Kaamika Ekadashi - Thursday 20th July

Kaamika Ekadashi - Ashadh Vad Ekadashi

King Yudhishthir once asked Bhagwan Shree Krishna, "O Vaasudev! What is the name and significance of the Ekadshi that fall in the dark fortnight of the month of Ashadh?!"
Bhagwan Shree Krishna replied, "O king! Vrat of this Ekadashi dispels all sins just as the rising sun dispels darkness. I will reiterate the same answer Brahma gave to Sage Narad when later asked Brahma the same question. Listen to it attentively."

Brahma said to Sage Narad, "O sage! Ashadh Vad Ekadashi is called Kaamika Ekadashi. Punya equivalent to worshipping Bhagwan Vishnu on the conclusion of a Vajpeyee Yagna is earned by worshipping Bhagwan after observing the Vrat of Kaamika Ekadashi. No other Vrat is holier or superior to the Vrat of Kaamika Ekadashi. One must perform Jagaran at night singing Kirtans and chanting Bhagwan's name to please Him. Whoever fasts on the day of this Ekadashi is protected from the messengers of death and does not have to reborn in inferior species such as birds, beats or insects. Innumerable Yogis and devotees have attained Moksha after observing this Vrat. Therefore, all devotees must perform this Vrat diligently and sincerely. One should worship Bhagwan Shree Hari with Tulsi leaves on Kaamika Ekadashi. Indeed, offering Tulsi leaves to Bhagwan is more rewarding than donating gold and silver to pious Brahmins. Darshan of Bhagwan, His gentle touch, offering Pranam to Him and offering Tulsi leaves to Him dispels all miseries and sufferings. Simply offering Tulsi leaves at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Vishnu frees devotee from the bondage form the cycle of life and death and attains Moksha. A devotee who lights a lamp of Ghee in front of Bhagwan Shree Hari satisfies his ancestors in heaven with nectar and helps them transmigrate to Akshardham."

Bhagwan Shree Krishna continued, "O King Yudhishthir! All devotees must undertake this Vrat without fail as it dispel even the major sins such as killing a Brahmin or homicide of an unborn child in his mother's womb. This much is greatness of Vrat of Kaamika Ekadashi! Whoever narrates or listens to Mahatmya of this Ekadashi with utmost faith frees himself from all his sins and attains Akshardham upon his death."

This Mahatmya of Kaamika Ekadashi in the form of dialogue between Bhagwan Shree Krishna and King Yudhishthir is narrated in BrahmVaivart Puran.