Duration
24 hours (sunrise to sunrise)
Fasting Level
jalahar
Month & Paksha
Shravana · Krishna
Meaning of the Name
Kamikaidentifies this Ekadashi's traditional name and devotional theme. The observance belongs to Shravana month, Krishna Paksha.
Significance
One of the most powerful Ekadashis that grants material prosperity and spiritual advancement. It removes sins accumulated over many births and fulfills legitimate desires of devotees.
Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
In ancient times, there lived a hunter named Draupadika who was cruel and sinful. One day, he accidentally observed Kamika Ekadashi by staying awake all night near a temple. Due to this unknowing observance, he was freed from all sins and attained Vaikuntha after death.
Another story tells of King Muchukunda who observed this Ekadashi and was blessed with a son. The power of this fast is such that even unintentional observance yields great benefits.
Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that observing Kamika Ekadashi grants the merit of donating 1000 cows and performing Ashwamedha Yagna. It removes all sins and fulfills the desires of devotees.
Food Rules
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before dawn)
- Take a sacred bath with Ganga water if possible
- Worship Lord Vishnu with 16 offerings (Shodashopachara)
- Offer Tulsi leaves and flowers
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Hare Krishna Mantra
- No grains (rice, wheat, barley)
- No legumes or pulses
- No onions, garlic, mushrooms
- Avoid daytime sleep
- Maintain celibacy
Puja Vidhi
- 1
Step 1
Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before dawn)
- 2
Step 2
Take a sacred bath with Ganga water if possible
- 3
Step 3
Worship Lord Vishnu with 16 offerings (Shodashopachara)
- 4
Step 4
Offer Tulsi leaves and flowers
- 5
Step 5
Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Hare Krishna Mantra
- 6
Step 6
Keep night vigil (Jagaran) if possible
- 7
Step 7
Listen to Kamika Ekadashi Katha
- 8
Step 8
Donate food, clothes, or money to Brahmins or poor
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 नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Mantra 2
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
Mantra 3
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे
Mantra 4
श्री विष्णु सहस्रनाम स्तोत्रम्
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
Removal of sins from multiple births
Material prosperity and wealth
Spiritual purification and advancement
Protection from misfortunes
Blessing of Lord Vishnu's grace
Merit equivalent to donating 1000 cows
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 / Kāmikā Ekādaśī, Uttara-khanda ch. 54, vv. 1-29
Supports the Shravana Krishna Kamika name and worship of Vishnu with Tulasi, lamps, and vigil.
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 Kamika Ekadashi?
For New Delhi, Delhi, India, the next calculated fasting date is 2026-08-09.
What should I eat on Kamika 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 Kamika 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
Kamika Ekadashi falls during monsoon season when digestive fire is naturally weak. Fasting helps improve digestion and removes toxins accumulated during the rainy season.