Amalaki Ekadashi

Date - 25 March 2021

Amalaki means Amla. Amla is the most favorite tree of Lord Vishnu. This tree was so dear to him that he lives in it. This is Why we do the worship and offerings under this tree so that Lord Vishnu can be pleased. Amalaki Ekadashi fast is observed due to this importance. Shri Hari and Lakshmi Ji also inhabits on the Amla tree. Things made from Amla such as paste (uptan) and water are used on the day of Amalaki Ekadashi.

Auspicious time of Amalaki Ekadashi-

Date - 25 March

Time - March 26 from 6:18:53 to 08:46:12

Timeline - 2 hours 27 minutes

The process and method of Amalaki Ekadashi Puja-

Lord Vishnu is worshiped in Amalaki Ekadashi. Following are its method and process which is mandatory to follow-

Steps 1- take a Vow of the fast after the early morning bath.

Step 2- Worship Lord Vishnu and light the lamp of native ghee.

Step 3- established the Nirvana Yukt Kalash under the Amla tree. If you do not have a military in your homes then you must offer Amla to Lord Vishnu in place of that.

Step 4- if there is a Amla tree near to your home then you must offer incense, lamps, sandalwood etc under the tree. If there is are no trees then donate food to the poor.

Step 5- on Dwadashi after taking a bath, worship Lord Vishnu and feed food to the Brahmins.

Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi-

Along with this distributing Amlas among companions is also practiced. This Ekadashi is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha of the Falgun month. By observing this fast a person gets rid of his sins and gets virtue equal to donating thousand cows. Amla has become very important in the Hindu religion. Tree has been created along with the creation of the world. Along with the creation of Brahmins in the world lord Vishnu has created the Amla.

This Ekadashi fast is observed to attain salvation and a place in heaven. Lord Vishnu is considered to inhabit in the Amla tree and each and every part of the Amla tree is believed to be the place of god. So worshipping the God under the umbrella tree on this day will fulfill all your desires.

Mythology

According to the legendary story of Amalaki Ekadashi, in the ancient times there was a state where the people including the king were Very faithful. People of all castes resided there and practice all the religious rituals with full dedication and were immersed in the devotion of Lord Vishnu.  The Chandravanshi king Chitrasen who used to rule the Kingdom, himself kept this fast of Amla ki Ekadashi with true devotion. Not a single evil, sinful or tyrannical person lives in that city.

According another story once a king named Devyog forgot his path and took rest under an Amla tree. He fell asleep as he was very tired and at the same time some evil people arrived at that place. Seeing The King alone the evil people attacked him. According to the same story when the king went hunting some people surrounded him and attacked him suddenly. The Wicked people were such that the king fainted and fell under the Amla tree.

When the Wicked people attack the king sleeping under the Amla tree using their weapons it took the form of flowers and fall to the king. After this a divine power appeared there and it destroyed all the evils. When the king opened his eyes all the evil sinners were destroyed. The king was surprised to see this as who could have helped him here; at this point  a Akashvani took place and said that Lord Vishnu himself has helped you because of your Amalaki Ekadashi.

The king was very much pleased by this and came back to his Kingdom and there he started living a happy life and inspired everyone to observe this fast.