Kamika Ekadashi: A day full of blessings

Ekadashi is a sacred day observed by the devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight according to the Vedic Calendar. So, Ekadashi comes twice a month- during the Shukla Paksha or the waxing moon and during the Krishna Paksha or the waning moon. Ekadashi is a very dear day to Lord Vishnu, and hence the devotees fast on this day and perform austerities as per their capacity on this day. There are twenty-four Ekadashis in a year, and the upcoming one is Kamika Ekadashi.

What is Kamika Ekadashi?

Kamika Ekadashi falls on the dark fortnight of the sacred month of Shravan, the first month of Chaturmasya which is a four-month period during which many austerities are performed for spiritual upliftment. In conversation with Maharaj Yudhishthir, Lord Krishna himself declared that observing Kamika Ekadashi, helps gain greater spiritual merit than studying all the Vedic literature. Additionally, it also removes the gravest of sins that of killing of innocents like a brahmana, an unborn child or a pious and spotless woman.

Narada’s enquiry about Kamika Ekadashi

Kamika Ekadashi’s story begins with a sacred dialogue between the great sage Narada and his father, Lord Brahma. Sri Narada when curious about the Ekadashi falling on the dark fortnight of Shravan, had respectfully enquired about its name, glories, merits, and how to observe it. Lord Brahma seeing the devotion and eagerness of Narada to benefit the humanity, gladly described the glories of Kamika Ekadashi. Lord Brahma highlighted that just hearing about this Ekadashi showers merit equal to performing great sacrifices. Brahma Ji also described how the observance of this Vrata, worshipping Lord Vishnu- especially with Tulasi leaves and offering a ghee lamp on this day can eradicate all kinds of sins and transfer the soul to the Vaikuntha planets. Thus, this sacred dialogue revealed the importance of Kamika Ekadashi for the spiritual upliftment of all beings.

Merits of observing Kamika Ekadashi

Lord Brahma disclosed various spiritual merits a person gains by observing Kamika Ekadashi. He explained how worshipping the Supreme Lord Vishnu on this day specifically with devotion and offering Tulasi leaves, pleases the Lord the most. The spiritual merit of Kamika Ekadashi exceeds those obtained from bathing in holy rivers like Ganga, Gandaki, and Godavari on auspicious days or even visiting pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Pushkar, etc. Even donating an entire wealth does not compare to the merits of this sacred fast. Planting a Tulsi plant on this day grants residence in the Vaikuntha planets eternally. Even simply touching and praying to Tulsi Devi on this day washes off all sins and diseases. Offering a ghee or sesame oil lamp to the Lord ascends all the forefathers to the heavenly realms. Even mere hearing about the glories of this Ekadashi bestows merit that of performing various fire sacrifices or Yajna. By observing Kamika Ekadashi with love and faith, one earns blessings beyond his imagination and walks further closer in his journey towards the supreme.

How to observe Kamika Ekadashi?

Kamika Ekadashi is observed in the same way as other Ekadashis. One should wake up in the Brahma Muhurta and take a bath. One may take a Sankalpa to maintain spiritual discipline during the observance. Fasting may be done according to personal capacity whether Nirjala with no food or water, Phalahar with fruits alone, or Anukalpa with simple, sattvic meals avoiding grains, legumes and pulses. The most important aspect of observing the Ekadashi vrata is to deepen one’s spiritual practice and offer more service to the Lord. One may deepen their spiritual practice by chanting extra rounds of Hare Krishna mahamantra and immerse oneself in hearing and reading about the Lord. Additionally, engaging in various devotional services such as offering bhoga, making garlands, performing kirtans, and donating to causes connected with the Lord further strengthens the observance.

By observing Ekadashi, one gains Krishna Bhakti. Therefore, we should not only observe this sacred day but also share its glories with others. In material life, people often refrain from sharing beneficial things out of selfishness, but in spiritual life, devotees selflessly share the love of the Lord. So, let’s share the glories of Kamika Ekadashi, which offers us the chance to immerse ourselves in devotional activities and, through our service, please the Lord.