Kamika Ekadashi 2025: Vrat Katha, Significance, and Benefits of Worshipping Lord Vishnu

Kamika Ekadashi 2025: Vrat Katha, Significance, and Benefits of Worshipping Lord Vishnu (image: canva)

Kamika Ekadashi, observed during the Krishna Paksha of Shravan month, is a highly auspicious fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that observing this fast helps wash away sins, brings prosperity, and leads to liberation (Moksha).

The Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha was narrated by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, sharing the glory of this day as told by Bhishma Pitamaha to Devarshi Narada for the welfare of humanity. Listening to or reading this sacred story grants the same merit as performing a Vajapeya Yajna, one of the grandest Vedic rituals.

Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Once, Devarshi Narada approached Bhishma Pitamaha and requested, "O Pitamaha, please narrate the story and rituals of the Ekadashi that falls in the Krishna Paksha of Shravan month." Bhishma replied, "Narada, this Ekadashi is called Kamika Ekadashi. Merely hearing its story grants immense spiritual merit. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu, the bearer of conch, discus, and mace, using Dhupa (incense), Dipa (lamps), and Naivedya (offerings). The rewards of worship on Kamika Ekadashi are greater than bathing in the Ganga or in sacred places like Kedarnath and Kurukshetra during Solar or Lunar eclipses."

Bhishma further explained that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this Ekadashi surpasses the merit of donating the Earth with its oceans and forests. Devotees unable to perform elaborate rituals are encouraged to at least observe the Kamika Ekadashi fast, as it destroys sins and protects the devotee from the judgment of Lord Yama, leading them to Vishnuloka (the abode of Lord Vishnu).

Tulasi (holy basil) holds a special place in this fast. Bhishma explained:

• Offering Tulasi leaves (Tulasidala) to Lord Vishnu brings greater joy to Him than gifts of gold, pearls, or jewels.
• Even seeing or touching Tulasi destroys sins, while offering water to Tulasi removes the fear of Yama and grants liberation.
• Lighting a ghee lamp (Dipa) before Lord Vishnu on this night blesses the devotee with immense radiance, benefits ancestors, and ensures spiritual upliftment.

• Destroys all sins, including grave sins like Brahma-Hatya (killing a Brahmin).
• Grants prosperity, good health, and Moksha.
• Protects devotees from the torments of hell and grants them residence in Vishnuloka.
• Blesses ancestors, allowing them to drink nectar in heaven.
• Accumulates such great merit that even Chitragupta, the celestial accountant, cannot record it fully.