When is Kamika Ekadashi, on July 20 or 21, and why is observing a fast on this day considered equal to performing 1000 yajnas?
Since the title will fall on 21 July, Monday, that's when the fast will be kept.
The Kamika Ekadashi festival is dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all around. It is celebrated during the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Shravan month. According to beliefs, this festival pardons us of all our sins, and that person attains moksha (salvation).
Kamika Ekadashi Timing and Muhurat
Kamika Ekadashi
- Monday, July 21, 2025
Parana Time:
06:06 AM to 07:05 AM, July 22
Dwadashi End Moment
- 07:05 AM, On Parana Day
Ekadashi Tithi Begins
- 12:12 PM on Jul 20, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Ends
- 09:38 AM on Jul 21, 2025
The legend behind Kamika Ekadashi
In ancient times, there was a landlord in a village.
He fought with a Brahmin and accidentally killed him out of anger. The landlord wanted to repent for his actions, so he went to the Brahmin's funeral but was denied permission by the villagers. The landlord was then cursed with the killing of a Brahmin. Grief-stricken, he went to a sage, who, understanding his plight, advised him to observe the Kamika Ekadashi fast with utmost devotion.
As a result of this, all his sins were absolved.
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What to do on Kamika Ekadashi?
The Kamika Ekadashi journey begins with a heart full of devotion and a mind focused on Lord Vishnu. Devotees wake up early during the Brahma Muhurta to take a holy dip and cleanse themselves physically and spiritually. Then they proceed to set up sacred space for worship, often using a clean area in their homes or by visiting a nearby temple.
Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and they also read and listen to Kamika Ekadashi.
The fast observed on this day is strict, with some devotees refraining from all food and water, while some only consume milk and fruit.
Types of fasting on Ekadashi:
Nirjala vrat:
This is one of the most difficult forms of vrat, where devotees abstain from both food and water for the entire duration of the fast
Phalahar vrat:
In this type, devotees consume only fruits, milk, and water
Evening ritual
Perform aarti in the evening, repeating the morning rituals of offering flowers, lighting diyas and llamps, andeven chanting hymns.
Why is this Ekadashi so special?
This is not just another event on the calendar; it is believed that fasting on this day is as powerful as performing 1,000 Ashwamedha yajnas (according to popular beliefs)—the kind of ancient ritual only kings could afford to do. Its importance is also mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana; Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that just listening to this on Kamika Ekadashi can wash away sins and bring you one step close to attaining salvation
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