An auspicious fasting ritual of the Hare Krishna devotees, the Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi is celebrated on the ‘Ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of moon) in the ‘Sridhar’ month of the Vaishnava calendar. As per the Hindu calendar, it comes in the ‘Shravana’ month while according to Georgian calendar it falls between the months of July to August. The Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi Vrat helps in washing away all the sins committed by a person, from his/her current life as well as past lives. Besides, this Ekadashi also removes ‘Pitru Dosh’, if any. On this Ekadashi followers meditate and worship Lord Vishnu, also referred to as ‘Lord Gadadhara’, ‘Madhva’, ‘Shridhara’ or ‘Madhusudhana’. This Ekadashi is one of the most sacred and important Ekadashi rituals for Vaishnavas as it is observed during the ‘Chaturmas’, which is a holy 4-month period, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Notable Timings for Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi 2022 Date

• Sunrise 24 July 2022 at 05:59 AM

• Sunset 24 July 2022 at 19:07 PM

• Ekadashi Begins at 23 July 2022 at 12:59 p.m

• Ekadashi Ends 25 July 2022 at 03:17 p.m

• Parana Time 05:59 AM - 08:37 AM 

Rituals during Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi Vrat

• Taking fast on this  Ekadashi is important for all Vaishnavas. They completely disdain from eating beans and grains on Ekadashi and take only water, fruits or dairy products. Some of the followers take a complete fast on Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi. The fasting of the Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi starts from the time of waking up on Ekadashi and continues until the sunrise on ‘Dwadashi’ (12th day). The devotees of this Vrat should also keep a Jagaran all night in the name of Lord Krishna.

• Followers also worship devotedly Sri Krishna on Vaishnava Kamika Ekadashi. The main motive of Ekadashi observance is to involve in spiritual practices and spend time reciting ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ and  Krishna Kirtans. It is believed to be auspicious to light ghee lamps in front of the lord on this Ekadashi. Followers also visit the temples of Lord Vishnu in the evening and participate in the sacred rituals organized for the day. Special Abhishek and puja rituals are performed and a variety of ‘Bhog’ is cooked and presented to the lord. 

• On this day the sacred Tulsi tree holds special importance. According to believe even sighting of Tulsi tree on this Ekadashi will wash all the sins and by offering prayers to Goddess Tulsi, all the diseases and ailments will be cured. On this Ekadashi, one must present Tulsi leaves to Sri Hari Vishnu as it is equivalent to offering precious stones to God. A person who waters Tulsi tree on this day will never have to fear Yamaraja, the God of death.