Kamika Ekadashi

This Ekadashi is observed during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Shravan month in the traditional North Indian Hindu calendar, Kamika Ekadashi falls in the month of July or August. However, in the Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada and Telugu calendar, Kamika Ekadashi falls in the Ashada month. This vrat is considered highly significant and auspicious for performing good deeds and seeking blessings of the Lord. Holy baths take place in sacred rivers, such as Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Cauvery, Godavari, Krishna, and so on. 

According to Hindu beliefs, a devotee observing a vrat on Kamika Ekadashi is believed to have being blessed more than a person performing ritual baths in all the sacred rivers in India on auspicious days. Also, a devotee completing the Kamika Ekadashi vrat is likely to receive more punya, or blessings, from the Lord than one who has visited all Hindu holy places, such as Kasi, Haridwar, Kedarnath, etc. In this day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped using Tulsi leaves since due to the belief that this will wash away all the sins and evil deeds performed during the entire life.

Also lamps are filled with ghee or sesame oil and lit at Sri Krishna temples as part of the offerings. Another major belief for observing this fast is that Kamika Ekadashi is equivalent to reciting all the scriptures dedicated to Lord Vishnu. However, the greatest merit of observing Kamika Ekadashi vrat is achieving Vaikunta Prapthi, that is, attaining salvation in Vishnu Lokam. This indicates that the devotee’s devotion would not be disturbed by Yamadharmaraj, the lord of death, in heaven.

2016  Date : 30th July, Saturday. 

2017 Date : 19th July.