Amalaki Ekadashi

Story of Amalaki Ekadashi (Vrat Katha)

The amla (Indian gooseberry) tree is said to have been born from Lord Vishnu's mouth, and Vishnu lives in it. King Chaitraratha of Vaidisha and all his people kept Amalaki Ekadashi, worshipping the amla tree. A hunter who was wandering the forest that day reached the temple, stayed awake the whole night watching the lamps and the devotion, and fasted without meaning to. In his next birth he was born as the good King Vasuratha of Jayanti. The story shows that even unknowing participation in the vrat bears fruit.

This is the traditional story from the Puranas, retold in our own words. Details can differ a little between regions and tellers.

Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi

On this day people worship the amla tree, water it, tie a thread, offer a lamp and have a meal under it after the puja. In Varanasi, it is the day when Rangbhari Ekadashi starts the Holi season.

The tradition says that keeping Amalaki Ekadashi gives good health, long life and freedom from sin. It falls in Phalguna Shukla Paksha and is kept with the worship of Lord Vishnu and the amla tree.

How to keep Amalaki Ekadashi: vrat and puja vidhi

• Dashami evening: eat a light sattvik meal and avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food.
• Ekadashi morning: bathe before sunrise and take the sankalp to worship Lord Vishnu and the amla tree.
• Puja: offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, fruit, panchamrit and a ghee lamp. Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" and read the katha on this page.
• During the day: no grains; phalahar or a waterless fast as your tradition says. Avoid anger and gossip.
• Night: stay awake with bhajans, kirtan or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dwadashi: after bath and puja, give charity to someone in need and break the fast at parana time.

For the full rules, food list and parana details, read our complete Ekadashi vrat guide.