
The Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes the fast of Pāśāṅkuśa Ekadasi, worships Lord Viṣṇu, and remains awake at night, attains all auspiciousness, freedom from sin, and final liberation.
Even one who simply listens to or reads the glories of this day attains the merit of giving one thousand cows in charity and will reside in the spiritual world after leaving the body.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Pāśāṅkuśa Ekadasi is found in the Padma Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa describes to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira the liberating power of this sacred day.
Observing Pāśāṅkuśa Ekadasi cuts away the noose of karma, frees one from sin, uplifts ancestors and descendants, and grants eternal residence in Lord Viṣṇu’s divine abode.
