Kaamda Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Chaitra. “Kaamda” means the fulfiller of desires — this Ekadashi grants the wishes of sincere devotees.
The story of Kaamda Ekadashi is narrated in the Varaha Purana. King Dilip once asked the sage Vashishtha about a vrat that could remove the most terrible of sins. The sage explained the glory of Kaamda Ekadashi, which has the power to liberate even those who have committed grave sins.
A Gandharva (celestial musician) named Lalit was cursed by a sage to become a demon because he had been distracted from his duties by thoughts of his wife. His devoted wife, Lalita, sought out ways to free him. The sage Vishwamitra advised her to observe the vrat of Kaamda Ekadashi and transfer the merit to her husband. Through her sincere observance and the power of this Ekadashi, Lalit was freed from the curse and restored to his heavenly form.
Devotees who observe this Ekadashi with a full fast, perform puja of Lord Vishnu, and spend the day and night in devotional activities are promised fulfilment of their sincere desires and liberation from sins.