Festivals
Date
Smarta Kamika Ekadashi
(Trisparsha Mahadwadashi)
Ekadashi Parana Timings
Auspicious Vrata Parana Windows
Parana Time
9 Aug, 3:23 pm – 6:19 pm, 9 Aug
Harivasara End Time
9 Aug, 12:49 pm
Dwadashi End Time
10 Aug, 4:31 am
About
Trisparsha Mahadwadashi: When Dwadashi is entirely absent at sunrise (Kshaya), Smartas shift the fast backward to ensure they can break the fast while Dwadashi is still running on the Parana day.
Kamika Ekadashi falls during the dark fortnight of Ashadha and is celebrated as a powerful day for washing away grievous sins and reviving one's spiritual journey.
Significance:
Lord Brahma explains in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana that observing Kamika Ekadashi is as meritorious as performing a grand Ashvamedha Yajna or bathing in the Ganges at Kashi. The story speaks of a wealthy Thakur who accidentally killed a Brahmin in a fit of rage. Rejected by society and burdened by the terrible sin of Brahma-hatya, he was advised by a sage to observe Kamika Ekadashi. Through sincere fasting and worship, he was absolved of his monumental sin and attained peace.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Tulsi Worship: Worshipping Lord Vishnu specifically with Tulsi leaves is considered highly auspicious on this day. 2. Fasting: Observing a complete fast to discipline the mind and seek divine forgiveness. 3. Deep Daan: Lighting lamps (Deepa) before the deity and in temples to dispel the darkness of ignorance. 4. Parana: Breaking the fast the next morning after feeding a Brahmin.