Significance and legend
Papamochani means the remover of sins. In the Bhavishyottara Purana, the sage Lomasha tells King Mandhata the story of the young sage Medhavi, son of Chyavana, who was performing austerities in the beautiful Chaitraratha forest, devoted to Shiva. Indra, wishing to disturb his tapas, sent the apsara Manjughosha, who enchanted him with her singing. Medhavi lost his concentration and spent many years with her, unaware of the passing of time. When she finally asked leave to return to heaven, he realised how many years had passed and how his austerities had been wasted. In anger, he cursed her to become a pishachini.
Manjughosha begged for release, and Medhavi told her to observe Papamochani Ekadashi. Medhavi then returned to his father Chyavana, who told him that he too had incurred sin through his lapse and his curse, and should also keep the same fast. Both observed the Ekadashi; Manjughosha regained her divine form and returned to heaven, and Medhavi was purified of his fault. This is the last Ekadashi of the lunar year in the amanta calendar.
How Papamochani Ekadashi is observed
Devotees fast and worship Vishnu with tulsi, flowers, incense and lamps, reflecting on their faults and seeking forgiveness. The story of Medhavi and Manjughosha is read, and the Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted. Charity and night vigil complete the observance. The fast is broken on Dwadashi after sunrise within the parana window, with food first offered to Vishnu.