Introduction
Ekādaśī, the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight, is revered as a powerful time for spiritual observance and fasting dedicated to Lord Viṣṇu. Among the 24 Ekādaśīs celebrated each year, Kāmyakā Ekādaśī holds special significance. Observed during the dark fortnight of Śrāvaṇa (July–August), it is said to yield the same merit as the grand Aśvamedha Yajña and has the potential to fulfill heartfelt, dharmic desires.
Why Kāmyakā Ekādaśī is so auspicious
• The term Kāmyakā derives from kāma (desire). This observance isn’t about indulgence but about refining your desires so they align with dharma and divine will.
• According to the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa, sincerely observing this Ekādaśī can grant results equivalent to the Aśvamedha Yajña—a royal horse sacrifice performed by ancient emperors to assert sovereignty and gain divine blessings.
Benefits of observing Kāmyakā Ekādaśī
• Fulfillment of heartfelt, dharmic desires
• Forgiveness of past sins and purification of karmic baggage
• Release of ancestral burdens and improvement of mental clarity
• Protection from malefic planetary influences and deepening of bhakti (devotion)
• Elevation of family and community well‑being and accrual of spiritual merit on par with a king’s yajña
Rituals to follow
1. Fasting (Upavāsa) – If health allows, observe a complete fast without food or water; otherwise take fruits, nuts, milk and water. Avoid grains, legumes, onions and garlic.
2. Viṣṇu Pūjā or Hari Kīrtan – Chant mantras like “Om Namo Nārāyaṇāya” or recite the Viṣṇu Sahasranāma. Offer tulsi leaves, ghee lamps, incense and fruit; listen to or read stories of Lord Viṣṇu.
3. Night vigil (Jagaran) – Stay awake singing bhajans and reading scriptures such as the Bhāgavata Purāṇa. Remaining awake multiplies the merit of the fast.
4. Charity (Dāna) – Feed cows, donate clothing or money to those in need and offer water or food in memory of ancestors (Pitṛ tarpana).
5. Breaking the fast (Pāraṇa) – On the following morning (Dvādāśī), break the fast during the auspicious Pāraṇa window with sattvic food. Properly breaking the fast is essential to receive full benefits.
Spiritual perspective
Kāmyakā Ekādaśī is ultimately about purifying desire. Refine what you truly want, let go of attachments and refocus your energy on the Divine. As Śrī Kṛṣṇa teaches in the Bhagavad Gītā, desires aligned with dharma lead to growth, while selfish desires bind us to suffering.
Final blessing
May observing Kāmyakā Ekādaśī be your personal Aśvamedha Yajña. May your sincere heart draw the grace of the cosmos, and may your offerings return to you as abundant blessings. Harih Om Tat Sat.
