Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comKamika Ekadashi
Kamika Ekadashi is observed on Shravana Krishna Ekadashi, in the first month of Chaturmas. According to the Padma Purana, merely hearing of it brings the fruit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and worshipping Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves has special importance on this day.
This is the first Ekadashi of Chaturmas, after Devshayani Ekadashi. In the amanta calendar it is called Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi. In 2027 the Smarta fast is on 29 July and the Vaishnava fast on 30 July.
Significance of Kamika Ekadashi
In the Padma Purana, Brahma tells Narada that worshipping Lord Vishnu as Shridhara on Kamika Ekadashi in Shravana's dark fortnight bears more fruit than bathing at the Ganga, Kashi, Naimisha and Pushkar, and that the Kamika vow equals the gift of the earth with its oceans and forests. One who keeps vigil at night neither sees Yama nor goes to a bad end.
The glory of tulsi is special on this Ekadashi. According to the katha, Vishnu is not as pleased with gems and pearls as with tulsi leaves, and one who worships with tulsi leaves stays untouched by sin as a lotus leaf by water. A lamp lit before the Lord on Ekadashi satisfies the ancestors in heaven with nectar.
How Kamika Ekadashi Is Celebrated
Devotees bathe in the morning, take the vow, worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves and blossoms and hear the glory of Kamika Ekadashi. The fast is kept without water, with water only or with fruit, as one is able.
On this day it is the custom to keep a lamp of ghee or sesame oil burning before the Lord day and night, and a vigil is kept all night. The next day, on Dwadashi, alms are given and the fast is broken within the prescribed parana muhurat.
Kamika Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Eat a simple sattvic meal on Dashami, and on Ekadashi bathe in the morning and take the vow of fasting. Worship Lord Vishnu as Shridhara with tulsi leaves and blossoms, light a lamp of ghee or sesame oil, hear the glory, keep vigil at night, and the next day, on Dwadashi, give alms and break the fast within the parana muhurat.
About Kamika Ekadashi
Kamika Ekadashi is the vow kept on Shravana Krishna Ekadashi for the destruction of sin and the satisfaction of the ancestors. This page gives its date, the vidhi of the fast, the tulsi worship and a summary of the glory given in the Padma Purana.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kamika Ekadashi in 2027?
Kamika Ekadashi falls on Thursday, 29 July 2027; in the Vaishnava tradition the fast is on Friday, 30 July. The parana time will be added here as the date approaches.
Why is Kamika Ekadashi observed?
According to the Padma Purana, this vow is for the rescue of those drowning in the ocean of worldly life, thick with the mire of sin. It removes the sin of killing a brahmin, grants the abode of Vishnu, and merely hearing of it brings the fruit of the Vajapeya sacrifice.
Why worship with tulsi on Kamika Ekadashi?
According to the katha, Lord Vishnu is not as pleased with gems, pearls and coral as with tulsi leaves, and one who worships with tulsi blossoms has the sins of a lifetime destroyed.