Kamada Ekadasi is a day to worship Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and to observe Ekadasi fasting. Kamada Ekadasi has its reference in Varaha Purana. Kamada Ekadashi is also known as Damana Ekadashi or Avaidhavya Ekadasi.
When is Kamada Ekadasi observed?
Kamada Ekadasi is observed on the eleventh day of the first Hindu month Chaitra (Chaitra Sudda Ekadasi). In 2009, the date and the day of Kamada Ekadasi festival – April 5, Sunday.
Importance and Significance of the Main Ekadashi Ritual – Ekadasi Fasting:
According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Sri Krishna narrated the importance and significance of Ekadashi fasting to Pandava agraja, Dharma Raja (Yudhishtira). Ekadashi fasting eradicates the devoteeβs sins and makes the devotee free from all his sorrows. Ekadashi fasting leads the devotee to Moksha (salvation).
Legend or the Story of Kamada Ekadasi Fasting β Greatness of Kamada Ekadashi:
Once, a Gandharva was married to a beautiful woman. After his marriage, he was unable to do his regular works or duties with dedication because of his attraction towards his wife. The King of Gandharvas realized the fact and cursed him to become a cannibal. Gandharva with his wife wandered many holy places to get rid of the curse.
While they were passing by an Ashrama (hermitage), they met a Sage and asked about a remedy to get rid of their curse. That Sage advised them to perform the rituals and customs associated with Kamada Ekadashi. He suggested them the only and ultimate remedy to get rid of any sin or curse is Ekadasi fasting. As suggested by the Sage, the Gandharva couple observed the Kamada Ekadasi fasting and got rid of the Gandharvaβs curse.
Rituals and Customs of Kamada Ekadashi:
The rituals, customs and traditions of Kamada Ekadashi include β Lord Sri Maha Vishnu puja (worship of Lord Narayana) and observance of fasting. Some people perform vigil at Kamada Ekadasiβs night. Some people perform partial fasting as they refrain themselves from taking the food made up of rice.
List of Ekadasi Dates or Ekadashi Days in 2009
Dates of Other Chaitra Masa Festivals – Auspicious Days in Chaitra Month in 2009Β
Phool Bangla Utsav in Banke Bihariji Temple of Vrindavan
Mohini Ekadasi β Vaisakha Shukla Ekadashi
Apara Ekadasi β Vaishak Vadi Ekadashi or Achala Ekadasi
Bhadrakali Ekadashi β Jyeshta Krishna Paksha Ekadasi
Aja Ekadashi β Ananda Ekadasi or Annada Ekadashi 2009
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