Kamika Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month July or early August. The importance of this Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira and is found in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. Originally, it was narrated by Lord Brahma to Narada Maharishi. It is believed that observing this Ekadashi is equal to bathing in sacred rivers on auspicious days. In 2009, the date of Kamika Ekadasi is July 18.

Offering Tulsi leaves to Lord on this day is considered highly auspicious. Another important offering made is lighting ghee or sesame oil filled lamps at Home Temples. Observing Kamika Ekadasi bestows the same merit as donating a milk-cow and her auspicious calf, along with their feed.

“ ‘Those who are afraid of their past sins and completely immersed in sinful materialistic life should at least observe this best of Ekadasis according to their ability and thus attain liberation. This Ekadasi is the purest of all days and the most powerful for removing sins of the native. Oh Narada ji, Lord Shri Hari Himself once said about this Ekadasi, “One who fasts on Kamika Ekadasi attains much more merit than one who studies all the spiritual literatures.”

“ ‘Anyone who fasts on this particular day remains awake throughout the night will never experience the anger of YamarAja, the king of death personified. It has been seen that whoever observes Kamika Ekadasi will not have to suffer future births, and in the past too, many Yogis of devotion who fasted on this day went to the spiritual world. One should therefore follow in their auspicious footsteps and strictly observe a fast on this most auspicious of Ekadasis.

“ ‘Oh Maharaj Yudhisthira,” Lord Shri Krishna concluded, “?these were the words of prajapathi BrahmA to his son Narada Muni concerning the incalculable glories of this Kamika Ekadasi, which removes all sins.