Festivals
Date
Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi
Ekadashi Parana Timings
Auspicious Vrata Parana Windows
Parana Time
10 Aug, 5:55 am
Break the fast immediately after sunrise
Harivasara End Time
9 Aug, 6:49 am
Dwadashi End Time
9 Aug, 10:31 pm
About
Fasting Rule Applied: (Arunodaya Viddha) Vaishnava fast shifted to the following day because Dashami Tithi was active during the sacred Arunodaya period (4 Ghatis before sunrise).
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.