Kamada Ekadashi 2024: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance
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The Hindu festival of Ekadashi has been celebrated twice a month since ancient times and is marked by a period of fasting. In Hinduism, the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) and the Shukla Paksha (light fortnight) correspond to the Ekadashi. It is believed that the devotee might be set free from sins by fasting on this day in reverence of Lord Vishnu, which has various benefits. If one fasts religiously on Ekadashi with good intentions, it is thought that their soul would be able to rest at the feet of Divine Lord Vishnu when they pass on to the next world.
Anyone who desires to observe the sacred Ekadashi fasts is welcome to do so, regardless of their religious affiliation. Staying awake on the night of Ekadashi is one of the requirements that the devotee must follow; else, the fast is deemed invalid. Lord Hari (Vishnu) was pleased when the Rishis or Munis also fasted on Ekadashi. In a dry fast, you don’t eat anything at all, but in a normal fast, you eat only fruit. Each year has 24 Ekadashis, with 26 Ekadashis in leap years. The Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha ekadashis are equally potent on this auspicious day.
Kamada Ekadashi Dates and Timing
Friday, 19th April, 2024
- Sunrise: 19th April, 2024 | Time – 06:18 AM
- Sunset: 19th April, 2024 | Time – 6:57 PM
- Dwadashi End Moment: 20th April 1:11 PM | Time – 1:58 AM
On 20th April, Parana Time – 06:09 AM to 08:51 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 20th April 2024 | Time – 06:09 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 20th April 2024 | Time – 08:51 AM
On 20th April, Parana Time for Vaishnava Ekadashi – 06:09 AM to 08:51 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 18th April 2024 | Time – 08:01 AM
- Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 19th April 2024 | Time – 10:34 AM
Kamada Ekadashi Rituals
- The individual is instructed to clean their teeth well in the afternoon one day prior to Kamada Ekadashi, which falls on the 10th of the Krishna Paksha day, and to eat supper at sunset.
- The fast should be scrupulously observed on the morning of Kamada Ekadashi. When possible, the individual should take a dip in a river or lake for a cleansing bath; if neither of these is accessible, then water from a nearby pond will do.
- The ritual involves smearing mud all over one’s body while praying to Mother Earth while taking a bath.
- Here is the prayer: “O Asvakrante! O Rathakrante! O Vishnukrante! O Vasundhara! O Mrttike!”
- O Earth, our Mother! I implore you to forgive me for my misdeeds, both present and past, and grant me entrance to the sacred dwelling place of Vishnu, the Supreme Lord.
- Pay utmost respect to Lord Govinda and Present the Divine with a delectable “Bhog” (food) in addition to flowers and other offerings.
- Fast blissfully by lighting a lamp at home in honor of Lord Chann or by singing praises of Lord Vishnu throughout the day.
- Keep your mind and body fully alert all night long. All night long, if you can, try to satisfy the Lord by playing music.
- Giving charity to Brahmanas and humbly requesting their forgiveness is expected the following morning.
- Praying “O Pundarikaksha, O lotus-eyed Lord, now I will eat” is a good way to break a fast all the way until the following day. Take me in, please.
- Following the prayer, worshippers should place water and flowers at Lord Vishnu’s lotus feet and repeat an eight-syllable mantra three times to implore the divine for sustenance.
- The devotee should drink water that has been dedicated to the Lord in order to reap the full benefits of fasting.
- It is up to the individual devotee to decide whether or not to undertake fire sacrifices.
Significance of Kamada Ekadashi
The first ekadashi of the Hindu year is Kamada Ekadashi, which is the most venerated of all the Ekadashi rites. Several Hindu religious writings and puranas, such as the ‘Varaha Purana,’ have praised Kamada Ekadashi. Sri Krishna revealed the qualities and blessings of Kamada Ekadashi to Pandava King Yudhishtira during the Mahabharata. The Kamada ekadashi vratam aids in the recovery and enhancement of one’s virtues. It also protects worshippers and their families from all curses that are cast upon them. Even the most severe transgressions, such as the murder of a Brahmin, can be forgiven if a person observes the Kamada Ekadashi vrat completely.
It is also a prevalent belief that childless couples would be bestowed with a male progeny if they observe the Kamada Ekadashi fast with sincerity. People who follow this sacred fast will be freed from the cycle of birth and death and will eventually reach Lord Vishnu’s abode, Vaikunth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is Kamada Ekadashi celebrated?
The day of Kamada Ekadashi begins with an early bath at sunrise. The worshippers then begin to prepare for Lord Vishnu’s devotion. On this day, sandalwood, flowers, fruits, and dhoop are used to worship Lord Krishna’s idol. The purpose of this ritual is to invoke Lord Krishna’s blessings.
2. What is the meaning of Ekadashi in English?
The eleventh day of two fortnights of the waxing and waning Moon, in the lunar month, is known as Ekadashi in Sanskrit. The Bhagwat Geeta describes Ekadashi as the day when Lord Krishna explained the significance of fasting on this auspicious day to Arjuna.
3. What can we eat on Kamada Ekadashi fast?
Fruits, dry fruits, and milk products are permitted. After feeding the poor, the fast should be broken the next day. Beans, peas, lentils, and grains are not allowed to be consumed.
4. What happens if a person dies on Kamada Ekadashi?
A person’s soul is thought to acquire moksha if they die on an Ekadashi day.