The Ekadashi that occurs when Adhik Maas arrives, is famous by the name 'Kamala'. That is the best date among dates. Let us know what is the worship method for fasting on this Ekadashi? The person who hears the importance of Kamala Ekadashi on the day of Ekadashi, becomes free from all sins.

The significance of Kamala Ekadashi in the Purushottam month :

Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna, "O Bhagavan! Now I wish to hear about the most auspicious fast among Lord Vishnu's vows, which eradicates all sins and grants desired fruits to the devotees. Janardana! Please narrate the story of Kamala Ekadashi, which falls in the Purushottam month. What are its benefits? Which deity is worshipped during this Ekadashi? What kind of charity yields what merits? What actions should humans perform? How should one take a bath during that time? Which mantra should be chanted? What is the prescribed method of worship? And what type of food is considered best to consume during the Purushottam month? Kindly elaborate on all these points."

Lord Sri Krishna said, "O King of Kings! In the additional month (Adhik Maas) that comes, there is a renowned Ekadashi known as 'Kamala Ekadashi' or also referred to as 'Padmavati Ekadashi'. It is considered the best among all the Ekadashi dates. The observance of this fast pleases Goddess Lakshmi. On that day, rise during the Brahma Muhurta (auspicious time before dawn), meditate upon Lord Purushottam, perform a ritualistic bath, and then follow the rules of the fast.

Chanting prayers at home yields one-fold merit, by the riverside it's two-fold, in a cow shelter it's a thousand-fold, in the fire-pit of Agnihotra it's a hundred thousand-fold, in Lord Shiva's sanctified places, pilgrimage sites, near deities, and close to the holy basil plant, it's a million-fold, and in the presence of Lord Vishnu, the merit becomes infinite.

This fast holds immense significance and can provide blessings equivalent to performing various acts of charity and devotion."

The story of Kamala Ekadashi in the Purushottam month is as follows:

In the city of Avantipur, there lived a virtuous Brahmin named Shiv Sharma. He had five sons, and the youngest of them was involved in sinful activities. Due to his wicked behaviour, he was disowned by his father and relatives. Driven away by his misdeeds, he ventured deep into the forest.

After some time, by divine providence, he reached the holy confluence of rivers in Prayag (Allahabad). Weakened by hunger, his body frail, and his face weary, he took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati). Overcome by hunger, he started searching for the hermitages of the sages nearby.

In his search, he stumbled upon the ashram of the sage Hari Mitra. During the auspicious month of Purushottam, a gathering of many people had assembled there. As he listened to the Brahmins narrating stories of the destruction of sins, he heard with reverence about the greatness of Kamala Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is supremely meritorious and grants both worldly enjoyment and liberation.

Inspired by the narration of the Kamala Ekadashi's glory, Jay Sharma observed the fast along with the others at the sage's hermitage. When midnight approached, Goddess Lakshmi herself appeared before him and spoke, "Brahmin! Due to the effects of observing the Kamala Ekadashi fast, I am highly pleased with you. By the command of Lord Hari, I have come from the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha to bestow a boon upon you."

The Brahmin replied, "Mother Lakshmi! If you are pleased with me, kindly enlighten me about a fast whose story is always recounted by noble sages and Brahmins.

Lakshmi continued, "Brahmin! Hearing about the significance of Ekadashi fasting is the most exalted subject for listeners. Among all sacred practices, this one is the supreme. It eradicates bad dreams, brings happiness, and results in the accumulation of merits. Therefore, one should attentively listen to its narration. Even if a righteous person recites a single verse or half a verse with devotion, they become instantly liberated from millions of great sins. Just as in months, Purushottam month is the best, among birds Garuda is the best, and among rivers the Ganga is the best, similarly, among dates, the Dwadashi tithi (twelfth day) is the best.

Even today, all deities desire to be born in Bharat Varsha (India) through observing the fast of Ekadashi. The celestial beings always perform worship of Lord Narayana, free from whims and fancies. Those who continuously chant the name of my Lord, Bhagavan Narayana, with devotion, are worshipped by even Brahma and other deities perpetually."

Those who are devoted to the name of Lord Hari and constantly engage in singing His divine stories and remain immersed in the worship of Lord Hari are indeed blessed in the Kali Yuga. If, during the day, Ekadashi and Dwadashi coincide, and as the night progresses, Trayodashi arrives, then the merit of performing 100 yajnas is attained by observing the Parana (breaking the fast) on that Trayodashi.

The Puja Vidhi (ritual) for Kamala Ekadashi is as follows:

A person observing the fast should, with devotion, perform the following mantra in front of Lord Vishnu, the Lord of the Universe and the wielder of the Sudarshan Chakra, and then undertake the fast:

Ekadashyan Niraharah Sthitvahampare ऽhani

Bhokshyaami Pundarikaksh Sharanam in Bhavachyut

This mantra means: "O Kamalanayana! O Lord Achyuta! I shall fast on Ekadashi without eating anything and eat on the next day. Please be my refuge."

Subsequently, the person observing the fast should control their mind and senses, and during the night, engage in devotional activities like singing bhajans (devotional songs), playing musical instruments, dancing, and reciting sacred texts in front of Lord Vishnu.

On the Dwadashi (the 12th day), after taking a bath, the devotee should perform a proper worship of Lord Vishnu with a pure heart and devotion.

To attain Sayujya (union with the Lord) with Sri Hari, one should bathe Lord Janardana with Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee) on Ekadashi and give a bath with just milk on Dwadashi.

After the puja, offer the following prayer to Lord Vishnu:

Ajnantimirandhasya vratenanen Keshav.

Prasid Sumukho Bhootva Gyandristhi Prado Bhava

This prayer means: "O Kesava! I am blinded by the darkness of ignorance due to this fast. Please be pleased with me and bestow upon me the vision of knowledge."

After making this request, offer a meal to Brahmins, give them dakshina (gift), and then perform the Pancha Maha Yajnas (five great sacrifices) following the prescribed rituals. Finally, break your fast by having a meal with your relatives and friends while maintaining a pure and devout attitude.

Those who observe the Kamala Ekadashi fast with sincerity and purity of heart are said to attain Vaikuntha Dham (the divine abode of Lord Vishnu) free from the cycle of birth and death.

As per the story, Lord Krishna said, "O King! Saying this, Goddess Lakshmi bestowed a boon upon the Brahmin and disappeared. The Brahmin, now blessed with wealth, returned to his father's house." In this way, whoever observes the Kamala Ekadashi fast and listens to its significance on Ekadashi day becomes free from all sins.

Verified from Puran......

Writer: - Ruchi Tewari