Kāmikā Ekādaśī 2161

Sri Krishna told Yudhishthira the glories of this Ekadashi as Brahma had once described them to Narada. It falls in the dark fortnight after Ashadha Purnima, during the holy Chaturmasya.

Krishna said that one who fasts on Kamika and worships Vishnu gains more merit than bathing at Kashi or Pushkara, or than gifting the whole earth with its oceans. Its special glory is the worship of Tulasi: Vishnu is less pleased by gems, pearls and corals than by a single Tulasi leaf offered with love. Tulasi is said to protect the home and bring the worshipper close to Hari.

Offering a ghee or sesame oil lamp before the Lord on this day is praised highly, and the light is said to reach the ancestors as well. One who keeps the fast and the night vigil is freed from grave sins and does not fall into suffering after death.