Kamada Ekadashi: Date, Meaning and Significance

Kamada Ekadashi is one of the great opportunity to the followers of Lord Krishna to be closer to him.

Lord Vishnu worshipped on Kamada Ekadashi — Lord Vishnu

Namaste!
Welcome to the world of engrossed readings at www.onindianpath.com. Followers of Hinduism or rather say lovers of Lord Vishnu always tend to do certain deeds that drive them more close to their beloved Lord Vishnu.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Observing Ekadashi vrat is a part of all the prayers offered to Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi appears twice in a month every year.

What is Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is the prominent day of fasting and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu by devotees. There is a huge importance of tithis as per Vedic calendar. The eleventh lunar day of Shukla and Krishna Paksha as per the Hindu Panchang is considered to be the most auspicious one to observe fast.

The two pakshas, Shukla and Krishna paksham are basically the two phases of brightening and fading moon. In the first phase the moon appears ¾ th full on Ekadashi and in the second phase moon appears ¾ th dark on Ekadashi.

Date and tithi of Kamada Ekadashi 2024

In 2024, we have Kamada Ekadashi on 19 April. Additionally, the tithi of Ekadashi will start at 5:31 PM on April 18,2024 and will end at 08:04 PM on April 19, 2024.

However in 2023, Kamada Ekadashi was observed on 1st April, 2023.

What is Kamada Ekadashi?

Kamada Ekadashi is the first ekadashi according to the Hindu New Year in the lunar calendar which falls in the month of March or April(chaitra mas).

Moreover it is also known as Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ekadashi. Kamada especially refers to the desires of humans and Kamada Ekadashi is the day when all the desires of devotees are fulfilled.

Moreover, from Kamada Ekadashi onwards Shri Banke Bihari ji gets adorned with beautiful flowers from the country and abroad. Because of scorching heat for next four months, the temple will be decorated with foolbangla(decoration only with fresh flowers).

Further, people on this day are involved in religious practices and do rituals to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Maa Ekadashi. Devotees observe strict fasting on Ekadashi.

What is the significance of Kamada Ekadashi vrat?

Ekadashi vrat is of great significance as devotees observe fast and refrain from eating Tamasik food and stick to eating only Satvik ahaar or Falahaar. Furthermore, devotees perform many sacred rituals on this day which not only blesses them but also drive their mind and soul towards piousness and betterment. Infact, fasting on Ekadashi also blesses devotees with immense spiritual growth as the planets are also in a very positive state. Intake of Satvik food also makes the body free of toxins and makes it more fit and healthy.

Ultimately, Ekadashi fast is the form of austerity to attain detachment from materialistic life and attain moksha at the end.

Story of Kamada Ekadashi

According to the Padma Purana, there was a King named Pundarik who used to rule the kingdom of Bhogipura. He lived there with other nagas, gandharavas, kinnaras and celestial nymphs with all the luxuries and materialistic pleasure of the world.

Once, there was a celestial nymph Lalita and a gandharva named Lalit who were in love with each other since childhood. They used to love and enjoy their world of dreams.
One day, gandharva Lalit was singing the court of King Pundarik. Lalita was not around on that day, so he was all lost in the thoughts of Lalita.

Meanwhile, this wandering of thoughts affected his singing which was noticed by a serpent.
Particularlly, that serpent informed the King about this act of Lalit. On this, the king was extremely angry and he cursed Lalit who got transformed into a ugly demon. Indeed, Lalit in his demon form left the kingdom and went to the forest.
Furthermore, when Lalita came to know about the curse, she became very sad. Also, she left the kingdom and went to the forest after Lalit.
Although, there she found the cottage of Sage Shringi and went to him. Lalita conveyed everything about the curse given by King Pundarik to Lalit.

Certainly, on listening to her words, Sage Shringi advised Lalita to observe a fast on Kamada Ekadashi in the Chaitra month to get rid of the curse. Eventually, Lalita kept the fast on Kamada Ekadashi for Lalit, worshipped Lord Vishnu and performed all the rituals with utmost faith and sincerity.

Hence, after that Lalit came back in the original form of gandharva and got rid of the curse.

Dos and Don’ts on Ekadashi

1.Do not consume rice, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, pulses, grains, wheat and on Kamada Ekadashi.
2. Plucking of Tulsi (holy basil) is avoided.
3. Eat fruits, potatoes, milk and curd during the fast.
4.Offer bhog, fruits, flowers and perform other sacred rituals to Lord Vishnu.
5. Chanting of mahamantra, Vishnu Sahastranama, kirtan and Vishnu Aarti is advisable.

It is advisable to not to touch the food and water during the fasting hours.

However, those who cannot observe Nirjala Ekadashi (Ekadashi without water) can intake fruit and milk. The fast must start at sunrise and must end at sunset.

Conclusion

At the end, we know the relevance and significance of Kamada Ekadashi. It is a way to refine our thoughts and life as per teachings of Hindu God Krishna.

Have a blessed time ahead.

About Author

Akansha Agarwal

Namaste! AKANSHA AGARWAL is on a mission to help people to fall in love with India and its richest culture. She holds M.A. and B.A. in Mass communications. Her 12 years of work experience as a copywriter and content writer has marked her journey more fun and enthralling. She strongly believe in Karma and abide by the Niyama and Yama of Hinduism. She has been a spiritual seeker, Reiki healer, teacher, guide and mentor to many young minds. She would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading.

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