Kamika Ekadashi

Kamika Ekadashi-Remedy for All Doshas

Ensures1 Comment

The last Ekadashi (11th day) in Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashada, is observed as Kamika Ekadashi.

Guru Raghavendra Matha, Hulimavu, Bengaluru

Fasting and observing rituals of Ekadashi on this day bestows benefits equivalent of performing a Rajasuya Ashwameda Vajpeya Yaga (used to be performed in earlier times by Kings for fertility, power and peace in the Kingdom). It also blesses the devotee who is unable to complete important tasks due to some obstacle or hindrances. Observing Kamika Ekadashi would ensure completion of such tasks to fruition.

One of the significant benefits is explained by Bhagwan Shri Krishna Himself as answer to question posed by Yudhishtra. Bhagwan Shri Krishna explains, “This legend is originally related by Brahma himself to his son Devarshi Narada. It is a solution to all those who have accrued any type of sins. Those who observe fast and worship Bhagwan Vishnu with Tulsi patra (leaves) will be redeemed of all sins, renders the soul pure and paves way for liberation. Brahma Dosha or Brahmana Hatya Paapa – Sin of killing a Brahmin by anyone in previous or current generation in the family, will be redeemed and the devotee will be freed of the consequences. It also frees the devotee from any Pitru Dosha”

Brahma continues, “Kamika Ekadashi fasting is equivalent to visiting Kashi and also bathing in Ganga Maa. The Vrati or Devotee thus has to observe the day with cleanest of heart, free of lust or greed or pride for deriving the benefit”

Lord Venkateshwara with Sri Vakshasthala Mahalakshmi, Kallahalli, Kanakapura

Legend

There lived a short-tempered and arrogant landlord in a small village. Once he had a fight with the Brahmin of that village and in a fit of rage strikes a blow on his head resulting in the death of the Brahmin. Then he repented and wanted to be a part of his Shradhha Karma (last rites), which the villagers refused. The landlord was deeply hurt by this and approached a visiting Rishi and seeks his advise on the prayashchitta (atonement) for the sin that he had commited by killing a Brahmin. Rishi advised him to observe a fast and worship Bhagwan Vishnu on Kamika Ekadashi. That night when he slept beside Vishnu’s Murti, who sees that the man is truly repentive and seeks sincere atonement, relieves him of his sins.

Vrata and Puja Vidhana

Wake up early in the morning and have a water-only bath (no use of any shampoo or soap or any other such cosmetic products).
Ensure you don’t commit any act hereon that can be considered impure (in deed or thought)
Offer Puja to Bhagwan Vishnu with Tulsi leaves
Pay your respects to Parents and other Elders, especially Guru
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Shri Rama Raksha Stotra, and Aranya Kanda of Srimad Ramayana
Make a donation (in cash or kind to a Brahmin)
Do not consume any staple food (Upavas food is allowed)
Continue the fasting until next day (Dwadashi) and do the Parana (breaking of fast at sunrise, ensure it is Dwadashi tithi)

Om Namo Narayana

I have written on the same subject earlier. To read that article click here

Kamika Ekadashi: Sacred Day of Forgiveness and Liberation

Ensures1 Comment

सशङ्खचक्रं सकिरीटकुण्डलं सपीतवस्त्रं सरसीरुहेक्षणम् ।
सहारवक्ष:स्थलशोभिकौस्तुभश्रियं नमामि विष्णुं शिरसा चतुर्भुजम् ॥

Kamika Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Shravana month (July-August) according to Amanta calendar or Ashadha month according to Purnimanta calendar. It is first Ekadashi coming during sacred period of Chaturmas. Devotees dedicate this auspicious day to worship Bhagawan Vishnu, seeking forgiveness for past sins and protection from negative energy.

Meaning and Significance of Kamika Ekadashi

Understanding name itself reveals supreme nature of this divine day. In Sanskrit, Kama refers to righteous desires and wishes, while Kamika signifies fulfiller of pure desires. Therefore, Kamika Ekadashi translates to 11th day that fulfills pure wishes of devotees while granting liberation from worldly sins.

Human life often suffers due to unintentional mistakes, bad karma, and fear of spiritual decline. Observing fast on Kamika Ekadashi with pure mind acts as divine shield, washing away accumulated sins and granting spiritual energy. Scriptures state that merit obtained by worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day is far greater than taking holy dips in sacred rivers or donating massive wealth. Worshiping Bhagawan Vishnu with Tulsi leaves on Kamika Ekadashi pleases Lord immensely, removing all spiritual obstacles and guiding devotee towards Moksha.

Legend associated with Kamika Ekadashi

Scriptures describe sacred story narrated by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada and later by Bhagawan Krishna to King Yudhishthira, involving wealthy landlord who lived in prosperous village. Landlord was short tempered and aggressive in nature. One day, landlord got into heated argument with local Brahmin. In fit of extreme anger, landlord physically attacked Brahmin, leading to accidental death of Brahmin.

Realizing gravity of his crime, landlord felt deep guilt and remorse. He wanted to attend funeral rites of Brahmin to seek forgiveness, but villagers refused his presence and boycotted him completely due to sin of Brahma Hatya (killing of Brahmin). Ostracized by society and burdened with immense guilt, landlord approached pious sage seeking way to cleanse his soul.

Sage felt compassion for genuinely repentant landlord and advised him to observe Kamika Ekadashi fast in Krishna Paksha of Shravana month. Sage instructed him to worship Bhagawan Sridhara form of Lord Vishnu with complete devotion, keep fast, and pray sincerely for forgiveness.

Landlord strictly observed Kamika Ekadashi fast, keeping night vigil near idol of Bhagawan Vishnu. During night, Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream and declared that his sincere repentance, complete devotion, and observance of sacred fast had cleansed him of sin. Landlord regained spiritual peace, got rid of heavy guilt, and spent rest of his life in devotion to Lord Hari.

Rituals to be performed on Kamika Ekadashi

Devotee must wake up early in morning during Brahma Muhurta and take ritual bath in clean water. Do not use soap, shampoo or any such cosmetic products.

Puja area should be cleaned thoroughly and idol or photo of Bhagawan Vishnu, specifically Sridhara form, should be placed respectfully.

Light ghee lamp, offer fresh yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, and fresh Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan Vishnu. Offering Tulsi leaves on this day holds special significance and brings supreme blessings.

Chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Hare Krishna Mahamantra, or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya continuously throughout day.

Listen to or read Kamika Ekadashi Katha with family members in peaceful state of mind.

Observe fast during entire day according to individual health capacity. Healthy individuals can observe strict fast without water or taking only water. Milk, curd, and fruits can be consumed if complete fasting is difficult due to health reasons. Rice, wheat, barley, lentils, pulses, and all food grains must be avoided strictly. Heavy spices, regular salt, garlic, onion, tea, coffee, outside processed food, and alcohol must be strictly avoided.

Perform evening Aarti with devotion, offer special Naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, and maintain noble thoughts, avoiding anger, backbiting, falsehood, or harsh speech.

Break fast next day on Dwadashi tithi during scheduled Parana time. Fast should be broken after sunrise once Hari Vasara period concludes. Offer naivedya to Bhagwan Vishnu, perform short prayer, and break fast by consuming prasada, water, or fruits before eating regular food.

PS: Article re-formatted into blocks and Header Image changed