Kaamika Ekaadasi on 28th/ 29th, July 2008

(Image courtesy: http://www.krishnajanmashtami.com/)

Dear Members:

Kaamikaa Ekaadasi is the ekaadasi that falls in the krishna paksha of the lunar month of Sravana (Pournimaant reckoning of lunar months).

Merits of this ekaadasi (from Brahmavaivarta puraanam)....

Observing the kaamikaa ekaadasi gives one the merit that accrues out of bathing in sacred rivers. Offering Tulsi to Lord Mahaavishnu on this day pleases our Lord more than offerings of even the Nine Gemstones of rarest quality! A devotee who does proper worship of Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves on this ekaadashi day reaches Vaikuntam directly after the end of this life. Proper observanace of this ekaadasi will please Yama Dharmaraaj also. It is customary to donate a ghee lamp/ sesame oil lamp to a Krishna temple on this ekaadashi day. Such a devotee will be blessed by all celestials. The merit accruing out of this ekaadashi is equivalent to that accruing out of recital of all Holy Scriptures.

Elsewhere, it has been mentioned by Lord Brahma to Sage Narada that the merit of observing this ekaadasi is equivalent to that obtained by donating a healthy cow along with her calf and one year's feed to a worthy vedic scholar.

DAY OF THIS EKAADASI FAST FOR DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE WORLD:

1) For USA/ Canada/ American continent countries: 28th July, 2008 (Both Vaishanava and Smaartha traditional doctrines).

2) For European countries, Africa, Gulf Countries: 28th July, 2008 (Both Vaishnava and Smaartha traditional doctrines).

3) For Indian sub-continent: Smaartha ekaadashi on 28th July, 2008; Vaishnava Ekaadashi on 29th July 2008.

4) For Far-East Asia (Japan, East China, etc.) , South-east Asia (Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Malayasia, etc.): 29th July 2008 (Both Smaartha and Vaishnava traditions).

5) For Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, etc. - 29th July , 2008 for both smaartha and vaishanava traditions.

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Those who are not able to fast completely may fast with slight relaxations like eating only fruits, or drinking milk, or avoiding grains and legumes in diet. At the very least, consumption of onion, garlic, and other ritual impure foods should be avoided on this day mandatorily (even if one is not actually fasting on this day).

May Lord Hari's Grace shower upon us all.

Blessed be.

Pandit R. DAKSHINA MOORTHI.
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in

http://www.dakshinastroquery.blogspot.com/