Kamada Ekadashi 2022

Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is known as Kamada Ekadashi. It is a Hindu holy day, which falls on the 11th lunar day (ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the traditional Hindu month of Chaitra (March–April). It is the first ekadashi after the Hindu New Year and is the next Ekadashi after Chaitra Navrati and Rama Navami in English Calendar.  Sanskrit word “Kamada” means fulfillment of all desires. By performing the Kamada Ekadashi vrata, devotees are able to please Lord Vishnu and hence get Lord’s blessings to be able to fulfill all their desires. Thus, it is considered to be the most auspicious among all the Ekadashi rituals.

At times Ekadashi fasting is suggested on two consecutive days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The alternate Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is suggested for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When alternate Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The legend about Kamada Ekadashi was explained by Lord Krishna to the Pandava King Yudhishtira as it was told by the sage Vasishtha to King Dilipa and is mentioned in the Varaha Purana . The story dates back to a couple named Lalit and Lalitha. While Lalit was a Gandharva, Lalitha was an apsara. Exceptionally good dancers and singers, the couple performed in the court of King Pundarika in Ratanapur. On one occasion, Lalit was asked to deliver a solo performance but he loved his wife so much that this separation could just not be tolerated by him. Hence, Lalit made numerous mistakes in his performance. The king was informed about this, thanks to one of the courtiers. Irritated, the king cursed Lalit for being overwhelmed by his wife’s love and he was turned into an ugly looking demon. The king thought that Lalitha would dump his demon husband. Instead, Lalitha immediately came to the king and informed that she would never forsake her husband come what may. The couple set out to find a solution to this curse. One day, they passed by an ashram of Sage Sringi. The entire tale was retold to the sage who then asked the couple to observe the Kamada Ekadashi vrat on this day. As directed, the couple observed the fast and thus, Lalit was relieved from the curse by Lord Krishna and returned to his normal self. As a merit of this fast, Lalit, therefore, attained his original gandharava form and the couple was taken on a celestial flying chariot in the end. Hence, all religious Hindu devotees observe this vrat on the pretext of getting their desires and wished fulfilled while getting their sins washed away.

Kamada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

The Puja Vidhi performed during Amalaki Ekadashi is similar to that followed during other Ekadashi’s.

After taking bath in the morning of Kamada ekadashi, the devotee observes a fast. Worship is also offered to Vishnu in the form of Krishna, often in a nearby temple. Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a strict fast which is broken on the next day during the parana time. Those who are unable to keep a whole day fast keep a partial fast by taking a simple one time meal. The meal may include fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts or any milk products. Devotees should avoid eating barley, wheat and moong dal on this day.

On this auspicious occasion, one can seek blessings of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and Khatu shyam ji.

Kamada Ekadashi Mantra

On the auspicious day of Kamada Ekadashi, devotees chant one or more of the mentioned Krishna Mantra – ‘Shri Krishna Sharanam Mamah’, ‘Hare Krishna Mantra’, etc.

One can also chant any one of these Vishnu Mantra and Slokas on this auspicious day – ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya Mantra’, ‘Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram’ or ‘Vishnu Ashtottaram’.

Benefits Of Kamada Ekadashi Vrat

One can get rid of all type of sins and guilt that are a result of lust by observing Kamada Ekadashi fasting. The followers of this ritual believe that observing a fast on this day will assist in regaining and increasing virtue. In Hinduism killing a Brahman or Brahmin is the most deadly sin one can commit. It is believed that even the sin of Brahmin killing is purged by observing Kamada Ekadashi fast. Apart from the washing of the sins, observing this Ekadashi vrat is also believed to bless a couple with a son, those desiring for one since a long time.