Kamya Karma

(“desiderative [ritual] action”) One of
three general categories of ritual action,
the others being nitya karma and
naimittika karma. Kamya karma is a ritual performed solely for the performer’s
desire (kama) to obtain the benefits of
this action. Unlike the other two categories, which must be performed at specific times or occasions, this one is
completely voluntary and based solely
on the desire for its benefits. One example of a kamya karma is religious pilgrimage, which one is not required to do
but which is believed to generate religious merit. Another example would be
performing a particular vrat, or religious
vow, which might be done daily, weekly,
monthly, or yearly.