‘Kamada Ekadashi,’ also called ‘Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi,’ falls on the “Ekadashi Tithi” of Shukla Paksha. The word “Kamada” means “fulfillment of desires.”
Hence, it is believed that Kamada Ekadashi fulfills a person’s worldly needs. This year, Kamada Ekadashi falls on April 19. The auspicious timing for Kamada Ekadashi will start at 5:31 p.m. on April 18, 2024, and last until 8:04 p.m. on April 19, 2024.
History of ‘Kamada Ekadashi’
According to legends, King Pundarika ruled the kingdom of Bhogipura. Apsaras, Kinnaras, and Gandharvas inhabited his kingdom. There lived a Gandharva couple named Lalit and Lalita, who were passionately in love with each other. One day, when Lalit was performing at the court of King Pundarika, he was lost in thought of his dear wife. Because of this, he messed up his performance.
The king took this as an insult and cursed Lalit to be turned into a heinous creature who eats raw flesh and drinks. She was terrified when Lalita saw her beloved husband turn into a beast. But, loyal and loving as she was, she accompanied her husband and watched his deplorable acts of indulging in violence and killings.
One day, Lalita met Sage Shringi and narrated her misery to the holy sage. Sage Shringi then advised her to observe Kamada Ekadashi.
Lalita fasted on Ekadashi and Dwadashi and prayed to Lord Vishnu to free her husband from King Pundarika’s curse. Lord Vishnu was pleased with her commitment and then liberated Lalit from the curse and granted him Gandharva Hood.
‘Kamada Ekadashi’ Rituals
Devotees must wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
Krishna is worshipped on this auspicious day, and the idol of Shri Krishna is decorated with flowers.
During the fast, devotees can have only pure vegetarian meals. They should avoid rice, moong dal, wheat, and barley.
The fast begins with Dashami of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. After consuming a single meal before sunset, the fast continues for 24 hours from the sunrise of Ekadashi till sunrise of Dwadashi. On Dwadashi, the fast is broken by offering food and money to the Brahmins.
Devotees must engage in listening to Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha.
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