Kamika Ekadashi, like any other ekadashi is considered to be an auspicious day to worship Lord Vishnu. Worshiping Lord Vishnu on this special day washes away all sins and gives Moksha. It also helps a person to acquire Punya which is equal to that obtained by performing an Ashwamedha Yaga or donating a cow or performing: a sacrifice or Yagnas. Kamika Ekadashi is celebrated during Krishna Paksha of Shravana month by all Hindus throughout the country.
It usually falls in June or July, depending on the lunar calendar. Observing Kamika Ekadashi is believed to help devotees overcome their sins, fulfill desires, and achieve liberation (moksha). Devotees typically fast on this day and engage in devotional activities such as reciting Vishnu hymns, performing puja, and visiting temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Many also read or listen to the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha, a sacred story related to the day.
Rituals
On this day people take bath early in the morning and then pray to Lord Vishnu. Panchamrut Abhishek is done to Lord Vishnu on this day. He is also worshiped with colorful and fragrant flowers. Worshiping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves is considered as the most auspicious deed. Fruits, milk and sesame seeds are offered to Lord Vishnu. People fast on this day, do deepdan (light lamps) and donate clothes and money to Brahmins. They do Jagaran on Ekadashi night and spend their time in singing bhajans and reading Holy Scriptures. On Dwadashi, which is the next day of the Ekadashi people break their fast.The Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha is a sacred story that highlights the significance of observing this Ekadashi. It is read or listened to with reverence. Devotees reflect on the teachings of the story and how they apply to their own lives. If possible, devotees visit a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Special prayers and rituals might be conducted at the temple.
Devotees seek the divine darshan (sight) of Lord Vishnu’s idol or image and offer their prayers. It is considered highly auspicious to perform acts of charity on Kamika Ekadashi. Devotees might donate food, clothing, or money to the needy or religious institutions. Many devotees invite Brahmins to their homes and offer them food as a form of pious donation.
Visiting various pilgrim centers and taking bath in Tirthas are also witnessed on this day. It s an important day in the temples of Lord Vishnu. Abhishek, puja, aarti and bhajans are performed here throughout the day. Lamps are lighted using cow ghee and a variety of Bhog is offered to Lord Vishnu in these temples.
Kamika Ekadashi has a lot of significance in one s life. A person worshiping Lord Vishnu on this auspicious day is immensely blessed and his desires are fulfilled. This worship relieves one from Pithru Dosha. It also frees oneself from all worldly desires and help in attaining moksha or salvation.
Worshipping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves clears all diseases and sins acquired by a person. It is believed that the person, who fasts and does jagaran on this day, would never experience the anger of Yamaraj, the God of Death.
Legends
The Legend of King ChadrabhagaStory: Once upon a time, there was a pious king named Chadrabhaga who ruled over a prosperous kingdom. Despite his affluence and success, he was deeply troubled by the sins he had committed in his past life. He sought the guidance of sage Vasistha to find a way to atone for his sins.
Sage Vasistha's Advice: Sage Vasistha advised King Chadrabhaga to observe Kamika Ekadashi with devotion. He explained that observing this Ekadashi would purify the king’s soul and free him from the cycle of birth and death. The king followed the sage’s advice meticulously, fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu on this auspicious day.
Outcome: By following the rituals of Kamika Ekadashi with complete devotion, King Chadrabhaga was able to absolve himself of his past sins and attained spiritual liberation (moksha). This legend underscores the power of Kamika Ekadashi in helping devotees achieve redemption and spiritual advancement.
2. The Story of King KukudmiStory: King Kukudmi was a revered king who ruled a prosperous kingdom. However, he had a great fear of death and sought to overcome it. He approached the sage Durvasa for a solution.
Sage Durvasa’s Solution: Sage Durvasa told King Kukudmi that the only way to overcome his fear and achieve eternal peace was to observe the Kamika Ekadashi fast with sincere devotion.
King Kukudmi’s Devotion: The king followed the sage’s advice, observing the Ekadashi fast and dedicating the day to the worship of Lord Vishnu. His sincere devotion and observance of the Ekadashi rituals pleased Lord Vishnu.
Outcome: As a result of his devotion on Kamika Ekadashi, King Kukudmi was blessed with a long and prosperous life. He overcame his fear of death and achieved peace and contentment.
3. The Tale of the Merchant’s SonStory: In a city far from the kingdom, there lived a merchant who had a son who was very ill. The merchant tried everything to cure his son but to no avail. Desperate for a solution, he sought the help of a wise sage.
Sage’s Guidance: The sage advised the merchant to observe Kamika Ekadashi and to perform the rituals of fasting, puja, and charity dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The sage explained that the power of Kamika Ekadashi could heal the son and bring prosperity.
Observance: The merchant followed the sage’s advice and observed Kamika Ekadashi with great faith. He performed the puja, recited hymns, and engaged in acts of charity.
Outcome: Due to his sincere observance of Kamika Ekadashi, the merchant’s son was cured of his illness, and the merchant’s family was blessed with happiness and prosperity.
4. The Story of the Demon MuraStory: There was once a powerful demon named Mura who caused havoc in the heavens and on Earth. He was notorious for his evil deeds and troubled both the gods and humans.
The Intervention of Lord Vishnu: The gods sought Lord Vishnu’s help to rid the world of Mura’s menace. Lord Vishnu decided to end Mura’s reign of terror and sought the most effective means to do so.
Vishnu’s Advice: Lord Vishnu advised the gods to observe Kamika Ekadashi with devotion. He assured them that the observance of this Ekadashi would grant them the strength and blessings needed to defeat Mura.
Outcome: The gods observed Kamika Ekadashi as advised, and their collective devotion and the power of the fast enabled them to vanquish the demon Mura, restoring peace and harmony in the universe.
5. The Legend of the Brahmin’s DevotionStory: A devout Brahmin lived a simple life of worship and devotion. Despite his deep faith, he was often troubled by his lack of material wealth and comfort.
Brahmin’s Observance: On Kamika Ekadashi, the Brahmin observed the fast and performed the rituals with utmost sincerity. He prayed to Lord Vishnu for blessings, not for material gain but for spiritual progress.
Outcome: Lord Vishnu was moved by the Brahmin’s genuine devotion and granted him not only spiritual fulfillment but also the comforts and prosperity he had wished for. This legend emphasizes that Kamika Ekadashi brings both spiritual and material blessings to those who observe it with sincerity.
General Moral of Kamika Ekadashi LegendsThe common thread in these legends is the transformative power of Kamika Ekadashi. Observing this sacred day with devotion, following the prescribed rituals, and seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings can lead to spiritual liberation, material prosperity, and relief from past sins.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें