Significance
Kamada Ekadashi falls in the bright fortnight of Chaitra and is said to be the wish-fulfilling (kama = desire, da = giver) Ekadashi. Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira in the Varaha Purana that fasting on this day can wash away even the sin of brahma-hatya (the gravest sin). Devotees who fast with pure intention and worship Vishnu are said to have their righteous desires fulfilled. It also holds the power to remove the curse of becoming a Yaksha or Rakshasa.
Preparation
Rituals & Vidhi
Dashami Preparation
On Dashami evening, eat a light sattvic meal before sunset. Resolve to observe the fast with devotion and avoid grain, lentils, and non-vegetarian food.
Morning Puja
Bathe at dawn and perform puja to Lord Vishnu. Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and panchamrit. Recite the Kamada Ekadashi Vrat Katha from the Varaha Purana.
Mantra: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Vishnu Sahasranama
Chant or listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama in the afternoon. Focus on the names meaning "fulfiller of righteous desires."
Jaagran and Parana
Stay up as late as possible in prayer and devotion. Break the fast on Dwadashi morning within the prescribed parana time with Tulsi water, then take a full meal.
Fasting
Observe a strict fast from grain, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Fruits, milk, curd, nuts, and sendha namak preparations are permitted. Nirjala fast is optional but highly meritorious.
Family Guidance
Narrate the story of Lalita and Lalit from the Kamada Ekadashi Katha -- how a man's wife fasted on this Ekadashi to free her husband from a Yaksha curse. Discuss how selfless love and devotion have the power to transform even the most difficult situations.