Kamada Ekadashi

Kamada Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month. This Ekadashi is considered the day to fulfill desires. The Bhavishyottara Purana says that if one observes this fast correctly, it can help one achieve one’s wishes, erase one’s sins, and lead one to a life of virtue.

How to Observe Kamada Ekadashi

Before starting the Kamada Ekadashi fast, one should have a simple, sattvic (vegetarian) meal in the evening on the previous day (Dashami). On the day of Ekadashi, one must wake up early in the morning, take a bath, offer water to the Sun, and wear clean clothes. After that, one should set up an image or idol of Lord Vishnu in the prayer room at home and worship using the Shodashopachara method (sixteen-step worship). The offerings for the worship include Tulsi leaves, Panchamrit, Amala, Kush, water from the Shaligram stone, and Apunga.

The fast should be observed without food, but those unable to do so can have fruits. In the evening, after performing the Aarti of Lord Vishnu, one should stay awake the entire night, singing bhajans and kirtans to enhance the spiritual benefit of the fast. The fast concludes on the morning of Dwadashi. One must bathe again, offer water to the Sun, and then perform one’s daily worship. After that, one should apply a Tika on a Brahmin, offer food and Dakshina, and only after this can one eat with the family.

The Story behind Kamada Ekadashi

According to the Skanda Purana, the story of Kamada Ekadashi begins during the Dwapara Yuga when Yudhishthir asked Lord Krishna about the significance of this day. To which, Krishna replied with a story of the kingdom of Bhogipur, ruled by King Pundarika, who was known for his luxurious and cruel nature. In his court, Gandharvas would sing, and Apsaras would dance to entertain the king and his people.

In this kingdom, there was a couple: Lalit, a Gandharva, and Lalita, an Apsara. They were deeply in love with each other. One day, it was Lalit’s turn to sing, and on that day, King Pundrik had a guest, Nagraj Karkotaka. While Lalit was singing, he thought about his wife, and his voice faltered, making him forget the lyrics. The Apsaras stopped dancing as a result. King Pundarika, noticing this, asked what had happened. Lalit was unable to speak, but the king’s soldiers suggested that Lalit had faltered because he was thinking of his wife. King Pundarika, in anger, cursed Lalit to become a deformed demon and wander in the forest.

After receiving the curse, Lalit, now a demon, wandered into the forest. Seeing this, his wife, Lalita, was devastated and sought Sage Shringi’s advice. The sage advised her to observe the Kamada Ekadashi vrat and worship Lord Vishnu to free Lalit from the curse. Lalita followed the procedure and prayed to Lord Vishnu for the liberation of her husband. The result of the fast helped Lalit break free from the curse and restore his original form as a beautiful Gandharva. The couple lived happily ever after, and upon their death, they ascended to heaven.