Kamika Ekadashi 2026

Kamika Ekadashi: The Ekadashi of Tulasi Worship

Kamika Ekadashi falls on Ashadha Bahula (Krishna) Ekadashi in the Telugu calendar, the first waning-moon Ekadashi of Chaturmasya. Worshipping Lord Vishnu with tulasi leaves on this day is believed to fulfil righteous wishes and remove sins. North Indian purnimant calendars list it as Shravana Krishna Ekadashi.

The Vrata Katha

According to the Puranas, Sri Krishna narrated the glory of this vrata to Yudhishthira, as Lord Brahma had earlier told Narada. A short-tempered landlord once struck a brahmin during a petty quarrel, and the brahmin died. Overcome with remorse, the landlord sought a way to atone. A great sage advised him to observe Kamika Ekadashi. After he kept the vrata with devotion and worshipped Vishnu, he was freed from the sin.

The Importance of Tulasi

Tulasi has a special place on Kamika Ekadashi. The katha says that worship with tulasi leaves pleases the Lord more than offerings of gems and gold. Lighting a ghee or sesame-oil lamp at the tulasi kota on this day is considered very meritorious.

Puja Steps

• Bathe early, clean the tulasi kota and draw a muggu around it.
• Decorate Lord Vishnu's picture with turmeric, kumkum and a garland, and light a ghee lamp.
• Do archana with tulasi leaves while chanting Vishnu Ashtottara Shatanamavali or Sahasranamam.
• Circumambulate the tulasi plant and place a lamp there.
• Offer fruits, milk and jaggery, and listen to the Kamika Ekadashi katha.
• On Dwadashi morning, do puja, give something in charity and break the fast.

Fasting and Benefits

Rice and grains are avoided and a phalahar fast is kept; those able may fast completely. The vrata is believed to lift the weight of mistakes made unknowingly and to bring peace to ancestors. Some families also plant new tulasi saplings at home during this monsoon Ekadashi.

May Tulasi Mata and Sri Hari fulfil everyone's righteous wishes.