Kamika Ekadashi

Kamika Ekadashi, falling in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Hindu month of Shravana (July-August), holds great spiritual significance. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to absolve devotees of their sins, grant liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and bestow divine blessings. Observing Kamika Ekadashi is considered particularly auspicious for achieving peace of mind, spiritual growth, and fulfilling one's desires. It is also believed to be a potent day for removing negative karma and gaining spiritual merit.

History:

The significance of Kamika Ekadashi is highlighted in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. According to legend, a warrior named Ratnakar once committed the sin of killing a Brahmin. He sought forgiveness and went to various sages for advice. Sage Narada instructed him to observe Kamika Ekadashi with devotion to Lord Vishnu. Following the sage's guidance, Ratnakar performed the Ekadashi fast and rituals with sincere devotion. As a result, he was absolved of his sins, illustrating the transformative power of Kamika Ekadashi.

Rituals:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. The fast can be Nirjala (without water) or with limited consumption of fruits, milk, and nuts.

2. Morning Rituals: The day begins with an early morning bath, often in a holy river or with sanctified water at home. Devotees wear clean, preferably new clothes.

3. Prayer and Worship: Special pujas are performed to Lord Vishnu, including offering flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and Tulsi leaves. Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama and other mantras dedicated to Vishnu.

4. Reading Scriptures: Reading or listening to the stories and significance of Kamika Ekadashi from sacred texts like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana is a common practice.

5. Charity: Acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, and money to the needy, are encouraged. Feeding Brahmins and providing for animals are considered particularly meritorious.

6. Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake the entire night, chanting the names of Lord Vishnu, singing bhajans, and engaging in spiritual discussions.

7. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken the next day, Dwadashi, after performing morning rituals and offering food to a Brahmin or the needy. Devotees typically break the fast with light and sattvic (pure) food.

Bhog (Offerings):

The offerings made to Lord Vishnu on Kamika Ekadashi are prepared with great devotion and adhere to fasting guidelines. Typical offerings include:

1. Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, and pomegranates.

2. Almonds, raisins, cashews, and dates.

3. Milk, curd, paneer, and sweets made from milk like kheer and pedas.

4. Ladoo, barfi, and halwa made from fasting-compliant ingredients.

5. Offering Tulsi (holy basil) leaves is highly auspicious.

Arti (Ritual of Light):

Arti is an essential part of the worship ritual on Kamika Ekadashi. It involves the waving of lit lamps before the deity to the accompaniment of devotional songs.

1. Lighting the Lamps: Lamps filled with ghee or oil are lit.

2. Singing Bhajans: Devotional songs and bhajans praising Lord Vishnu are sung.

3. Waving the Lamp: The lamp is waved in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.

4. Ringing Bells: Bells are rung continuously during the Arti to invite positive vibrations.

5. Offering Flowers: Flowers and incense are also offered during the Arti.

6. Distributing Prasad: After the Arti, the offerings (bhog) are distributed as prasad among the devotees.

Mantras:

Chanting mantras is an integral part of the Ekadashi observance. Some important mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu are:

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय : This is a powerful mantra invoking Lord Vishnu.

श्रीमद्विष्णोः सहस्रनामस्तोत्रं :Reciting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu is highly auspicious.

ॐ विष्णवे नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

ॐ नारायणाय नमः This mantra honors Lord Vishnu.

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे,हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे।  Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu.

                                      Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva..! ..

Summary:

Kamika Ekadashi is a spiritually significant day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed with strict fasting, prayer, and various rituals. Devotees prepare special offerings (bhog), visit temples, perform Arti, and chant mantras to honor Lord Vishnu. These practices help devotees purify their minds and souls, seek divine blessings, and strive for spiritual liberation. Observing Kamika Ekadashi with devotion is believed to bestow immense spiritual benefits, including the forgiveness of sins, fulfillment of desires, and progress on the path to Moksha.