There are 24 Ekadashis in a calendar year. Each has a specific name and legend associated with it. The Ekadashi that occurs in the month of Chaitra (March-April) during the dark fortnight of the Moon is called as Papmochani Ekadashi. This year, it falls on March 24, Friday. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the Emperor Mandhata (Emperor Mandhata is said to be an ancestor of kolis in the lineage of suryavamsi rulers long before Sri Rama and Dasharadha) .by Lomasa Rishi. (Lomasa Samhita is a text written by Lomasa Rishi, the Ajivaka sage, who lived before Asoka's period) Papmochani Ekadashi Story This is related to a story of Chitraratha, the chief musician among Gandharvas. He came with dancing girls, Kinnaras and Gandharvas to a garden which was very beautiful. Indra also came there and there were many sages residing there, performing their austerities and ascetic activities. The demigods used to visit this garden often especially in the month of Chaitra andVaisakha. Among the dancing girls, one was Manjughosha, an apsara, who wanted to attract Medhavi, a sage residing in the place. He was perseverant in his penance without giving room for deviation. Being afraid of his powers and having respect for his penance, Manjughosha stayed 2 miles away from him, singing melodiously with a tamboura. On seeing her beauty and listening to her melody, Cupid (Kamadeva) decided to help her in winning the attention of Medhavi. Did Manjughosha succeed? Read more...
