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Lunar vrat (tithi-based)

Kamada Ekadashiकामदा एकादशी

Devoted to Lord Vishnu · Annual (Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi, March-April)

Deity
Lord Vishnu
Duration
Sunrise Ekadashi to sunrise Dwadashi
Best time
Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi morning commencement, parana Dwadashi muhurta
Prasad
Sweet rice kheer with cardamom

Significance

Kamada literally means desire-fulfilling. Observed for the fulfilment of legitimate worldly desires through divine grace rather than personal striving. Particularly recommended for those seeking children, marriage, business success, or recovery from chronic illness.

Who Observes

Couples wanting children; unmarried adults seeking life partner; business owners launching new ventures; chronically ill seeking healing

Fasting Rules (Upvas Niyam)

  • Phalahari (fruits, milk, sabudana permitted)
  • No grains, no salt, no sesame
  • Strict celibacy through duration
  • No anger or harsh speech
  • Tulsi leaves in all water
  • Parana only after Dwadashi sunrise

Rituals (Puja Vidhi)

  1. Snan in Ganga or sacred river before sunrise
  2. Vishnu abhishek with Tulsi + sandalwood paste + panchamrit
  3. Read Varaha Purana chapter on Kamada Ekadashi
  4. Light 21 ghee lamps before Vishnu
  5. Donate clothes and food to needy
  6. Chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya 1008 times

Prasad

Sweet rice kheer with cardamom, fruits, panchamrit

Benefits (Phal)

Per Varaha Purana — granted Lord Vishnu personal attention to legitimate worldly desires of the observer. Particularly potent for fertility (childless couples), partnership-seeking (unmarried adults), business growth (entrepreneurs), and chronic illness recovery. The observance harmonises the four purusharthas (dharma, artha, kama, moksha) in the chart of the devotee.

Primary Mantra

ॐ नमो नारायणाय। हरिं ॐ। श्री कृष्ण शरणं मम।

Vrat Katha (Story Origin)

Per Varaha Purana, a Gandharva named Lalit was cursed by Apsara Kuntala to become a fierce demon (rakshasa) due to a marital quarrel. After centuries of demonic existence, his loving wife Lalita performed Kamada Ekadashi vrata on his behalf. The merit of single observance was transferred to her husband, instantly restoring him to his celestial Gandharva form and reuniting the couple in Indra court — establishing Kamada Ekadashi as the foremost desire-fulfilment vrata for partners.

Book a pandit for Kamada Ekadashi udyapan or katha

Concluding ceremony, havan, or full katha recitation at your home or remotely with video proof.

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