What is Amalaki Ekadashi?
Amalaki Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually significant Ekadashi observances in the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the sacred Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree, this day holds immense religious and cultural value. Celebrated during the Shukla Paksha of the Phalguna month, this Ekadashi is believed to cleanse the soul, promote longevity, and bring blessings of health, wealth, and salvation.
The festival highlights the divine connection between nature and spirituality, where the Amla tree is worshipped as an embodiment of purity, healing, and divinity.
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Amalaki Ekadashi 2025 Date and Time
- Ekadashi Begins: March 9, 2025 (Sunday) – 07:45 AM
- Ekadashi Ends: March 10, 2025 (Monday) – 07:44 AM
Devotees usually observe the fast from sunrise on March 9 and break it the next day after the prescribed Parana time.
Why is Amalaki Ekadashi Celebrated?
Amalaki Ekadashi is celebrated to worship Lord Vishnu and the Amla tree. The Amla tree, rich in medicinal and spiritual properties, is revered in scriptures as a divine plant blessed by Lord Vishnu. The day is also considered auspicious for charity, acts of compassion, and spiritual devotion.
This Ekadashi is believed to destroy sins, cleanse karma, and bring moksha (liberation) to the devotee.
Amalaki Ekadashi Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to perform Amalaki Ekadashi Puja at home:
- Wake up early and take a bath
Start the day with a spiritual mindset. Take a holy bath and wear clean traditional clothes. - Clean the Puja space and set up the altar
Decorate your altar with flowers, incense, lamps (diyas), and place Lord Vishnu’s idol or photo along with an Amla fruit or branch (or a potted Amla tree if available). - Offer sacred items during Puja
- Tulsi leaves
- Yellow sweets or fruits
- Flowers, lamps, and incense
- Amla fruits or leaves
- Chant Vishnu mantras and bhajans
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or the following simple mantra: Mantra to Chant on Amalaki Ekadashi:
“ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय” (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya) - Perform Aarti and Parikrama
Offer the Aarti to both Lord Vishnu and the Amla tree, then circumambulate the Amla tree (if available) 11 or 21 times. - Observe Fasting (Vrat)
Devotees either follow a Nirjala Vrat (without water) or Phalahar Vrat (consuming only fruits and milk).
Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story Behind the Fast)
The Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha is rooted in the tales from ancient scriptures. Here is a popular version of the story:
The Legend of King Chaitraratha
Once upon a time in the kingdom of Vaidisha, there lived a noble and just king named Chaitraratha. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and always celebrated Ekadashi with devotion and grandeur.
On the day of Amalaki Ekadashi, he organized a grand celebration and puja under the Amla tree. Citizens of the kingdom also participated in the rituals and devotional singing.
A demon who despised righteousness attempted to disrupt the celebrations, but due to the power of the sacred Ekadashi fast and worship, the demon was destroyed instantly. Lord Vishnu appeared and blessed the king and his people with peace and prosperity.
This story underlines the immense power of Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat and how it protects devotees from evil and bestows divine blessings.
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Spiritual and Health Benefits of Amalaki Ekadashi
Spiritual Benefits:
- Helps in attaining peace and salvation (moksha)
- Purifies mind and soul
- Removes negativity and sins from life
- Strengthens devotion to Lord Vishnu
Health Benefits (Due to Amla Tree Worship):
- Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C and boosts immunity
- Known to have anti-aging, digestive, and antioxidant properties
- Promotes overall health and vitality
- Enhances spiritual aura and positive energy in surroundings
Parana (Breaking the Fast)
Parana is the ritual of breaking the Ekadashi fast. It should be done on the next day, Dwadashi, after sunrise and within the appropriate time window as per tradition.
Note: One must not skip Parana timing, as it is considered inauspicious to prolong the fast beyond Dwadashi Tithi.
Do’s and Don’ts of Amalaki Ekadashi
Do’s:
- Wake up before sunrise
- Meditate and chant Vishnu mantras
- Offer tulsi leaves, sweets, and Amla in worship
- Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy
- Keep a peaceful and clean environment
Don’ts:
- Avoid consumption of grains, rice, lentils, or non-veg
- Avoid arguments, anger, and egoistic behavior
- Avoid sleeping during the day
- Do not disrespect Amla tree or any plant
Importance in Scriptures
According to Padma Purana and Brahmanda Purana, observing Amalaki Ekadashi brings the blessings of both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The scriptures emphasize that fasting and worship on this day help one attain heavenly pleasures and even salvation.
Other Names of Amalaki Ekadashi
- Amla Ekadashi
- Amalaka Ekadashi
- Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi
- Rangbharni Ekadashi (in some regions of North India)
Regional Celebrations and Observances
In some parts of India, devotees also celebrate this day with Holi colors, as Amalaki Ekadashi often marks the beginning of Holi festivities. In temples of Vishnu, grand bhajans and Amla tree worship ceremonies are organized.
Summary Table – At a Glance
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Amalaki Ekadashi 2025 |
| Observed For | Lord Vishnu and Amla Tree |
| Date | March 9–10, 2025 |
| Ekadashi Start Time | March 9, 2025 – 07:45 AM |
| Ekadashi End Time | March 10, 2025 – 07:44 AM |
| Fasting Type | Nirjala / Phalahar / Partial |
| Key Ritual | Amla Tree Worship, Vishnu Puja, Vrat |
| Vrat Katha | Story of King Chaitraratha and the demon |
| Main Mantra | Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya |
| Parana Timing | Dwadashi Tithi Morning (March 10) |
Amalaki Ekadashi is not just a ritualistic fast—it is a celebration of nature’s divinity, purity, and our spiritual connection with the cosmos. Observing this Ekadashi with full faith is believed to bring divine grace, a healthy life, and spiritual upliftment.
Whether you follow it for religious reasons or spiritual discipline, Amalaki Ekadashi 2025 is an opportunity to cleanse your soul, connect with your roots, and embrace the blessings of Lord Vishnu and the sacred Amla tree.
Astrology has always fascinated me, and that’s why I founded Astrofite.com. I’m Pratiksha, and I believe in the power of cosmic energies to guide us toward a better life. Through Astrofite, I aim to bring clarity and spiritual growth to those seeking answers beyond the ordinary.