Kaamikaa Ekaadashi: Night of Contemplation

Fast on the 11th day of Shravana Krishna Paksha (the wanning phase of the moon heading towards new moon) is Kaamikaa Ekaadashi. Kaamna means desire. Kaamikaar means someone who does not follow the rules and does as they please. Based on the root words, Kaamikaa might mean something that fulfils or delivers from desires.

Narration 

Similar to the chapter on Aparaa Ekaadashi, there is no specific tale associated to this Ekaadashi. Yudhishthira seeks to be educated about Kaamikaa Ekaadashi from Krishna. Krishna tells him of this Ekaadashi that was earlier told about by Lord Brahma to Sage Naarad. Lord Brahma highlights to Sage Naarad that observing a fast on this day can bring about immense benefits. 

Just listening to the story of Kaamikaa Ekaadashi is considered as auspicious as conducting Vajpeya Yagya (Yaga mentioned in the Holy Yajurveda done for the benefit and entertainment of subjects involving chariot racing). It is of greater benefit than bathing in Ganga and staying at Kashi and Pushkar. On this day we worship Lord Vishnu. This Ekaadashi has devotees engaging in a jagran (waking through the night) as it grants a better rebirth. 

Sins to Wash

In the long list of benefits, this fast also provides deliverance from sins. One of the sins highlighted in the story is the sin of abortion. It must be noted that the word for abortion is Bhroon-hatya, killing of the foetus. 

India witnesses over 1.6 crore abortions a year. Considering the widespread prevalence of abortion, one would assume that Hindu core beliefs do not consider it a sin. At least that’s what I assumed as a child. Further, it must be noted that the Indian government’s objection to female foeticide was not based on reason of morality or religion but as a response to high gender disbalance in the population. Female lives are only held to value when their lack causes problems for men in finding brides and maids. 

Abortion is a contentious issue as it involves a conflict between bodily autonomy and the right to life of a prenatal human. While the law places the bodily autonomy of a woman over the life of a foetus, we must not forget that law of the cosmos does not do the same. Further, the toll on the mother is extremely high which people have chosen to ignore in the debate. 

In India forced abortions are an attack on both the woman’s bodily autonomy and mental health and on the child’s right to life. It is important that we revisit the issue of female foeticide not just from policy number point of view but also ethics. 

NOTE:

Ekaadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha (published by Babu Madav Prasad Sharma, Varanasi) is a Nepali translation/commentary of the Sanskrit Ekaadashi Stories. The author is avoiding posting a straight translation of the Nepali commentary.  

Chapter 20 p. 169 of Ekadashi Mahoutsav Varat Katha (published by Babu Madav Prasad Sharma, Varanasi)