Kamada
Ekadashi is observed during the waxing phase of moon in March/April. It is said
in the scriptures that observing Kamada Ekadasi will help in getting rid of
sins and increasing virtue. The greatness of this Ekadasi fasting was narrated
to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Varaha Purana. In 2012,
the date of Kamada Ekadashi is April 3.
Legend has
it that a Gandharva was unable to perform his duties when his wife was not
around. This Gandharva was overpowered
by lust and thus failed in his duties and was cursed by a King to become a
cannibal. The Gandharva and his wife roamed the forests and one day the wife
came across a Sage, who advised them to undertake Kamada Ekadashi fasting for
getting rid of the curse.
The
Gandharva couple observed the Kamada Ekadashi and the husband was freed from
the curse.
On the
Ekadashi day, most Vishnu devotees fast and some devotees keep vigil at night.
Those people undertaking partial fasting abstain from food made of rice.