Amalaki Ekadashi: Parana Time, Vrat Katha, Rituals, and Significance

Amalaki Ekadashi or Amalaka Ekadashi as it is called is a sacred Hindu day that is observed on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) during the lunar month of Phalgun. It falls between the months of February-March in the Gregorian calendar. As Amalaki Ekadashi is observed in the month of ‘Phalgun’ it is also referred as ‘Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi’. On the Amalaki Ekadashi day, devotees worship the amla or amalaka tree (Phyllanthus emblica), also called as Indian Gooseberry. It is believed that on the auspicious day of ekadashi, Lord Vishnu resides in this tree. The day of Amalaki Ekadashi marks the onset of main celebrations of Holi, a unique Hindu festival of colors.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2025 is on March 10 Monday

The observance of Amalaki Ekadashi is widespread all across the country. In the northern region the celebrations are more renowned. In the town of Mewar, in Rajasthan, a small fair is organized at the Gangu Kund Mahasatiya. On this occasion, the potters from Gogunda region come to the fair with earthen vessels. During this season then all the vessels for storing water are replaced with the new pots. In the state of Orissa, this ekadashi is observed as ‘Sarbasammat Ekadashi’ and grand celebrations are held in Lord Jagganath and Lord Vishnu temples. As this ekadashi is believed to wash away all sins of the individual performing this ekadashi, it is also celebrated as ‘Papanasini Ekadashi’ in some regions.

Important Timings On Amalaki Ekadashi 2025

Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha

The Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha as mentioned in the Padma Purana is as follows:

Yudhishthira said, "O Shri Krishna! I have heard about the great significance of the Vijaya Ekadashi, which bestows immense blessings. Now, please be kind enough to narrate the name and significance of the Falgun Shukla Paksha Ekadashi."

Lord Krishna replied, "O fortunate one, Dharmnandan! Listen carefully. I will now narrate the incident that was told by the great sage Vasishtha when King Mandhata asked him. The name of the Falgun Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is 'Amlaki'. Observing this sacred fast leads to attaining the abode of Lord Vishnu."

Mandhata inquired, "O best among the Brahmins! Please tell me when did this 'Amlaki' Ekadashi originate?"

Mandhata inquired, "O venerable sage! Please tell me, when did this 'Amlaki' originate?"

Vasishtha replied, "O greatly fortunate one! Listen attentively as I narrate how the emergence of 'Amlaki' on Earth occurred. Amlaki is a magnificent tree that destroys all sins. When Lord Vishnu spat, a radiant drop, as luminous as the moon, emerged from his mouth. This drop fell onto the Earth, giving rise to the majestic Amlaki tree. It is known as the primal essence of all trees. It was at this time that Brahma, the creator, was also born to initiate the creation of all beings. From Brahma, the creation of all beings took place. Brahma gave birth to the gods, demons, celestial musicians, yakshas, rakshasas, serpents, and pure-hearted sages. Among them, the gods and sages arrived at the location where the beloved Amlaki tree of Vishnu stood. Upon witnessing this divine tree, the gods were filled with great wonder. They gazed at each other in amazement, then turned their eyes eagerly towards the tree, contemplating its significance. They stood in profound thought, realizing that while trees like Plaksha and others belonged to previous cosmic cycles, which were familiar to all, this particular tree was unknown to them. As they pondered over this, a celestial voice resounded, addressing the sages, 'O sages!

"This supreme Amlaki tree, beloved by Vishnu, is said to grant the fruit of cow donation just by its remembrance. Touching it brings double the merit, and consuming its fruit brings triple the virtue. Therefore, one should always endeavor to partake of Amlaki. It is renowned as the Vaishnav tree that absolves all sins. In its roots resides Vishnu, Brahma dwells atop, Rudra, the supreme lord, resides in its trunk, the gods reside in its branches, the Vasus in its leaves, the Maruts in its flowers, and all the Prajapatis reside in its fruits. Amlaki is said to embody all the deities, hence it is supremely revered by devotees of Vishnu."

The sage continued, "Great one, who should we perceive you as? A deity or someone else? Please clarify for us."

A celestial voice echoed, "I am the creator of all beings and the maker of all worlds, whom even learned individuals find difficult to comprehend. I am the eternal Vishnu."

Hearing the words of the divine Lord Vishnu, the Brahmarishis were filled with astonishment and wonder. They were amazed at the declaration of the beginningless and endless divine being. They began to offer hymns of praise to the incomprehensible Lord.

The sages said, "We offer our respects to the essence of all beings, to the soul, and to the Supreme Soul. We bow eternally to the infallible one who never falls. We repeatedly pay homage to the transcendent Lord. We offer our salutations to Damodara, the omniscient and the Lord of sacrifices. O Master of Illusions, our respects to you. You are the Lord of the universe; we bow to you."

Pleased with the praises of the sages, Lord Shri Hari spoke, "Sages! What boon shall I bestow upon you?"

The sages replied, "O Lord! If you are pleased, then please reveal to us a vow that will be beneficial for our welfare, one that bestows the fruits of heaven and liberation."

Lord Vishnu said, "O great sages! If on the Falgun Shukla Paksha, Dwadashi coincides with the Pushya Nakshatra, it becomes extremely meritorious and destroys great sins. O best among the Brahmins, listen carefully to the specific duties associated with it."

He continued, "On Amlaki Ekadashi, one should perform a vigil near the Amlaki tree. By doing so, one becomes free from all sins and attains the merit of donating thousands of cows. This fast is known as the 'Uttama Vrata', which I have described to you."

The sages replied, "O Lord! Please elucidate the rules and rituals associated with this fast. Who are the deities to be worshipped? At what time should the vow be taken? Which rituals should be observed, and which mantras should be recited? Please describe all these details."

Lord Vishnu replied, "O best among the Brahmins! Listen to the proper method of observing this fast. On Ekadashi, after performing morning ablutions, one should make a vow by saying, 'O Pundarikaksha! O Achyuta! I will observe Ekadashi fasting today without eating and will break the fast tomorrow. I seek refuge in you.' After taking this vow, one should refrain from interacting with fallen individuals, thieves, hypocrites, wrongdoers, those who violate societal norms, and those who disrespect their teachers. Keeping control over one's mind, one should meditate either near a river, pond, well, or at home. Before entering the water, apply mud to the body.

The mantra for applying mud is:
'Aswakrante Rathakrante Vishnukrante Vasundhare,
Mrittike har me papam Janmakotyam Samarjitam.'

"O Earth! Upon you, chariots, horses, and Lord Vishnu Himself have trodden. Even during the Vamana avatar, Lord Vishnu measured you with His feet. O Earth! I surrender all the sins committed in my millions of births to you."

The mantra for taking a shower is: "Tvam maatah sarva bhootaanaam jeevanam tat-tu rakshakam।
Sveda-jobhdijja-jaateenaam rasaanaam pataye namah॥
Snatoham sarva-teertheshu hrud-prasravaneshu cha।
Nadeeshu deva-khaateshu idam snaanam tu me bhavet॥"

"O Goddess of Water! You are the life force for all beings. You are the protector of the sweat-born and sprout-born creatures. You are the mistress of all tastes. I offer my salutations to you. Today, I have bathed in all sacred waters, ponds, waterfalls, rivers, and divine lakes. May this bath of mine yield the fruits of all these bathing places!"

It is advisable for a knowledgeable person to have a golden idol of Lord Parashurama made according to their means and wealth. The idol should weigh around one or half a tola or as per their capability. After bathing, they should perform worship and havan at home.

After that, gather all kinds of materials and go near the Amla tree. Cleanse the land around the tree, and then establish a newly filled Kalash with water accompanied by reciting mantras. Leave fragrances like camphor and divine incense in the Kalash. Adorn it with sandalwood paste, garlands around the neck, and spread the fragrance of various types of incense. Arrange a series of lit lamps and ensure that the surroundings are adorned beautifully. Prepare new umbrellas, footwear, and clothing for worship. Place a vessel on the Kalash and fill it with divine offerings. Then, install Lord Parashurama's idol or photo above it, and do puja saying "Vishokaya Namah" at the feet, "Vishwaroopine Namah" at both knees, "Ugraya Namah" at the thighs, "Damodaraya Namah" at the waist, "Padmanabhaya Namah" at the abdomen, "Shreevatsadhharine Namah" at the chest, "Chakrine Namah" at the left arm, "Gadine Namah" at the right arm, "Vaikunthaya Namah" at the neck, "Yagyamukhaya Namah" at the face, "Vishok Nidhaye Namah" at the nose, "Vasudevaya Namah" at the eyes, "Vamanaya Namah" at the forehead, "Sarvatmane Namah" for the entire body and head. Worship the god with these mantras. Then, with a devoted mind, offer homage to Lord Parashurama through arghya.

The mantra for Arghya is:
Namaste Devadevesha Jaamaadagnya namostu te
Grihaanaarghyamimam Dattamamalakya yutam hare॥

O Lord of all gods! Son of Jamadagni! O Supreme form of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama! I offer my salutations to you, again and again. Please accept this offering with the Amla fruits and accept my humble obeisance.

Then, with a mind filled with devotion, engage in wakefulness. Spend the night by indulging in dance, music, instrumental performances, religious discourses, and narrations related to Lord Vishnu. After that, circumambulate the gooseberry tree (Amla) a hundred and eight times or thirty-eight times, chanting the name of Lord Vishnu. Upon the break of dawn, perform the ritualistic worship of Lord Hari, offering prayers to Brahmins and presenting all the items used in worship to them. Donate the Kalash of Parashurama, two utensils, shoes, and all other items, with the sentiment that "May Lord Vishnu, in the form of Parashurama, be pleased with me." Afterwards, touch the gooseberry tree, perform circumambulation, and following the rituals, arrange for a meal to be served to the needy.

Subsequently, dine together with your family. Let me tell you the merits of performing such actions. By observing all the religious rites through the observance of the aforementioned rituals and giving various kinds of donations to the needy, one easily attains the fruits. Combined with all the yagyas, the merit gained through this vrat is multifold, there is no doubt about it. This ritual is the best among all rituals, as I have fully described to you.

Vashishta says, "O King! Saying this, Lord Vishnu, the Lord of Devas, disappeared from there." Afterwards, all the sages faithfully followed the instructions of the mentioned Amalki Ekadashi Vrat. O best of kings! In the same manner, you should also observe this vow.

Lord Sri Krishna says, "Yudhishthira! This difficult vow emancipates humans from all sins."

Rituals of Amalaki Ekadashi:

• On the day of Amalaki Ekadashi, the devotees wake up at sunrise and get over with their morning rituals. They then worship Lord Vishnu and the sacred amla tree. A ‘sankalp’ is taken with sesame seeds and coins with the motive to attain moksha after death. After worshipping Lord Vishnu, the devotees pray to the Amalaka tree. They offer water, sandalwood, roli, chawal, flowers and incense sticks to the sacred tree. Following this the devotees offer food to a Brahmin, underneath the Amalaki tree. If the amla tree is unavailable, then the sacred Tulsi tree can be worshipped.
• On this day, the devotees observe a strict fast all day long and only food made from amla can be eaten. Some devotees also observe partial fast by simply avoiding food made from grains and rice. The observer of this vrat should also listen to the Amalaki Ekadashi vrat katha after finishing the puja rituals.
• The devotees stay awake all night on the day of Amalaki Ekadashi and chant the bhajans and rhymes in the name of Lord Vishnu.

Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi:

Amalaki Ekadashi is a sacred fasting day for Hindus. It is believed that by observing this Ekadashi, the person reaches to the abode of lord Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’. The rituals and significance of Amalaki ekadashi is mentioned in the ‘Brahmanda Purana’ and was also narrated by Saint ‘Valmiki’. There are innumerable stories and folk tales in the Hindu Puranas that speak of the greatness of the Amalaki Ekadashi fast. This day is known to be very auspicious and is marked with special ritual and prayers. Even the day after Amalaki Ekadashi, recognized as ‘Govinda Dwadashi’ is believed to be highly fortunate.

The day of Amalaki Ekadashi is considered more significant owing to its relation to other Hindu festivals. This ekadashi falls between Maha Shivratri and Holi. The worshipping of amla tree on this day is a symbolic representation of the elaborate Hinduism practice. During this occasion, Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped as She is known to be an omnipresent deity. It is also a widespread belief that Lord Krishna with His consort, Goddess Radha also resides near the tree. Devotees worship amla tree to gain good health and wealth.

Amalaki Ekadashi festival dates between 2020 & 2030

Other Related Festivals