Tithi:
This year, Kamika Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. The Ekadashi tithi begins at 12:59 pm on Aug 3, 2021, and ends at 03:17 pm on Aug 4, 2021
The Ekadashi Tithi, or the eleventh day of the Lunar fortnight, is of great significance. On this day, Lord Vishnu devotees observe a fast and worship Lord Vishnu. And this fasting is referred to as Ekadashi Vrat.
History:
According to the Kamika Ekadashi Day, Yudhisthir was told by Lord Krishna during the Mahabharata, that keeping the Kamika Ekadashi fast can turn to be extremely fruitful for him and his family.
Thus, in order to free oneself from all kinds of sins, and mistakes one has done in your life, observation of the Kamika Ekadashi fast is necessary. In fact, observing Kamika Ekadashi can give similar results equivalent to Ashwamedha Yagya. Hence, one can reap the benefits similar to such a tough puja and fast like that of Ashwamedha Yagya by observing eight hours nirjala fast.
Story Behind Kamika Ekadashi :
A long time ago, there was a landlord in a village. Though kind at heart, this landlord was short-tempered and prone to violence. One day he got into an argument with the priest over some trivial matters. In anger, he hit the priest and the priest died. Instantly the landlord was filled with regret and fear as killing a Brahmin was the worst sin one could commit. He was scared for his soul.
He tried to repent for his actions by taking part in the cremation rituals of the priest. But the relatives and friends of the priest shoved him away.
The landlord felt dejected with the weight of sin crushing his body and mind. In desperation, he went and fell at the feet of a saint who was passing through the village. The saint told the landlord to observe fast on Kamika Ekadashi. The landlord did as he was told. He slept beside the idol of Lord Vishnu.
During sleep, Lord Vishnu appeared in his dreams and freed him of his sins. The story symbolizes the merit of observing fast on Kamika Ekadashi as the devotee can get rid of the worst sins they committed in this life or any other life.
Significance:
The importance of the Ekadashi Vrat has been narrated by none other than Lord Krishna himself to the Pandava King Yudhishthira.
The Lord says that those who keep a fast on Kamika Ekadashi shall rid themselves of the weight of all their wrongdoings. And by humbly surrendering to the Lord, they shall be able to secure a place in his divine abode, Vaikuntha.
Therefore, the purpose of observing this fast is to leave behind the adverse effects of the sins and embrace Dharma. Moreover, since this Ekadashi falls during the auspicious month of Shravan, it holds a greater significance. Lord Vishnu and Shiva worship each other, and therefore, those praying to the two deities shall jointly get blessed by them.