The devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate Kamika Ekadashi with devotion for spiritual gains and independence. Fasting, chanting, and donating purify the soul and fulfill desires. Devotees of ISKCON Kurukshetra attend rituals and give united prayers as they observe Kamika Ekadashi with great devotion. Learn about the history, significance, advantages, and rituals of Kamika Ekadashi in this article.
Date in 2025: July 21st
What is Kamika Ekadashi?
The group celebrates Kamika Ekadashi on the eleventh day of Shravan, which is known as the Shukla Paksha in Hindu calendar. The name “Kamika” signifies – the fulfilment of desires – and on this day, it is said, that one can get religious as well as material desires fulfilled by praying to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that fasting on this day will remove one’s sins and instead endow them with peace, wealth and infinite happiness.
The Legend of Kamika Ekadashi Vrat
A sage cursed King Mahajit, and the tale of his downfall is told in the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat katha. By this curse, the king, despite being wealthy and powerful, was still in the cycle of birth and death. Feeling troubled and longing for tranquilly, he sought counsel from a sage. The sage declared that he could only get free from the curse by fasting on the day of Kamika Ekadashi.
Following the instructions of the sage, King Mahijit observed the vrat – fasting, praying, and spending an entire day in the worship of the deity, Lord Vishnu. By the solemn performance of this rite, he had been freed from the curse. His story is a lovely example of the spiritual benefits of a fast, devotion, and prayer on Kamika Ekadashi, and how the law of karma, however devastating, can bring about redemption, since even a king is not above the law, but is high enough that he can fall into the grace of the God.
Importance of Kamika Ekadashi
The Kamika Ekadashi Significance is immense. Those who performs the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat obtains the heavenly blessings and it removes all hindrances of his/her life. Kamika Ekadashi Vrat is thought to assist in overcoming physical and mental barriers, ultimately guiding one towards salvation (moksha). It is also said that it purifies the mind, body and soul through spiritual elevation and bringing the sightseer closer to Lord Vishnu.
How to Celebrate Kamika Ekadashi Vrat
Kamika Ekadashi Vrat or fasting should be done with all dedication and repents in front of Lord Vishnu for the sins. Here are some ways to observe this fortunate day:
- Fast: Followers fast by abstaining from food and water and devote themselves completely to spiritual acts. Some prefer to intake fruits with milk on the day. Aside from helping us concentrate more intently on Lord Vishnu, fasting cleanses the body.
- Prayer & Worship: On the day of Kamika Ekadashi, people recite Ekadashi Mantras for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Worshipping the Lord at home or temple and then offering flowers, lighting lamps and performing rituals to impress the deity is also another form of worship offered.
Reading the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha: At the time of fasting or when being awake, the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha should be read
Kamika Ekadashi Daan (Donation)
The Vrat would not be complete without Kamika Ekadashi Daan. A significant number of followers perform Daan (charity) on this day as an act of selflessness and dedication. It is said that if an individual donates on Kamika Ekadashi, then an individual receives a lot of virtues spiritually and it enhances the ability of wiping off bad karmas and getting spiritual blessings from the Lord himself.
- Donating Food: Of all the donations, offering of food in the form of grains, fruits and cooked food is believed to be the most auspicious. Feeding people is a religious act which provides others with spiritual nourishment and pushes back against our urge to consume or hoard what we have received. Both the donor and the receiver benefit from it, and it promotes kindness, modesty, and generosity.
- Daan Symbolism: The giving of charity is a strong echo of faith and renunciation. Feeding someone is as simple as serving water or a meal. It’s believed to bring joy and please Lord Vishnu on Kamika Ekadashi – signifying the devotee to abandon arrogance and encourage kindness.
Kamika Ekadashi Benefits
The Kamika Ekadashi benefits are many and includes material, as well as spiritual advantages:
- Spiritual Emancipation: Praying and fasting on Kamika Ekadashi is said to bring about spiritual emancipation by cleansing the soul and bringing one closer to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Purification of Sins: Fasting and praying on this day helps people to drive away sins that accumulated from other-life times. There is an opportunity for redemption and liberation from sin during the spiritual festival of Kamika Ekadashi.
- Desire Fulfiller: The name in itself explains the significance of Kamika Ekadashi. Those who keep this Vrat get the blessings of wealth, health, prosperity, and peace.
More Sense of Dedication: Taking part in the ISKCON Kamika Ekadashi rituals (sanskars) like group aarti and bhajans increases one’s devotion and dedication to Lord Vishnu. This facilitates the devotee’s connection with the spiritual realm.
Conclusion
Observers pay homage to Vishnu on the holy day of Kamika Ekadashi. By observing Kamika Ekadashi Vrat, reciting sacred mantras, and engaging in Daan (charity), devotees establish a conduit for spiritual blessings, Moksha, and the realisation of desires. In ISKCON Kurukshetra, this Vrata is celebrated on a collective level; which fortifies the devotion and gives an opportunity for spiritual revival.
As you seek moksha from Lord Vishnu, may the joy, health, wealth, serenity, and heavenly benefits of Kamika Ekadashi accompany you every step of the journey.
Sep 7, 2025
