Kamada Ekadashi: Tithi, Significance and Puja Vidhi
Kamada Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadashi in Hinduism, as it is the first Ekadashi in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Shri Krishna Vasudeva. It comes in the Shukla Paksha, on the 11th waxing day of the moon, in Chaitra month.
Since it comes after the Chaitra Navratri celebrations, it is also referred to as “Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi.”
In 2024, the dates of Kamada Ekadashi are as follows:
Kamada Ekadashi 2024 Tithi
In 2024, the Kamada Ekadashi will be observed on the 19th of April, Friday.
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins on April 19, 2024, at 6:09 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends on April 20, 2024, at 8:51 AM
- Parana Muhrat: April 20 after sunrise.
Significance of Kamada Ekadashi
Following are the significance and benefits of observing Kamada Ekadashi:
- In the ancient text, Bhavishya Uttara Purana, the significance of fasting on this day is mentioned. It also mentions Bhagwan Krishna explaining the significance of this day to Dharmaraj Yudhishthir, saying that it is greater than the Ashwamedha Yag itself.
- It frees one from the sins of the past.
- Devotees get their deepest desires fulfilled.
- When the bhakt observes this Ekadashi with pure intentions, it gives him a place at the feet of the divine Narayana, where the souls transcend this world.
Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha
In the Varaha Purana, it is mentioned that this story was narrated by Shri Krishna to Yudhishthir. Accordingly, in the kingdom of Bhogipura, a Gandharva couple—Lalit and his wife, Lalita—used to live. They were excellent dancers and madly in love with each other. Once, Lalit was giving a solo singing performance in the court of King Pundarika. But his mind was occupied with the thoughts of his dear wife. As a result, Lalit missed the lyrics and sang the wrong lyrics. An envious courtier named Kakot noticed this and pointed it to the king, who took it as an insult to himself.
The king, in anger, cursed Lalit, saying that he would turn into a cannibal (man-eater). As soon as the king uttered the curse, Lalit transformed into a monster. His wife, Lalita, was devastated upon hearing this and started thinking of how she could get her husband back.
One lucky day, she met Rishi Shringi. She offered her respect and bowed down to him. The rishi noticed that she was in grief and inquired about the reason. Lalita told him about the condition of her husband and sought his help. He told her to observe the Kamada Ekadashi and pass all the merits earned to her husband; it would bring him back to his normal state.
On Kamada Ekadashi, Lalita observed the Vrat with devotion and stayed up the entire night. The next morning, she asked Bhagwan Vishnu to transfer all the merits of the Vrat to her husband. Bhagwan granted her request. Lalit, who was standing beside her, regained his original form and the couple ascended to heaven, where they lived lovingly once again.
Kamada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi and Vrat
The Puja Vidhi for Kamada Ekadashi is as follows:
- Wake up before the sunrise and take a bath.
- Worship Bhagwan Vishnu and chant mantras dedicated to him, like “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya.”
- Offer him Chandan, fruits, and flowers.
- Devotees should also recite Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha on this day.
- Devotees also recite the thousand names of Bhagwan Vishnu on this day while doing Vishnu Puja, known as Vishnu Sahasranama.
- People also sing bhajans for Bhagwan Krishna.
- It is also one of the best days to do charity work. Though every day is good enough for kind work, doing such things on Ekadashi brings immense benefits.
Kamada Ekadashi Vrat
Devotees on this day observe a vrat to please Bhagwan Vishnu.
- During the fast, avoid grains, root vegetables, garlic, spices, onions, and beans.
- You can consume fruits, sabudana, and nuts.
- A single meal can be taken before sunset.
- Break the fast the next day on Dwadashi Tithi with sattvic food items.
- People also conclude the fast by donating grains to the Brahmins.
- Fasting during Kamada Ekadashi also helps detoxify the body and brings calmness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of Kamada Ekadashi?
A: Kamada Ekadashi gets the devotee’s blessings from Bhagwan Vishnu.
Q: Which Ekadashi is most powerful?
A: Nirjala Ekadashi is considered the most powerful.
Q: Which Ekadashi is the most auspicious?
A: Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi) holds great religious and spiritual significance among Hindus. It is considered one of the most auspicious days when Bhagwan Shri Hari Vishnu awakens after a four-month-long sleep. However, there are 24 ekadashis in a year and each one is equally auspicious and has its own religious and spiritual significance.
For more insights on Ekadhashi Puja and Vrat Vidhi, you can talk to our astrologers and pandits at NamoAstro.
