What is Kamada Ekadashi?
Kamada Ekadashi is a sacred day filled with divine mercy and spiritual hope. ISKCON temples celebrate it with deep devotion. It marks the beginning of the Ekadashi series after Chaitra Navratri. The word Kamada means “something which fulfils desires.” This special vrat is dedicated to Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who removes sins and fulfils pure desires. Kamada Ekadashi is known to free souls from negative karma and ignite pure devotion in the heart.
ISKCON teaches that fasting, chanting, and charity on this day invite Shri Krishna’s blessings. It is a beautiful chance to reconnect with the Lord and walk on the path of devotion.
Kamada Ekadashi 2025 Date & Time
Kamada Ekadashi falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi tithi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Chaitra month of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Kamada Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, April 8. The fast begins at sunrise and ends the next morning. The Parana, or breaking of the fast, should be done during the prescribed time as given by ISKCON’s Vaishnava calendar.
Significance of Kamada Ekadashi in ISKCON
ISKCON sees Kamada Ekadashi as a powerful day to cleanse the soul. Lord Krishna himself shared its glory in ancient scriptures. He explained that even the worst sins can be removed by observing this Ekadashi with devotion.
This day is important not only for freedom from sins but also for pleasing Shri Krishna. Fasting helps devotees control the senses. Chanting purifies the heart. Reading Shri Krishna Katha fills the soul with joy. The real significance of Kamada Ekadashi is devotion.
When the heart cries for God, the Lord responds. ISKCON reminds us that Shri Krishna is not far. He lives in the hearts of his devotees.
Kamada Ekadashi Katha in ISKCON Temples
On Kamada Ekadashi, ISKCON temples become centers of divine storytelling. Devotees gather to hear Shri Krishna Katha, the sweet stories of Shri Krishna. These stories are full of love, wisdom, and spiritual lessons.
ISKCON believes that hearing about Shri Krishna brings the soul closer to him. The temple becomes alive with bhajans, kirtans, and the sound of the holy names. Shri Krishna Katha uplifts the mind and brings peace.
Spiritual Significance of Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi is more than just avoiding food. It is a full day of connection with God. Devotees awake early, chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, read scriptures, and engage in temple service.
This spiritual routine helps purify the body, mind, and soul. ISKCON teaches that this Ekadashi gives a chance to begin again. It is a time to leave behind sins and move forward with devotion.
Fasting from food is good, but fasting from anger, ego, and laziness is greater. Shri Krishna sees the heart. If the heart is sincere, he gives his mercy.
Importance of Charity on Kamada Ekadashi
On this sacred day, ISKCON encourages charity with devotion. Donations made on Ekadashi bring great spiritual rewards. Giving food to the poor is highly valued. Offering money to temples is also noble.
When donations are made to Lord Krishna’s temple, it becomes a spiritual act. The 80G donation benefits allow people to support temples while receiving tax benefits. Giving for God’s service brings inner satisfaction.
ISKCON teaches that giving should be done with a pure heart. Even a small gift, when offered with love, pleases the Lord.
Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha as per ISKCON
In the grand city of Ratnapura, a dancer named Lalit lived with his loving wife Lalita. One day, Lalit committed a mistake that angered the king. As punishment, the king cursed him to become a demon. Lalita was heartbroken but did not lose hope. She approached a wise sage, who advised her to observe Kamada Ekadashi with deep devotion.
Lalita followed the fast sincerely and prayed to Lord Krishna with all true devotion. Shri Krishna was pleased with her love and devotion; he removed Lalit’s curse. He regained his human form, and both were united again. This story of Kamada Ekadashi shows the power to free even the most sinful from suffering. It reflects Shri Krishna’s mercy for his devotees.
Kamada Ekadashi Puja Vidhi as per ISKCON
On Kamada Ekadashi, ISKCON devotees begin their day early with a sacred bath. After that, they decorate the altar with flowers, lamps, and Tulsi leaves. They place a picture or deity of Lord Krishna and offer fruits, incense, and sweets.
Chanting the 108 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra is encouraged. Devotees read from scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita or listen to Shri Krishna Katha. The day is spent in prayers, service, and meditation. Grain and beans are avoided, and the fast is broken the next day with Ekadashi prasadam.
Fasting Rules in ISKCON
Kamada Ekadashi fasting is based on one’s capacity. ISKCON encourages three types of fasting.
i) Nirjala means no food or water for 24 hours.
ii) Phalahar includes only fruits, milk, or nuts.
iii) Anukalpa allows one satvik meal without grains.
The focus is on giving time to Shri Krishna through chanting, service, and spiritual reading. Avoiding anger, gossip, and distractions is also part of the fasting discipline. The fast is not a burden but a gift of love to Shri Krishna.
How ISKCON Celebrates Kamada Ekadashi
ISKCON temples become lively with devotion on this day. Mangal aarti, bhajans, and kirtans echo through the temple halls. Devotees gather to hear the Kamada Ekadashi Katha and chant together. Special offerings are made to Shri Krishna, and prasadam is distributed.
Many devotees also serve by cleaning, cooking, or organizing events. Some offer donations or distribute spiritual books. The whole day becomes a festival of devotion.
Importance of Kamada Ekadashi in ISKCON
ISKCON teaches that Kamada Ekadashi helps cleanse past sins and awakens devotion. Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that this Ekadashi can remove even the most terrible karma. It is a perfect day to reconnect with God and ask for spiritual progress.
Bhagavad Gita 9.22
अनन्याश् चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते |
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ||
Transliteration:
Ananyāś chintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate
Teṣhāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣhemaṁ vahāmyaham
Those who worship me with pure heart and steady mind, I personally take care of what they lack and preserve what they have.
This day encourages purity of heart, control of senses, and surrender to Lord Krishna. ISKCON views it as a divine opportunity to grow closer to the Lord.
Things to Donate on Kamada Ekadashi
Charity is highly encouraged on this day. Devotees can donate food or sweets to the poor. They can give clothes, cows, or Bhagavad Gita books. One can also offer money to temples, which brings 80G donation benefits. Offering ghee, Tulsi plants, or spiritual literature is also pleasing to Shri Krishna.
Even a small offering done with true devotion pleases Shri Krishna.
Conclusion of Kamada Ekadashi
Kamada Ekadashi is not only about fasting. It is about love, surrender, and seeking the shelter of Shri Krishna. Through prayer, service, and charity, our heart becomes pure. When the heart is pure, Shri Krishna enters.
So on Kamada Ekadashi 2025, fast with faith, chant with love, and give with joy.
