Kamika Ekadashi 2021: Kamika Ekadashi is a religious and pious Hindu vrat day where Lord Vishnu devotees observe strict fast. Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day of Vedic Hindu calendar, it falls twice on each of the lunar phases. This year, Kamika Ekadashi will be celebrated on August 4th, 2021.
Shrawan is the month of Lord Shiva while Ekadashi is the day of Lord Vishnu, and Wednesday is the day of Lord Ganesha. So this year, since Kamika Ekadashi is falling in the month of sawan it is touted to be very auspicious and the devotees will be blessed abundantly.
Kamika Ekadashi Vrat 2021: Date and tithi
This year, Kamika Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 12:59 pm on Aug 03, 2021, and ends at 03:17 pm on Aug 04, 2021.
Kamika Ekadashi Vrat 2021: Parna time
On Aug 5th, Parana time is from 05:45 am to 08:26 am.
Kamika Ekadashi: Puja vidhi
It is a three-day fast. One day before the vrat, devotees just have lunch. On the day of Ekadashi, hard fast is observed. Meanwhile, on the next day after sunrise they break the fast.
Some people do it without water, some with fruits and some with satvik pure food.
Early bath with puja of Lord Vishnu is performed.
Tulsi leaves are favourite of Lord Vishnu, so along with fruits, sweets tulsi is also offered.
Yellow flowers are offered.
Panchamrit made of milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar and makhana with tulsi leaves is offered.
Recite the story of Kamika Ekadashi.
Reciting Vishnu Sahastranama is very auspicious.
After aarti distribute prasad.
Donation of fruits, food, cloth and money to brahmans is considered good.
Kamika Ekadashi: Mantra
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay
Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha
Once, Pandava King Yudhishthira requested Lord Shri Krishna to explain the significance of observing a vart on Shravana, Krishna Paksha Ekadashi. Therefore, Lord Krishna narrated the conversation between Lord Brahma and his son, Devarshi Narada Muni.
When Narada Muni (an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu) wanted to know the benefits of keeping the vrat, Lord Brahma revealed that those who are guilty of misdeeds and wish to seek mercy shall be forgiven by the Lord. Moreover, by observing the vrat, one can get rid of the guilt of sinning, and this will, in turn, help them evolve as better humans.
As Lord Brahma continued to explain the significance of Kamika Ekadashi, he said that keeping a fast on this day is equal to taking a bath in the sacred waters of the Ganga. He also revealed how a person can reap the benefits of visiting Kashi by keeping a vrat on Kamika Ekadashi. Therefore, by observing a vrat, maintaining celibacy and doing penance on this day, individuals can rid themselves of all the wrongs they may have committed.
Lord Brahma also revealed that one can seek his blessings by offering the sacred Tulsi to Lord Vishnu. Nonetheless, a vrati (person keeping the fast) must have a clean heart devoid of anger, lust, greed, or pride. Therefore, a vrat kept with utmost faith and sincere devotion shall yield rich fruits.
