Duration
24 hours (sunrise to sunrise)
Fasting Level
jalahar
Month & Paksha
Chaitra · Shukla
Meaning of the Name
Kamadaidentifies this Ekadashi's traditional name and devotional theme. The observance belongs to Chaitra month, Shukla Paksha.
Significance
'Kamada' means 'fulfiller of desires'. This Ekadashi has the unique power to fulfill all legitimate desires of devotees while advancing them spiritually.
Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
The Gandharva king Lalit and his wife Lalita were separated due to a curse and suffered in different realms. Sage Narada advised Lalita to observe Kamada Ekadashi to fulfill her desire of reuniting with her husband.
Lalita observed the fast with complete devotion, staying awake all night and worshipping Lord Vishnu. She wished only for reunion with her beloved husband and his liberation from the curse.
Due to the power of Kamada Ekadashi, both were freed from their curses and reunited in celestial realms with enhanced divine bodies and eternal happiness.
Food Rules
- Worship Lord Vishnu as desire-fulfiller
- Make specific prayers for legitimate desires
- Offer flowers and fruits representing wishes
- Chant mantras for desire fulfillment
- Donate to help fulfill others' needs
- No grains or cereals
- Avoid legumes and pulses
- Focus desires on worthy goals
- Avoid selfish or harmful wishes
- Maintain pure intentions
Puja Vidhi
- 1
Step 1
Worship Lord Vishnu as desire-fulfiller
- 2
Step 2
Make specific prayers for legitimate desires
- 3
Step 3
Offer flowers and fruits representing wishes
- 4
Step 4
Chant mantras for desire fulfillment
- 5
Step 5
Donate to help fulfill others' needs
- 6
Step 6
Practice gratitude for current blessings
- 7
Step 7
Meditate on higher spiritual desires
Smarta and Vaishnava Notes
HinduLab shows Smarta observance first on public calendar cards and displays Vaishnava alternates when the calculation returns a separate date. Follow your family sampradaya or local temple when their calendar differs.
Sacred Mantras
Mantra 1
ॐ कामदाय विष्णवे नमः
Mantra 2
कामना पूर्ति मंत्र
Mantra 3
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं कामदाय नमः
Mantra 4
इच्छा सिद्धि मंत्र
Chanting Guidelines: These mantras should be chanted with devotion and understanding. Begin with 108 repetitions and gradually increase. The best time for chanting is during Brahma Muhurta (before dawn).
Spiritual Benefits
Fulfillment of legitimate desires
Material prosperity and abundance
Success in personal relationships
Achievement of life goals
Spiritual progress alongside material gains
Divine grace for worthy aspirations
Related Deities
Alternative Names
Sources and tradition
How to read this Ekadashi guide
Traditional Ekadashi observances are described in Vaishnava texts and regional vrat traditions. Practices vary across sampradaya, family lineage, and local temple guidance. This article presents a general Hindu household observance, with Vaishnava notes where applicable.
Padma Purana
Uttara-khanda / Ekadashi Mahatmya / Kāmadā Ekādaśī, Uttara-khanda ch. 47, vv. 1-39
Supports the Chaitra Shukla Kamada name and the Lalitā-Lalita curse-release katha.
Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda Ekadashi Mahatmya
Ekadashi Mahatmya chapters used in type-specific citation notes
Used for named Ekadashi kathas, devotional benefits, and observance context where a type page supplies chapter or verse detail.
Vaishnava and regional vrat traditions
Household, temple, and sampradaya practice
Used for practice framing such as family sampradaya, local temple guidance, and Smarta/Vaishnava distinctions.
HinduLab calculation methodology
Location-aware panchang, tithi, sunrise, and vrat timing rules
Explains how HinduLab combines astronomical calculations, Hindu calendar rules, city, timezone, sunrise, and sunset data.
HinduLab Hindu calendar and vrats source library
Editorial review, regional variation, and health disclaimer policies
Documents the trust policy used for panchang tools, vrat guides, Ekadashi rules, and health cautions.
FAQs
When is the next Kamada Ekadashi?
For New Delhi, Delhi, India, the next calculated fasting date is 2027-04-17.
What should I eat on Kamada Ekadashi?
Avoid grains and pulses; choose Nirjala, Jalahar, Phalahari, or Anukalpa according to health and tradition.
Can Smarta and Vaishnava dates differ?
Yes. Local sunrise, tithi rules, Dwadashi availability, and sampradaya rules can create separate observance dates.
When should I do Parana for Kamada Ekadashi?
Parana is done on the next day after sunrise, preferably after Hari Vasara has ended when that timing applies. The comparison table shows the calculated Parana date and window when available.
Scientific Understanding
Modern Perspective
This Ekadashi marks spring onset when natural energy is rising and new growth begins, making it ideal for manifesting desires and new beginnings.