Kamada Ekadashi

Story of Kamada Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

In the city of Bhogipura, King Pundarika loved music. One day his court singer, the gandharva Lalit, lost the tune because his mind drifted to his wife Lalita. The angry king cursed him to become a man-eating demon. Heartbroken, Lalita went from forest to forest with her husband until she met Sage Shringi. He told her to keep the Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi and give its merit to Lalit. She did, and at that moment the curse ended and the couple returned to their heavenly form.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Kamada Ekadashi

Kamada means "that which fulfils desires". It is the first Ekadashi after the Hindu New Year, so many families start the year's vrat with it.

The tradition says that keeping Kamada Ekadashi gives the fulfilment of wishes and freedom from curses. It falls in Chaitra Shukla Paksha and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu.

How to keep Kamada Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.