Pasankusa Ekadashi occurs during the Shukla Paksha of Ashvina month. The name 'Pasankusa' is composed of 'Pasa' (bondage/rope) and 'Ankusha' (a hook used to control elephants). Observing this fast acts as a divine hook, pulling the devotee away from the bondage of material sins and placing them directly under Lord Vishnu's protection.
Lord Krishna detailed the glory of this day to King Yudhisthira, stating that simply by meditating on Lord Padmanabha on this day, all past sinful reactions of a person are destroyed. Worshipping the Lord on this day brings more merit than visiting countless holy places.
The story refers to a cruel, sinful hunter named Krodhana who lived in the Vindhyachal mountains. He spent his entire life in violence, killing innocent animals and committing robberies. As his death approached, he became terrified of the messengers of Yamaraja (the god of death) and sought help from Sage Angira.
Sage Angira felt pity and advised Krodhana to observe the upcoming Pasankusa Ekadashi. Krodhana fasted completely and worshipped Lord Vishnu with tears of repentance. By the power of this fast, he was fully cleansed of all his violent sins. When Yama's messengers arrived, they could not touch him, and he ascended to Vaikuntha in a glorious chariot. Thus, Pasankusa Ekadashi is the supreme protector from death's terrors.
