Amalaka Ekadashi 2026

Amalaki Ekadashi - The Festival of Amla Tree Worship and Vishnu Devotion

The Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi of Phalguna month is called Amalaki Ekadashi or Rangbhari Ekadashi. "Amalaki" means Indian Gooseberry (Amla). The specialty of this sacred Ekadashi is worshipping the Amla tree as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu resides in the Amla tree, and Goddess Lakshmi dwells within it. Worshipping the Amla tree, observing fast, and worshipping Vishnu on this day brings immense merit, liberation from sins, health, prosperity, and moksha attainment.​

Amalaki Ekadashi is a very special Ekadashi that falls between Maha Shivaratri and Holi. This Ekadashi fast is described in great detail in the Brahmanda Purana. Sage Vashishta narrated the glory of this Ekadashi to King Mandhat.​

Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi

Amalaki Ekadashi is one of the most special among all 24 Ekadashis. This Ekadashi day has special significance for Amla tree worship. Tree veneration is an integral part of Hinduism. It is believed that Brahman (the Supreme Soul) resides in every tree.​

Significance of the Amla Tree:

According to Hindu scriptures, the Amla tree (Amalaka tree) is extremely sacred:​

• Lord Vishnu resides in the roots
• Lord Shiva resides in the trunk
• Lord Brahma resides in the upper portion
• Deities reside in the branches
• Vedas reside in the leaves
• Goddess Lakshmi resides in the flowers and fruits

Particularly on Amalaki Ekadashi day, Lord Vishnu resides in and around the Amla tree. According to some traditions, Goddess Lakshmi dwells in the Amla tree. It is also believed that Lord Krishna and Radha Devi reside near the Amla tree.​

Benefits of Amalaki Ekadashi:

According to the Brahmanda Purana, observing Amalaki Ekadashi fast brings:​

• All sins are completely destroyed
• Merit equal to donating a thousand cows is obtained
• Divine merit accumulates
• Moksha attainment (liberation) is achieved
• A place at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha is obtained
• Blessings extend not only to the devotee but also to ancestors and future generations

Divinity of Amla Fruit:

The Puranas state that Amla fruit (Amalaka) originated from Lord Vishnu's mouth. Eating Amla fruit triples spiritual benefits. Performing puja under an Amla tree is highly auspicious - it brings prosperity and removes obstacles in life.​

Puranic Legend of Amalaki Ekadashi - Brahmanda Purana

Sage Vashishta and King Mandhat:

Once King Mandhat came to Sage Vashishta. King Mandhat prostrated before the sage and asked:

"O Maharishivar! Is there any vrat that bestows immense merit with very little effort, destroys all sins, and grants moksha? Please tell me."

Sage Vashishta said:

"O King! Your question is most wonderful. Amalaki Ekadashi, which falls in Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month, is the most meritorious vrat. Through this vrat, all sins are completely destroyed. Merit equal to donating a thousand cows is obtained. Now I will tell you a story about Amalaki Ekadashi. Listen carefully".​

The City of Vaidisha and King Chaitraratha:

"In Bharat Varsha, there was a city called Vaidisha. A righteous king named Chaitraratha ruled there. He governed the kingdom with dharma, truth, compassion, and justice. The people lived very happily and peacefully. The king and all the people worshipped the Lord with devotion".​

The Day of Amalaki Ekadashi:

"Once Amalaki Ekadashi arrived in Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month. On that day, King Chaitraratha and every person in the kingdom - from old people to children - happily observed the Ekadashi fast. The king along with his subjects came to the Vishnu temple. They installed the Kalasha. They worshipped the Amla tree (Dhatri tree) with incense, lamp, naivedya, and five precious gems".​

"From evening until night, the king and subjects kept vigil in the Vishnu temple. They sang the names of Vishnu. They recited Vishnu stotras. They performed bhajans and kirtans. Everyone observed the Ekadashi vrat with great devotion and sincerity. The entire temple was beautifully lit with many lamps".​

The Hunter's Story:

"At that time, a hunter was passing through that area. He was very wicked and sinful. Throughout his life, he killed animals, told lies, drank alcohol, and committed theft. He committed many sins. That hunter had not eaten anything by nightfall that day. He was very hungry and tired".​

"The hunter, searching for a place to sleep at night, came near the Vishnu temple. There he saw the king and subjects devotedly worshipping Vishnu, singing the names, and keeping vigil. Attracted by their devotion, the hunter did not enter the temple but sat under the Amla tree outside the temple".​

"Throughout the night, the hunter sat there. Due to hunger, he could not sleep. He listened to the Vishnu nama sankirtana, bhajans, and kirtans being performed by the king and subjects. Unknowingly, he too kept vigil. Unknowingly, he too observed fasting (could not eat due to hunger). Unknowingly, sitting under the Amla tree became equivalent to Amla tree worship. Unknowingly, by listening to Vishnu nama sankirtana, he gained merit".​

The Hunter's Death and Liberation:

"At dawn, the hunter left the temple. After a few days, the hunter died in an accident. But surprisingly, when he died, Yamadutas (messengers of death) did not come. Instead, Vishnu's messengers (Vishnudutas) arrived. They brought a wonderful divine chariot".​

"The hunter was amazed. He asked the Vishnudutas: 'I committed sins throughout my life. I killed animals. I told lies. I committed theft. I drank alcohol. Why are you taking me? Should I not go to hell?'"

"The Vishnudutas said: 'O hunter! It is true that you committed sins throughout your life. But you unknowingly observed fast on Amalaki Ekadashi, kept vigil, sat under the Amla tree, and heard Vishnu nama sankirtana. By the merit of this Amalaki Ekadashi vrat, all your sins were destroyed. Now we are taking you to Vaikuntha. There you will have a place at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu'".​

"The Vishnudutas seated the hunter in the divine chariot and took him to Vaikuntha. There the hunter had darshan of Lord Vishnu and attained moksha. Even the sinful hunter, by unknowingly observing Amalaki Ekadashi vrat, attained liberation".​

Conclusion of the Story:

Sage Vashishta told King Mandhat:

"O King! This is the glory of Amalaki Ekadashi. Whether observed knowingly or unknowingly - Amalaki Ekadashi vrat purifies all sins, protects the devotee, and bestows a place in Vaikuntha. This story reminds us that even small devotional acts, when sincere, bring immense spiritual benefits and divine grace".​

Comprehensive Puja Procedure

Morning Rituals:

Sacred Bath: On Amalaki Ekadashi, wake up before sunrise and take a sacred bath. Bathing during Brahma Muhurta is highly meritorious. If possible, bathe in sacred rivers.​

Clean Clothes: After bathing, wear clean, washed yellow or white clothes.​

Home Vishnu Worship:

First, set up an altar at home. Install an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu. Decorate with yellow garments. Light incense and lamps. Offer yellow flowers and tulsi leaves. Offer naivedya. Recite Vishnu stotras and Vishnu Sahasranama.​

Amla Tree Worship:

In the evening, go to the Vishnu temple. First, perform complete puja to Lord Vishnu in the temple. Then perform special puja to the Amla tree (inside or outside the temple):​

Amla Tree Puja Procedure:

1. Kalasha Installation: Install a copper or clay kalasha near the Amla tree. Fill the kalasha with sacred water​
2. Water Offering: Pour sacred water at the roots of the Amla tree. While pouring water, chant "Om Namo Narayanaya" mantra​
3. Turmeric, Kumkum, Sandalwood: Apply turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste to the trunk of the Amla tree​
4. Flowers and Garlands: Offer yellow flower garlands (marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums) to the Amla tree​
5. Five Precious Gems: Offer silver, gold, copper, pearls, diamonds (if possible)​
6. Incense, Lamp, Naivedya: Light incense and lamp near the Amla tree. Perform lamp worship with mustard oil. Offer naivedya​
7. Sacred Thread: Tie a yellow or red sacred thread (kalava, sacred thread) around the Amla tree​
8. Circumambulation: Perform five circumambulations around the Amla tree. While performing circumambulations, chant Vishnu names​
9. Worship as Vishnu's Form: Worship the Amla tree as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" mantra​

Vishnu Sahasranama:

Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama on Amalaki Ekadashi is highly meritorious. Chanting the thousand divine names of Lord Vishnu brings infinite merit.​

Vishnu Mantras:

Chant these mantras continuously:

• "Om Namo Narayanaya" - 108 times
• "Om Vishnave Namah"
• "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
• "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare"

Night Vigil:

Stay awake all night and keep vigil at the Vishnu temple or at home. Perform bhajans, kirtans, Vishnu stotras, and nama sankirtana. This is the most important part of Amalaki Ekadashi.​

Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha:

Recite or listen to the Amalaki Ekadashi vrat katha (hunter's story). The vrat is not complete without listening to the katha.​

Next Day Parana (Dwadashi):

On Dwadashi day , first perform charity. Then break the fast during the prescribed muhurat (06:35 AM to 08:13 AM). Consume light, sattvic food.​

Fasting Rules

On Amalaki Ekadashi, the fast extends from sunrise until the next day's parana muhurat:​

Nirjala Vrat (Complete Fast): Some devotees observe a complete 24-hour fast without even drinking water.​

Phalahar Vrat: Many people consume milk, fruits (especially amla fruits), and dry fruits.​

Sattvic Vrat: Some consume regular food but avoid grain products.​

Things to Avoid:

• Rice, wheat, and all grain products must be completely avoided​
• Lentils and pulses should not be eaten​
• Meat, alcohol, onions, garlic must be completely avoided​
• Quarrels, anger, and lies should be avoided
• Sleep should be greatly reduced (for vigil)​

Things to Do:

• Practice truth, non-violence, self-control​
• Keep the mind free from evil thoughts​
• Remember Lord Hari continuously
• Respect the Amla tree as Vishnu's embodiment​
• Focus on prayers, meditation, and chanting​

Benefits of Amalaki Ekadashi

Observing Amalaki Ekadashi vrat brings extraordinary benefits:​

Spiritual Benefits:

• All sins are completely destroyed - Sins of this birth and previous births are removed​
• Merit equal to donating a thousand cows - Merit equivalent to donating a thousand cows to pure Brahmins​
• Divine merit accumulates - Immense spiritual merit accumulates
• Moksha attainment - Liberation from the cycle of birth and death​
• Vaikuntha attainment - A place at the lotus feet of Lord Hari in his divine realm​
• Soul purification, mental purification, physical purification
• Negative karma is reduced - Negative karma from many lifetimes is burned away​
• Spiritual consciousness increases
• Divine grace and Vishnu's blessing​

Material Benefits:

• Financial problems are eliminated - Monetary gain, financial stability​
• Wealth and prosperity increase - Prosperity through Goddess Lakshmi's grace​
• Health improves - Medicinal properties of amla and spiritual power​
• Obstacles are removed - All obstacles in life are eliminated​
• Marital happiness is attained​
• Progeny blessing - Childless couples attain children​
• Joy and peace prevail in the family​

Astrological Benefits:

• Jupiter's position in horoscope is strengthened - Through yellow donations​
• Planetary afflictions decrease
• Favorable planetary positions

Benefits for Ancestors:

• Blessings extend not only to the devotee but also to ancestors​
• Peace for ancestral souls - Through black sesame donations​
• Future generations also benefit​

Charity on Amalaki Ekadashi

On Amalaki Ekadashi day or before Dwadashi parana, donate these items:​

Main Donations:

• Amla fruits donation: Donating amla fruits improves health and brings Vishnu's grace​
• Food donation: Donate food to the poor and Brahmins according to your capacity. This increases wealth and prosperity​
• Black sesame donation: Donating black sesame brings peace to ancestral souls​
• Yellow items: Donating yellow clothes, yellow lentils, and yellow fruits brings joy and peace to the home. Jupiter's position in horoscope is strengthened​
• Cloth donation: Donate clean clothes​

Important Rules and Guidelines

For complete benefits from Amalaki Ekadashi, follow these guidelines:

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta on Ekadashi day and take a sacred bath
• Wear clean, washed garments
• Perform Vishnu worship at home
• Go to Vishnu temple in the evening
• Amla tree worship is mandatory - This is the specialty of Amalaki Ekadashi
• Worship the Amla tree as Vishnu's embodiment
• Offer water, flowers, incense, and lamp to the Amla tree
• Perform five circumambulations around the Amla tree
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and Vishnu stotras
• Night vigil is extremely important
• The vrat is not complete without listening to the vrat katha
• Practice truth, non-violence, and self-control
• Donate amla fruits, food, black sesame, and yellow items
• Observe the vrat with devotion, faith, and sincerity

Concluding Blessings

Amalaki Ekadashi is the most sacred and powerful Ekadashi occurring in Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month. "Amalaki" means Indian Gooseberry - the specialty of this Ekadashi is worshipping the Amla tree as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu. In the Brahmanda Purana, Sage Vashishta narrated the glory of this Ekadashi to King Mandhat. Even the sinful hunter attained liberation and reached Vaikuntha by unknowingly observing Amalaki Ekadashi vrat. The Amla tree is extremely sacred - Vishnu resides in the roots, Shiva in the trunk, and Brahma in the upper portion. The amla fruit originated from Vishnu's mouth. On this day, with devotion and faith, offering water, turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood, flowers, incense, and lamp to the Amla tree, performing five circumambulations, worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, observing fast, keeping night vigil, and reciting Vishnu Sahasranama brings complete destruction of all sins, merit equal to donating a thousand cows, divine merit, moksha attainment, Vaikuntha attainment, elimination of financial problems, wealth and prosperity, health, removal of obstacles, marital happiness, progeny blessing, peace for ancestral souls, and family joy. May Amalaki Ekadashi bestow upon everyone Vishnu's grace, Lakshmi's glance, liberation from sins, divine merit, and the path to moksha!​