Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O protector of all living entities, I wish to hear from You about the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Caitra (March–April). Kindly describe its name, the method of its observance, and its glories.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O best of kings, please listen attentively. The Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of Caitra is known as Kamadā Ekadasi. This sacred day removes all sins, fulfills all desires, and delivers even those who have committed the greatest offenses.
Now hear from Me the ancient history that illustrates the power of this Ekadasi, as narrated by Sage Vasiṣṭha to King Dilīpa, the great-grandfather of Lord Rāmacandra.”
The Story of Lalit and Lalitā
“In ancient times, in a city named Ratnapura—adorned with golden palaces and ruled by King Pundarīka—there lived a handsome and powerful Gandharva (celestial musician) named Lalit. His wife, Lalitā, was extraordinarily beautiful and devoted to him.
The king of Ratnapura was very fond of music and dance, and every day, in his royal court, the Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsarās performed. One day, while Lalit was singing before the king, his mind wandered to thoughts of his beloved wife. Distracted by love, he lost his rhythm and sang out of tune.
The king immediately noticed this mistake and became furious. ‘Wicked one!’ he shouted, ‘you have disrespected me in my own court! You shall suffer the results of your negligence!’”
The Curse of the King
“The angry king called for his guards and said, ‘Cast this offender out of my city immediately! May he fall from his celestial status and be born as a demon in the lower regions!’
Hearing this curse, all the assembled Gandharvas and Apsarās were struck with grief. Lalit’s wife, Lalitā, fell to the ground, weeping bitterly. But no one dared to oppose the king’s words. By the power of the curse, Lalit was instantly transformed into a hideous demon. His body grew monstrous, his teeth and nails sharp, and his face terrifying.
Weeping, Lalitā left the heavenly city and followed her husband into the forest, determined to share his suffering.”
Lalitā’s Grief and the Sage’s Compassion
“Living in the forest, Lalitā endured great hardship. Seeing her once-beautiful husband in a demoniac form, she was tormented by sorrow. They wandered from place to place, finding no peace.
One day, by the will of Providence, Lalitā came upon the hermitage of the great sage Śṛṅgi. The sage’s āśrama was filled with birds, animals, and disciples engaged in chanting and meditation. Approaching him with folded hands, Lalitā said, ‘O great sage, please tell me how my husband may be freed from this dreadful curse. He was once a celestial singer, but because of a moment’s carelessness, he now suffers as a demon. Kindly show mercy and tell me what I can do to restore him.’”
The Sage’s Instructions
“Sage Śṛṅgi, full of compassion, replied, ‘O gentle lady, there is a sacred day known as Kamadā Ekadasi, which occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Caitra. By observing this Ekadasi with faith and devotion, one can atone for all sins, destroy all inauspiciousness, and even release others from sinful reactions.
You should therefore observe this fast for the deliverance of your husband. On this day, remain fasting, worship Lord Viṣṇu with full devotion, and stay awake throughout the night chanting His holy names. Then, on the next day, offer the merit of your vow to your husband. By the power of this sacred observance, he will surely be freed from the curse.’
Hearing the sage’s merciful instruction, Lalitā became filled with hope and gratitude. She bowed to the sage and resolved to follow his words faithfully.”
Observance of Kamadā Ekadasi
“When the sacred day of Kamadā Ekadasi arrived, Lalitā bathed in the holy river, observed complete fasting, and worshiped Lord Viṣṇu with flowers, incense, and lamps. She remained awake throughout the night, chanting the holy names of the Lord and listening to His divine pastimes.
The next morning, Dvādaśī, she offered food to the brāhmaṇas and prayed, ‘O Lord Viṣṇu, O ocean of mercy, please accept my vow and bless my husband so that he may be freed from his sinful condition.’
At that very moment, a shower of celestial flowers descended from the sky, and a divine voice proclaimed, ‘O Lalitā, your husband has been released from his demoniac form by the power of Kamadā Ekadasi. He now resumes his original Gandharva body and will soon be reunited with you.’”
The Deliverance of Lalit
“As the divine voice spoke, Lalit appeared before Lalitā in his original beautiful celestial form, shining like molten gold, adorned with jewels and heavenly garments. Overwhelmed with joy, he embraced his devoted wife and praised her endlessly for her faith and devotion.
He said, ‘O beloved, because you observed Kamadā Ekadasi with sincerity and offered its merit to me, I have been freed from this terrible curse. From now on, I will always glorify this sacred day and the devotees who observe it.’
Then, together, Lalit and Lalitā ascended once more to the heavenly realms, surrounded by celestial music and fragrance, praising Lord Viṣṇu for His infinite mercy.”
The Glories of Kamadā Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this sacred Ekadasi with faith and devotion obtains freedom from all sins and fulfills all desires. Even the most grievous sins—such as killing a brāhmaṇa, drinking wine, or breaking vows—are destroyed by the observance of this day.
It can deliver one’s ancestors and relatives from suffering and purify even those who are condemned. The power of Kamadā Ekadasi is such that it can liberate a person from the effects of any curse or sinful reaction, no matter how severe.”
Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O king, one who observes Kamadā Ekadasi attains the merit of performing all kinds of sacrifices and charities. Simply by hearing or reciting the glories of this Ekadasi, one is freed from all sins and attains the merit of donating one thousand cows in charity.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, you should observe this sacred day and encourage others to do the same. It fulfills all desires, destroys all sins, and ultimately grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Kamadā Ekadasi is described in the Varāha Purāṇa and the Bhaviṣya-Uttara Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of Lalit the Gandharva by the devotion of his wife, Lalitā. Observance of Kamadā Ekadasi purifies the heart, fulfills all desires, and liberates even the most fallen souls.
