July 29, 2012 - Pavitra Ekadasi – Putrada Ekadashi

Pavitra Ekadasi, or Pavitropana Ekadashi, is observed during the waxing phase of the moon in Shravan or Sawan month (July – August). In 2012, the date of Pavitra Ekadashi is July 29. The importance of Pavithra Ekadashi was explained to Yudhisthira by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyotara Purana. Jhulan Yatra. an important festival associated with Lord Krishna, Radha and Lord Jagannath, begins on this Ekadasi day.

This Ekadasi is known as Putrada Ekadasi in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

It is widely believed that a son is born to the couple that observes Pavitra Ekadasi. There is an important story in the Puranas that indicate that Sage Lomasa advising a King to observe the Ekadasi so that he will beget a son.

Fasting on this day also washes away all the remorse and regret of sins performed. All grains are avoided on this day. Some staunch devotees stay awake during the night on the day.

Source : Hindu-blog

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July 14, 2012 Kamika Ekadasi

Kamika Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month July or early August. In 2012, the date of Kamika Ekadasi is July 14. The importance of this Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira and is found in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. Originally, it was narrated by Lord Brahma to Narada Maharishi. It is believed that observing this Ekadashi is equal to bathing in sacred rivers on auspicious days.

Offering Tulsi  leaves to Lord Vishnu on this day is considered highly auspicious. Another important offering made is lighting ghee or sesame oil filled lamps at Sri Krishna Temples. Observing this Ekadasi is also equal to reading all the scriptures dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

It is believed that all the sins and remorse will be washed away if a devotee strictly observes the Kamika Ekadashi fast. It is mentioned in scriptures that those devotees fasting on this day wins the favor of Yamraj, the lord of death. For fasting the usual method is followed.

Source : Hindu-blog

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Kamda Ekadasi April 3, 2012

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.

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Ekadasi 2012 - Ekadashi Calendar Fasting Dates

Ekadasi 2012

January 5, 2012 – Shattila Ekadashi – Satila Ekadasi - Vaikunta Ekadasi

January 19, 2012 – Putrada Ekadasi

February 3, 2012 - Jaya Ekadasi - Bhoumi and Bheeshma Ekadasi

February 17, 2012 – Vijaya Ekadashi

March 4, 2012 – Amalaki Ekadasi – Amalki Ekadashi

March 18, 2012 – Papmochani Ekadasi

April 3, 2012 – Kamda Ekadasi – Kamada Ekadashi

April 16, 2012 – Varuthini Ekadashi

May 2, 2012 – Mohini Ekadasi (In some regions, this Ekadasi is on May 14)

May 16, 2012 – Apara Ekadashi

May 31, 2012 – Bhim Ekadasi – Bhima Nirjala Ekadasi

June 15, 2012 – Yogini Ekadasi

June 30, 2012 – Devshayani Ekadashi – Sayana Ekadasi - Ashadi Ekadasi

July 14, 2012 – Kamika Ekadasi

July 29, 2012 - Pavitra Ekadasi – Putrada Ekadashi

August 13, 2012 – Aja Ekadasi – Annada Ekadashi

August 27, 2012 - Padmini Ekadasi - Adika Masa Ekadasi

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