Ekadashi fast has special significance in Sanatan Dharma. This day provides a great opportunity for self-purification, destruction of sins and attainment of God’s grace. Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month is called ‘Kamada Ekadashi‘, which means Ekadashi that fulfills desires. This fast is considered capable of fulfilling all the wishes of the devotees.
It is believed that those who worship and do charity on the day of Kamada Ekadashi, get freedom from sins and there is happiness and peace in the house and family. Those who keep fast on this auspicious day, get virtue equal to Vajpayee Yagya.
When is Kamada Ekadashi in 2025?
According to the Vedic calendar, this year the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month will start on 7 April 2025 at 8 pm and will end the next day on 8 April 2025 at 9.12 pm. Based on the rule of Udayatithi, this time Kamada Ekadashi will be celebrated on 8 April 2025. It will be considered auspicious to break this fast on the next day, i.e. on 9 April 2025. The appropriate time for breaking the fast will be between 6.02 am to 8.34 am.
Religious significance of Kamada Ekadashi
The fast of Kamada Ekadashi is considered very virtuous. According to the scriptures, by fasting on this day and worshiping Lord Vishnu, all sins are destroyed and the devotee attains salvation. This fast is especially important for those who want to fulfill a special wish in their life.
Story of Kamada Ekadashi
Mythology describes that a city named Bhogipur was ruled by King Pundarik. A Gandharva named Lalit lived there with his wife Lalita. One day, during a performance in the court, Lalit made a mistake in his singing as his attention was towards his wife. The king got angry and cursed him to become a demon. Lalita asked Shringi Rishi for a solution to free her husband from the curse. The sage advised her to observe a fast on Kamada Ekadashi. Lalita observed this fast with devotion, as a result of which Lalit was freed from the curse and he returned to his Gandharva form.
Importance of donation
Kamada Ekadashi Donation has special significance. Donating food, clothes, money etc. on this day destroys the sins of a person and increases virtue. Donating not only benefits the donor, but also increases the spirit of goodwill and cooperation in the society.
Donation has been mentioned in various religious texts. It has been said in Kurmapuran-
स्वर्गायुर्भूतिकामेन तथा पापोपशान्तये।
(Swargaayurbhutikamen tatha paapopashantaye.)
मुमुक्षुणा च दातव्यं ब्राह्मणेभ्यस्तथाअवहम्।।
(Mumukshuna cha daatvyam brahmanebhyastathavaham.)
That is, a person who desires heaven, long life and prosperity and wants to get peace from sins and salvation should donate generously to Brahmins and deserving persons.
Things to keep in mind during the fast
• Follow sattvikta: During the fast, follow sattvikta in mind, speech and action.
• Non-violence: Do not harm any living being and follow the path of non-violence.
• Good conduct: Develop qualities like truth, kindness, compassion and forgiveness.
• Meditation and Sadhana: Spend time in meditation and sadhana of God, so that the restlessness of the mind reduces and concentration increases.
Kamada Ekadashi Vrat paves the way for self-purification, destruction of sins and fulfillment of desires. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, the devotee gets happiness, peace and prosperity in life. By observing this fast and giving charity to the poor and helpless people, the devotee can lead his life towards spiritual advancement and move forward on the path of salvation.
