Kamada Ekadashi - What to do on Kamda Ekadasi Vrat?
Kamada Ekadashi is observed during the waxing phase of moon in March/April. It is said in the scriptures that observing Kamada Ekadasi will help in getting rid of sins and increasing virtue. The greatness of this Ekadasi fasting was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Varaha Purana. In 2017, the date of Kamada Ekadashi is April 7.
The Vrat is also known as Phalda Ekadasi as people will have their wishes fulfilled after observing it.
What to do on Kamda Ekadasi Vrat?
The day before Kamda Ekadasi, the person should have a single meal without rice or grains. The devotee should meditate, read stories of Vishnu and chant mantras of Vishnu.
On Ekadasi day one should wake up and take bath, then perform puja to Vishnu as per your capability. Simply offering prayers is also more than enough.
The offering to Vishnu on the day include fruits, flowers, til, milk and panchamrut.
The puja is repeated in the evening. At night, you should keep vigil by reading stories of Vishnu especially from Srimad Bhagavad Purana.
Next morning the vrat is ended by taking water or visiting a Vishnu temple.
It is highly meritorious to give food to the needy.
Story Associated with Kamada Ekadashi
Legend has it that a Gandharva was unable to perform his duties when his wife was not around. This Gandharva was overpowered by lust and thus failed in his duties and was cursed by a King to become a cannibal. The Gandharva and his wife roamed the forests and one day the wife came across a Sage, who advised them to undertake Kamada Ekadashi fasting for getting rid of the curse.
The Gandharva couple observed the Kamada Ekadashi and the husband was freed from the curse.
On the Ekadashi day, most Vishnu devotees fast and some devotees keep vigil at night. Those people undertaking partial fasting abstain from food made of rice.
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