Kamada Ekadashi 2026 – Date, Rituals, Significance & Vrat Katha
Kamada Ekadashi is a
revered Hindu festival celebrated on the ‘Ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Shukla
Paksha (waxing moon phase) in the lunar month of ‘Chaitra’. It marks the first
Ekadashi of the Hindu New Year and is dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of
Lord Vishnu. Also known as ‘Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi’, this sacred day signifies
the fulfillment of desires, as suggested by the word ‘Kamada’.
When is Kamada Ekadashi
Celebrated?
Falling after the
Navratri festivities, Kamada Ekadashi occurs in March or April according to the
Gregorian calendar. It is observed with devotion across India, especially in
the southern states.
The Legend of Kamada
Ekadashi
The story of Kamada
Ekadashi originates from the Padma Purana and is set in the kingdom of
Nagapura. The tale highlights the devotion of a celestial couple, Lalitha and
Lalith, and their journey from despair to salvation:
A Curse and Redemption: Gandharva
Lalith, under the King Pundarika’s service, succumbed to thoughts of his
beloved Lalitha during a performance. Enraged, the king cursed Lalith to
transform into a fierce, flesh-eating demon. Heartbroken, Lalitha sought
guidance from a sage, who advised her to observe the Ekadashi Vrat to remove
her husband’s curse.
Divine Intervention:
By fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu on Kamada Ekadashi and Dwadashi (the
following day), Lalitha’s devotion bore fruit. Lalith was freed from his curse
and restored to his original form.
This story underscores
the transformative power of Kamada Ekadashi and its ability to absolve even the
gravest sins.
Observing Kamada Ekadashi
involves devotion, discipline, and adherence to specific rituals:
Morning Puja:
Devotees begin the day
with an early bath and worship Lord Krishna with sandalwood, flowers, fruits,
and incense.
Chanting Vedic mantras
and reading sacred texts like Vishnu Sahastranaam are considered highly
auspicious.
Fasting Rules:
The fast begins on
Dashami (10th day) and continues through Ekadashi, concluding on Dwadashi.
During Ekadashi, the diet
consists of milk, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits. Strictly
vegetarian and saatvik (pure) food is consumed, and grains like rice and wheat
are avoided.
Breaking the Fast:
Devotees break their fast
the following morning after offering food and dakshina to a Brahmin.
Night Vigil:
Staying awake through the
night, devotees engage in bhajans and recite sacred hymns in praise of Lord
Vishnu.
Temple Celebrations:
Special yagyas and
discourses are held in Vishnu temples, bringing the community together in
devotion.
Significance of Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi is not
just an observance but a means to seek spiritual growth and redemption.
According to scriptures:
Fulfillment of Desires:
The vrat is said to fulfill worldly aspirations and protect devotees from
curses.
Moksha and Liberation:
Observing the fast grants spiritual merit, helping devotees achieve Vaikuntha,
the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Universal Virtue:
Sri Krishna explained the benefits of this Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira in the
Mahabharata, emphasizing its ability to absolve even the gravest sins.
2025 Date: April 08
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