Kamada Ekadashi is among the dearest and the most important observances of Ekadashi in the Hindu culture. It is believed that this Ekadashi, observed in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the Chaitra month, is powerful enough to eliminate and cleanse sins, allow negative influences to be cast away, and give divine blessings in return. The term “Kamada” translates to ‘fulfilling desires; ‘devotees who observe this vrat (fast) are thought to have their heartfelt desires fulfilled and neutralized karmic debts removed.
This Ekadashi is said to be extremely pivotal from the spiritual perspective because it was described by Lord Krishna to King Yudhishthira, who also describes the ability to remove the most horrendous of sins, including some of the worst curses. The day’s rituals and fasting bring riches, peace, and added divine and spiritual well-being to the follower.
When is Kamada Ekadashi in 2025?
In 2025, Kamada Ekadashi is on April 8 (which is a Tuesday). Here are the details:
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins: | April 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM |
| Ekadashi Tithi Ends: | April 8, 2025, at 9:13 PM |
| Parana (Fast-breaking) Time: | April 9, 2025, from 6:15 AM to 8:44 AM |
| Dwadashi Tithi Ends: | April 9, 2025, at 10:55 PM |
According to the best Kamada Ekadashi traditions, the fast should normally be broken on Dwadashi after the sunrise, following certain prescribed procedures; one must confirm local times accessible in Panchang before executing Parana.
The Legend of Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi is from different ancient texts, especially Padma Purana, where Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira about the fast.
The Story of Lalit and Lalita
Once upon a time, there lived a Gandharva (celestial musician) with his wife in the kingdom of Ratnapura. The kingdom was very big and rich, ruled by King Pundarika, who composed divine music and had splendid Apsaras, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras.
Lalit, who serenaded in the royal court regularly, was known for his melodious singing. One day while singing for the king’s audience, he happened to think about his wife, which made him lose his focus and subsequently make major mistakes in his performance. A naga (serpent) who resided in the court got immensely frustrated and proceeded to file a complaint with the king because of how careless he was with his performance.
This made the king immensely furious, and he cursed Lalit to turn into a hideous demon called a Rakshasa. He was enormous and suffered with sorrow. Rambling through the forests and mountains saddened her, but looking for a cure for her husband was keeping her hopeful.
Lalita’s suffering came to an end when she encountered the sage Shringi Rishi. After describing her backstory filled with sorrow, he recommended that she observe Kamada Ekadashi Vrat and request it from Lord Vishnu. Hoping and praying endlessly made her do the fasting with a feeling of devotion, and towards the end, her prayers got accepted. Lord Vishnu’s immense strength was required to free her husband from the curse, and through prayer, Lalit was able to return to his celestial self.
This explains the divine strength of fasting and devotion we receive by practicing Kamada Ekadashi, where even the worst of sins get undone by observing this day.
Spiritual and Religious Significance
Kamada Ekadashi observance is not just about fasting, but also about self-evaluation, which aids the worshippers in mind-body-soul cleansing. Some of its beliefs are:
- Cleansing of Guilt: Keeping this Ekadashi can purify one of guilt, even if it is as bad as sins committed in previous lives.
- Curses, Negative Karmas and Evil: This Ekadashi, as in the case of Lalit, is capable of negating curses and evil impacts.
- Dreams Come True: Kamada, meaning wish-fulfilling, indicates this Ekadashi is also for those who are looking for joy, prosperity, or grace.
- Achieving Moksha (Salvation): Skipping a meal on this day, which is intended for Lord Vishnu’s adoration, grants the devotee with illumination of soul and freedom from the cycle of reincarnation.
Lord Krishna himself declared to Yudhishthira:
Among all Ekadashis, Kamada Ekadashi is the most sacred. Observing it can dissolve sins that even a lifetime of penance cannot.
Rituals & Worship Guidelines
These regulations regarding fasting on Kamada Ekadashi are observed with unfailing love, care, and ritual devotion. As with all other Ekadashis, the fasting and exoteric forms of worshiping begin the day earlier on Dashami and end on Dwadashi.
Preparation on Dashami (April 7, 2025)
- Devotees eat a simple, sattvic meal before sunset to purify the body for the fast.
- Foods like grains, pulses, onions, garlic, and spicy foods are avoided.
- One makes a resolute commitment (Sankalp/vow) to observe the fast with sincerity.
Observing the Fast on Ekadashi (April 8, 2025)
- Wake up before sunrise and take a sacred bath (preferably in a holy river).
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita.
- •There are three ways to observe fasting.
- Nirjala Vrat: No food or water for 24 hours.
- Phalahar Vrat: Eating only fruits, milk, and nuts.
- Sattvic Vrat: consuming light vrat-approved meals.
Allowed Foods:
- Fruits: bananas, apples, pomegranates, coconuts, dates, and figs.
- Dairy: Milk, curd, buttermilk, and paneer.
- Grains Alternatives: Sabudana (tapioca), Singhara (water chestnut), Rajgira (amaranth), Kuttu (buckwheat).
- Vegetables: potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, and bottle gourd (cooked without salt).
- Rock salt (Sendha Namak) instead of regular salt.
Night Vigil and Worship
- Throughout the night, the devotees will stay awake, recite the kirtans and bhajans, and read the scriptures.
- Akhand Jyoti (eternal light lamp) burning continuously is also considered very auspicious.
Breaking the Fast on Dwadashi (April 9, 2025)
- After sunrise, the fast should be broken after offering food to Brahmins or the needy and cows.
- Drink Tulsi water or milk before consuming food.
- During Hari Vasara, the first day of Dwadashi, one should not break the fast.
We should still approach Kamada Ekadashi, which occurs on April 8, 2025, with the option of self-meditation. Praying and fasting on this glorious Ekadashi can help eliminate barriers, erase sin, and bring lifelong dreams to fruition. This is extremely vital in connecting one with Lord Vishnu and enables us to plead to him for bountiful grace, which is much needed to have an eternal peaceful life.
Wishing that all devotees observing Kamada Ekadashi receive the blessings of health, happiness and spiritual enlightenment.
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