KamikaEkadashi

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   The glory of tulsi worship

   The scriptures say that worshipping Vishnu with tulsi leaves on Kamika Ekadashi bears more fruit than gifts of gold and gems or bathing at the tirthas. Offering tulsi on this day is held to wear away the sins of many births.

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   The lamp-offering (deep-daan)

   On the night of Kamika Ekadashi a lamp of ghee or sesame oil is lit before the Lord — the Puranas say the ancestors of one who makes this offering are satisfied, and the devotee gains undying merit.

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   Shyam devotion in Shravan

   Shravan is the month of devotion at the Khatu Shyam temple — the season of kanwad, kirtan and jhulas. Keeping this first Ekadashi of Chaturmas in remembrance of Baba is held a beautiful start to Shravan sadhana.

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   Sattvic food and restraint from the night of Dashami.
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   On Ekadashi, bathe at dawn and worship Vishnu / Shyam Baba with tulsi leaves, flowers and panchamrit.
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   Keep a fruit fast through the day, in naam-japa and bhajan-kirtan.
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   In the evening, light a lamp of ghee or sesame oil before the Lord (deep-daan).
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   Break the fast (paran) on Dwadashi morning, giving food as you are able.

Kamika Ekadashi — FAQ

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   What is the significance of Kamika Ekadashi?

   Kamika Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of the dark fortnight of Shravan — the first of Chaturmas. Worship of Vishnu with tulsi leaves on this day is held to surpass tirtha baths and gifts of gold.
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   Why is a lamp lit on Kamika Ekadashi?

   According to the Puranas, lighting a lamp of ghee or sesame oil before the Lord on the night of Kamika Ekadashi satisfies the ancestors and brings the devotee undying merit.
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   When does Kamika Ekadashi fall?

   Kamika Ekadashi falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Shravan — the first Ekadashi after Devshayani Ekadashi, when Chaturmas begins.