Kamada Ekadashi 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, and Vrat Katha
Kamada Ekadashi 2025 Date and Timings
Kamada Ekadashi is a significant fasting day in Hinduism, observed on the Ekadashi Tithi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Chaitra month. In 2025, Kamada Ekadashi falls on Tuesday, April 8.
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 08:00 PM on April 07, 2025
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 09:12 PM on April 08, 2025
- Parana (Breaking the Fast) Timing: April 9, 2025, from 06:02 AM to 08:34 AM
- Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 10:55 PM on April 9, 2025
Parana should be done within the prescribed time, and avoiding it beyond Dwadashi is not considered auspicious.
Significance of Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi is the first Ekadashi of the Hindu New Year (Chaitra month), making it an important occasion for devotees seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings. The word Kamada means ‘fulfilling desires,’ and thus, observing this Ekadashi is believed to grant all wishes, remove sins, and help in attaining spiritual upliftment. It is particularly recommended for those seeking happiness, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in life.
According to Hindu scriptures, the greatness of Kamada Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira in the Varaha Purana. It is believed that fasting on this day frees individuals from curses and negative energies and bestows divine grace.
Rituals of Kamada Ekadashi Vrat
- Early Morning Preparations:
- Devotees wake up early before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- A resolution (Sankalp) is taken to observe the fast with dedication.
- Worship of Lord Vishnu:
- The puja begins with Panchopachara or Shodashopachara Puja (offering five or sixteen types of items, respectively).
- Devotees offer tulsi leaves, fruits, flowers, incense sticks, ghee lamps, and bhog (food offering) to Lord Vishnu.
- Recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama and chanting the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is considered highly auspicious.
- Observing a Nirjala or Phalahar Fast:
- Ideally, devotees observe a Nirjala fast (without food and water), but those unable to do so can keep a Phalahar fast (consuming fruits and milk).
- Some also consume water and vrat-friendly food like sabudana, kuttu atta, and dairy products.
- Listening to Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha:
- Reading or listening to the Kamada Ekadashi Katha (legend) is considered an essential part of the observance.
- Night Vigil and Bhajans:
- Many devotees stay awake at night, engaging in bhajans and kirtans in praise of Lord Vishnu.
- Parana (Breaking the Fast):
- The fast is broken the next day (Dwadashi Tithi) within the specified time.
- The first meal should be simple and satvik (free from onion, garlic, and tamasic foods).
Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha (The Legend of Kamada Ekadashi)
The significance of Kamada Ekadashi is narrated in the Varaha Purana, where Lord Krishna tells Yudhishthira about the power of this sacred day.
The Story of Lalit and Lalita
Once, there was a beautiful city named Ratnapura, ruled by King Pundarika. The city was home to celestial beings such as Gandharvas (heavenly musicians), Kinnaras, and Apsaras.
A famous Gandharva named Lalit lived in Ratnapura and was deeply in love with his wife, Lalita. One day, while performing in the royal court, Lalit became distracted, thinking about his wife, and made a mistake in his performance. This angered the king, who cursed Lalit, turning him into a ferocious demon (rakshasa).
Distressed, Lalita sought guidance from sages, who advised her to observe Kamada Ekadashi Vrat. With deep devotion, she fasted, prayed to Lord Vishnu, and performed all the rituals sincerely.
Pleased with her dedication, Lord Vishnu lifted the curse and restored Lalit to his original form. Since then, it is believed that observing Kamada Ekadashi can free individuals from past sins, curses, and negative influences.
Benefits of Observing Kamada Ekadashi
- Removes Sins and Negative Karma: Fasting on this day is equivalent to performing numerous charitable acts and sacrifices.
- Fulfills Desires: The vrat is believed to fulfill material and spiritual wishes.
- Blessings of Lord Vishnu: Devotees receive divine protection and guidance.
- Liberation from Curses: As per the vrat katha, it helps people overcome past life obstacles.
- Ensures a Prosperous Life: Brings peace, prosperity, and harmony in personal and professional life.
- Spiritual Growth: Helps in attaining moksha (liberation).
Foods Allowed and Avoided on Kamada Ekadashi
Allowed (Saatvik Food for Phalahar Vrat):
- Fruits (Banana, Apple, Papaya, etc.)
- Milk and Dairy Products (Curd, Buttermilk, Paneer)
- Nuts and Dry Fruits (Almonds, Cashews, Raisins, etc.)
- Sabudana (Sago) and Singhara (Water Chestnut)
- Kuttu (Buckwheat) and Rajgira (Amaranth)
- Rock Salt (Sendha Namak) instead of regular salt
Avoided (Tamasic and Grain-based Foods):
- Rice, Wheat, and Lentils
- Onion and Garlic
- Spicy, Oily, and Heavy Foods
- Non-vegetarian Items (Meat, Eggs, and Fish)
- Alcohol and Tobacco
Conclusion
Kamada Ekadashi is an auspicious and powerful fasting day that grants devotees freedom from past sins, spiritual upliftment, and divine blessings. It is believed that observing this Ekadashi with true devotion and discipline removes obstacles, fulfills wishes, and leads to a prosperous life.
By following the right rituals, listening to the Vrat Katha, and performing prayers, devotees can seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings and attain peace, happiness, and moksha.
May Lord Vishnu bless you with peace, prosperity, and happiness on Kamada Ekadashi 2025!
