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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: King Chaitraratha
In the kingdom of King Chaitraratha of the city of Vaidisha everyone kept the Ekadashi vrat. On Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi everyone worshipped and kept a vigil under the amla tree.
Part 2: The Hunter's Vigil
A hungry hunter arrived there and, in hunger and tiredness, stayed awake all night listening to the katha and kirtan.
Part 3: The Next Birth
According to the katha, by that merit he became a king in his next birth and ruled with dharma. This is why the importance of Amalaki Ekadashi is recognised.
Thus ends the complete Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha
At a glance
• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• When: Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi
• Fast: Fruit diet or according to capacity
• Parana: On Dwadashi after sunrise
• Main lesson: Satsang and clean conduct
Introduction and significance
The Ekadashi vrat is kept on the eleventh tithi of every paksha for the worship of Lord Vishnu. Amalaki means the amla (Indian gooseberry). On this day the amla tree is worshipped. It comes before Holi.
The vrat is regarded less as strict rules than as a practice of restraint, good conduct and devotion.
When it is observed
• Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi.
• See the Panchang for the tithi and the parana time.
Puja samagri
• An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu
• Yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, akshat
• Incense, lamp, panchamrit
• Fruit and sweets
Vrat vidhi
1. Take sattvik food on Dashami and make the resolve for Ekadashi in your mind.
2. On the morning of Ekadashi bathe and worship Vishnu Ji, offering tulsi and yellow flowers.
3. Chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'.
4. Listen to the katha and perform the aarti.
5. Keep a fruit diet or fast according to capacity through the day and do bhajan.
6. On Dwadashi do the parana after sunrise and give charity to someone in need.
Do's
• Stay sattvik and do bhajan-kirtan.
• Offer water to tulsi.
• Give charity and do service.
• Follow the parana time.
Don'ts
• Avoid grain and rice (tradition).
• Avoid anger, slander and lies.
• Do not eat tamasic food.
Benefits (as believed)
It is believed that the Ekadashi vrat helps in purifying the mind and in restraint. Do not take it as a guarantee of any result; faith and good conduct are the main thing.
Mantras and aarti
• Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
• Aarti: https://divyavani.app/aarti/om-jai-jagdish-hare
• Vishnu Sahasranama: https://divyavani.app/stotra/vishnu-sahasranama
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does this Ekadashi come?
A: Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi. See the Panchang for the tithi.
Q: What can one eat during the vrat?
A: Fruit, milk, sabudana, kuttu and water chestnut. Avoid grain and rice. Keep the fast only according to your health.
Q: When should the parana be done?
A: On the Dwadashi tithi after sunrise, within the parana time given in the Panchang.
Q: Can everyone keep this vrat?
A: Yes, anyone can keep it with faith. The sick, the elderly and pregnant women should keep it on a doctor's advice.
Q: Why is the amla tree worshipped?
A: In tradition, Lord Vishnu is believed to dwell in the amla, and it is also good for health.
Precautions
Take care of your health while fasting and consult a doctor if needed. This katha is a retelling of a traditional story. The method and the form of the katha differ by region.