Kamika Ekadashi
Kamika Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Shravana (usually July–August). Worship of Vishnu brings peace and merit.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Shravana |
| Usual season | July–August |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Observed for | Worship of Vishnu brings peace and merit. |
The story of Kamika Ekadashi
The Kamika katha, praised in the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana, is told to Yudhishthira as a fast that even the celestial sage Narada honoured. It relates how worship of Vishnu on this day, with tulsi leaves, frees the observer from grave sins and the fear of untimely or lower rebirth.
Significance
Kamika Ekadashi is said to grant the merit of pilgrimages and great donations, peace of mind, and the special grace that comes from offering tulsi to Vishnu. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Krishna paksha of Shravana.
Vishnu is worshipped with tulsi and a lamp of sesame oil; the fast is kept and the katha heard.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Kamika Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Kamika Ekadashi?
Kamika Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Shravana, usually in July–August. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Kamika Ekadashi?
Kamika Ekadashi is said to grant the merit of pilgrimages and great donations, peace of mind, and the special grace that comes from offering tulsi to Vishnu.
What is the story behind Kamika Ekadashi?
The Kamika katha, praised in the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana, is told to Yudhishthira as a fast that even the celestial sage Narada honoured. It relates how worship of Vishnu on this day, with tulsi leaves, frees the observer from grave sins and the fear of untimely or lower rebirth..
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.