🌺 Kāmyakā Ekādaśī: The Ekādaśī That Grants All Desires

“The fruits of performing an Aśvamedha Yajña are equaled by a single observance of Kāmyakā Ekādaśī.” – Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa

Every lunar fortnight in the Vedic calendar, the 11th day—known as Ekādaśī—is a powerful spiritual observance dedicated to Lord Viṣṇu. Among the 24 Ekādaśīs observed each year, Kāmyakā Ekādaśī holds a special place. Falling in the dark fortnight (Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa) of the Śrāvaṇa month (usually July–August), Kāmyakā Ekādaśī is renowned for fulfilling heartfelt desires, cleansing deep karmic baggage, and blessing the devotee with both material and spiritual merit.

🌟 Why Is Kāmyakā Ekādaśī So Auspicious?

The word Kāmyakā comes from kāma, meaning desire. But this is not about indulgence—it’s about refining and elevating your desires to align with dharma, devotion, and divine will.

According to the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa, simply observing this Ekādaśī with sincerity can bestow the same results as performing the mighty Aśvamedha Yajña—an elaborate royal sacrifice that was once performed only by emperors to assert dharma and sovereignty.

🔥 A Quick Note on the Aśvamedha Yajña

The Aśvamedha Yajña was a highly complex and costly Vedic ritual. Performed by kings to gain divine blessings, assert rule over territories, and attain mokṣa (liberation), it involved releasing a consecrated horse to roam freely while being followed by warriors. Territories that accepted the authority of the sacrificer were absorbed peacefully, while others were challenged.

This yajña symbolized:

Supreme control over the senses (the horse symbolized desire)
Assertion of dharma and leadership
Attainment of material and spiritual prosperity

To compare a single day of fasting and devotion on Kāmyakā Ekādaśī to this grand ritual reveals how accessible and potent Ekādaśī truly is for the householders and yogis alike.

🌙 Benefits of Observing Kāmyakā Ekādaśī

✨ Fulfillment of heartfelt, dharmic desires
✨ Forgiveness of past sins and karmic purification
✨ Release of ancestral burdens
✨ Improvement in health and mental clarity
✨ Protection from malefic planetary effects
✨ Closeness to Lord Viṣṇu (Hari) and deepened bhakti
✨ Upliftment of family and community
✨ Accumulation of spiritual merit equal to a king’s yajña

🕯️ Rituals to Follow on Kāmyakā Ekādaśī

1. Fasting (Upavāsa)

Ideally, observe a nirjala fast (no food or water) if health permits.
Otherwise, opt for a phalahāra fast (fruits, nuts, water, and milk).
Avoid grains, legumes, onions, and garlic.

2. Viṣṇu Pūjā or Hari Kīrtan

Chant “Om Namo Nārāyaṇāya” or the Viṣṇu Sahasranāma.
Offer tulsi leaves, ghee lamps, incense, and fruit to the Lord.
Perform Hari-kathā (read or listen to stories of Lord Viṣṇu).

3. Night Vigil (Jagaran)

Stay awake singing bhajans and reading scriptures like the Bhāgavata Purāṇa.
This multiplies the merit gained from the fast.

4. Charity (Dāna)

Feed cows, offer clothes to the needy, or donate to temples.
Offer water or food in memory of ancestors (Pitṛ tarpana).

5. Breaking the Fast (Pāraṇa)

The next morning (Dvādāśī), break the fast during the auspicious Pāraṇa time with sattvic food.
Breaking the fast correctly is crucial to receive full benefits.

🕉️ Spiritual Perspective: Austerity With Intention

While this Ekādaśī is often associated with desire, the deeper teaching is refined desire—to long for truth, divine love, and inner clarity. As Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains in the Gītā, desire aligned with dharma leads to growth, while selfish desire leads to bondage.

Kāmyakā Ekādaśī invites us to:

Get clear on what we truly want
Let go of unnecessary attachments
Refocus our energy toward the Divine

💫 Final Blessing

May this Kāmyakā Ekādaśī be your Aśvamedha Yajña.
May your sincere heart draw the grace of the cosmos.
May your desires rise like offerings in sacred fire—and return as blessings.

Harih Om Tat Sat

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Name: Prakash Chegu

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