“Kamika Ekadashi- Embracing Spiritual Purification and Divine Blessings”

"Kamika Ekadashi", a significant Hindu festival, holds immense importance in the religious and spiritual Hindu calendar. Falling during Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravan as per the north Indian hindu calendar (July-August), "Kamika Ekadashi" is celebrated with great devotion and reverence by millions of Hindus worldwide. In the year 2024, we are celebrating this divine occasion of "Kamika Ekadashi" on the ''31st July.' 

As per Drik Panchang, the tithi for "Kamika Ekadashi" in ‘24 is as follows:

Kamika Ekadashi on Wednesday, 31st July ‘24

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 04:44 PM on 30th July ‘24
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 03:55 PM on 31st July ‘24

Rituals & Observances of “Kamika Ekadashi”:

On this blissful day, 'Sridhar' form of Lord Vishnu is worshipped by the devotees to attain a satisfied life. Basically, "Sridhar" means 'Possessor or Consort of Goddess Lakshmi' or 'Possessor of Good Fortune.' 'Sridhar' has been depicted as a divine being with four hands holding lotus, mace, discus and conch. It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu's Sridhar form on "Kamika Ekadashi" blesses one with spiritual purification and liberation from all sins.

Besides prayers, the devotees are also engaged in meditation, and chanting the names of Lord Vishnu. Reading religious texts like the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and the Bhagavad Gita is considered auspicious. Visiting Vishnu temples and participating in bhajans (devotional songs) and satsangs (spiritual discourses) are common practices.

Many people are involved in holy baths in revered rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna & Kaveri.

Fasting is also a relevant part of "Kamika Ekadashi." Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water for the entire day. Some people prefer to observe a partial fast by consuming only fruits and milk. Non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, honey & urad dal (black lentil) is prohibited.

Being highly meritorious, Kamika Ekadashi Vrat helps in winning the favor of Yamraj, the Lord of Death.

It is recommended to break the fast (perform Parana) on the next day, i.e., Dwadashi tithi.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “Parana timings” for “Kamika Ekadashi” in the year ‘24 are as follows:

Kamika Ekadashi on Wednesday, 31st July ‘24

• On 1st Aug, Parana Time - 05:43 AM to 08:24 AM
• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 03:28 PM

Giving to the needy and performing acts of charity are highly recommended on this day. Devotees believe that engaging in selfless service and helping others purifies the soul and pleases the divine. It also helps in getting relief from Pitra Dosh.

Legend behind “Kamika Ekadashi”:

There's also a Vrat Katha associated with "Kamika Ekadashi" reciting which can bless the person with peace, happiness and enlightenment in life. There's also a belief that listening to the significance and story of "Kamika Ekadashi" is equal to performing Vajapeya Yajna.

The legend is as follows:

Once, there lived a landlord in a village. He was a very angry man. One day, he indulged in an argument with a Brahmin. Accidentally, he killed him out of anger. He was very disappointed with himself for doing this. To repent for the same, he requested the villagers to let him be a part of the Brahmin's cremation rituals. But everyone denied this, and he was being cursed for  Brahmin’s killing

After some days, the landlord approached a saint to help him out. He narrated the whole story to the saint. Then, he was suggested to observe "Kamika Ekadashi Vrat" & worship Lord Vishnu with reverence. The landlord performed the same- he kept the fast following all the rituals properly. On the same night, the landlord was sleeping beside Lord Vishnu's idol. And Sridhar form of Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream & blessed him with sin redemption.

In this way, the landlord escaped from his sin by performing "Kamika Ekadashi" wholeheartedly.

The same way, one can also be executed from his or her sins committed during lifetime by performing this magical day of "Kamika Ekadashi." This day even holds the power to provide 'Moksha' (the ultimate liberation).

Importance of “Kamika Ekadashi”:

One can find the utter significance of "Kamika Ekadashi" in Brahma Vaivarta Purana. Originally, he importance of this Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Brahma to Rishi Narada and second, by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira as:

• Kamika Ekadashi is the best among all the fasts, like Sheshnag among the serpents, Garuda among the birds, Lord Vishnu among the gods, Peepal among the trees and Brahmins among the human beings.
• This Ekadashi is equal to bathing in sacred rivers on auspicious days.
• Observing this Ekadasi is also equal to reading all the scriptures dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Overall, "Kamika Ekadashi" represents an opportunity for devotees to renew their spiritual journey and seek divine blessings. The day encourages introspection, self-discipline, and the practice of virtuous qualities. It is believed that by observing Kamika Ekadashi with devotion and purity of heart, devotees can overcome obstacles, attain spiritual growth, and receive the divine grace of Lord Vishnu.

Kamika Ekadashi is believed to have the power to remove negative energies, influences, and obstacles from one's life. It is a time to let go of negativities, seek spiritual protection, and invite positive transformations.

|| Shubh Kamika Ekadashi ||

|| Om Sridharaya Namah ||

|| ॐ श्रीधराय नम: ||