The first Ekadashi of the Sawan month, known as Kamika Ekadashi, will be observed on July 21, 2025. The significance of this fast is extensively described in religious texts, and it is said that this fast is as fruitful as the Vajpayee Yajna. Devotees observe this fast and stay awake throughout the night to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and attain salvation.
Accurate Date and Auspicious Time of Ekadashi
The Kamika Ekadashi Tithi will begin on July 20, 2025, at 12:12 PM and will conclude on July 21 at 9:38 AM. Since the Ekadashi fast is observed from the sunrise, the Kamika Ekadashi fast will be observed on July 21 this time.
Information on the Parana Muhurat
The Parana (breaking the fast) of the Kamika Ekadashi fast will be done the next day, i.e., on July 22. The time for Parana will be from 5:37 AM to 7:05 AM. It is mandatory to perform the fast parana after sunrise on the Dwadashi Tithi.
Significance of Kamika Ekadashi
The Puranas describe that by observing the Kamika Ekadashi fast, a person neither sees Yamraj (the God of Death) nor suffers the torments of hell. It is believed that a person who observes this fast and stays awake throughout the night attains Vishnu Loka. This fast also destroys even the most heinous sins like Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin).
Special Worship of Lord Vishnu
On this day, the form of Lord Vishnu holding the conch, chakra, and mace is worshipped. Devotees bathe in Ganga water, wear yellow clothes, and light a lamp in front of Vishnu Ji, and worship with Tulsi, Panchamrit, flowers, and incense.
According to the scriptures, staying awake all night and offering lamps (Deepdaan) is an integral part of this fast. It is believed that staying awake throughout the night multiplies the merit many times over, and even Chitragupta (the record keeper of deeds) is unable to write this merit.
Beliefs Related to Religious Stories
According to religious belief, once Narada Muni asked Lord Vishnu which fast could destroy sins like Brahmahatya. Then, Sri Hari, while describing Kamika Ekadashi, said that this fast frees a person from all sins and leads them towards salvation.
Why the tradition of Deepdaan on this Ekadashi?
The tradition of offering lamps on the night of Kamika Ekadashi is because this night is considered the best opportunity to receive the grace of Lord Vishnu. It is said in the scriptures that whoever lights a lamp on this night, both darkness and sin are removed from their life.
Who observes this fast?
Both men and women can observe the Kamika Ekadashi fast. Especially those who are devotees of Lord Vishnu or wish to attain Vishnu Loka observe this fast with devotion. This fast especially shows devotees the path of spiritual progress.
Special Significance of Ekadashis of Sawan
The Sawan month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, but the Ekadashis that fall during this period are considered important for the worship of Lord Vishnu. With the first Ekadashi of Sawan, i.e., Kamika Ekadashi, devotees begin the series of fasting and worship.
When will Ekadashi fall in 2025?
After Kamika Ekadashi, there will be many more Ekadashis in the Shravan month, in which Shravan Shukla Ekadashi (Pavitra Ekadashi) holds special significance. By observing all these fasts, a person attains happiness, peace, and dharma in life.
