Kamada Ekadasi is observed on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, eleventh day in bright half of Chaitra month. In 2010, Kamada Ekadasi date is March 26, 2010. This day is dedicated to worship Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and to observe Ekadasi fasting to get rid of all sins. Kamada Ekadasi has its reference in Varaha Purana. Kamada Ekadashi is also known as Damana Ekadashi or Avaidhavya Ekadasi.
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 devotee’s 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 – 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 Gandharva’s curse.
Rituals and Customs of Kamada Ekadashi:
The rituals, customs and traditions of Kamada Ekadashi include – Lord Sri Maha Vishnu puja (worship of Lord Narayana) and observance of fasting. Some people perform vigil at Kamada Ekadasi’s night. Some people perform partial fasting as they refrain themselves from taking the food made up of rice.
Sri Rama Rajyotsavam is the day of Sri Rama Pattabhishekam. According to Ramayana, Lord Sri Ram was crowned on this day.
When is Sri Rama Rajyotsav celebrated?
Sri Rama Rajyotsav is celebrated on the day of Chaitra Shudda Panchami (the fifth day in Chaitra month). In 2009, Sri Rama Rajotsavam is observed on March 31, Tuesday.
Lord Sri Ram Rajyotsava Puja:
During the festival of Sri Ram Rajyotsava, worshipping of Lord Sri Rama and Goddess Sita Devi (the divine couple) brings prosperity and bliss to devotees.
Sowbhagya Gauri Vrata is also performed by childless women who want to be blessed with children. Shiva Dolotsav is the ritual to perform by childless women.
What is Shiva Dolotsav?
In the evening of Sowbhagya Gauri Puja (Gauri Thadiya), devotees worship Lord Shiva in a rare form of ritual. Like they worship Lord Sri Krishna on Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day. Sri Shiva Dolotsav is – swinging Lord Shiva in the form of Bala Shiva (Shiva in child form) in a cradle. Devotees believe that cradle ceremony of Lord Shiva makes their home blissful with children.
When is Shiva Dolotsav or Sri Rama Dolotsavam?
Sri Shiva Dolotsavam is also called as Sri Rama Dolotsavam. In some regions, people worship Lord Sri Ram on the occasion of Gauri Tritiya Puja. People believe that Lord Sri Ram also blesses childless people with children, if they perform the ritual of Sri Rama Dolotsavam.
Shiva Dolotsavam or Sri Ram Dolotsav is observed on the day of Gauri Tritiya (Chaitra Shudda Thadiya). In 2009, Shiva Dolotsav or Sri Ram Dolotsav is observed on Marc h 29, Sunday.
Shree Lakshmi Panchami is considered as a great day to worship Goddess of wealth, Sri Laxmi Devi. Lakshmi Panchami is also called as Shri Vratam.
When is Shri Lakshmi Panchami observed in 2009?
Shri Lakshmi Panchami is observed on Chaitra Shudda Panchami (the fifth day of Chaitra month). In 2009, Sri Laxmi panchami is celebrated on March 31, Tuesday.
Shri Vratam – Important Puja during Laxmi Panchami:
Shri Vratam (Lakshmi Puja) is the important ritual (pooja) to perform on Laxmi Panchami day. Worshipping Goddess Laxmi Devi with Shodasha Upacharas (16 types of ritualistic worship) and Lakshmi Astottara pujas on this day removes all sins of devotees and brings prosperity to them.