Amalaki Ekadashi 2026

Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi for Vishnu and amla worship.

Amalaki Ekadashi is the Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi dedicated to Vishnu and associated with reverence for the amla tree. Its traditional vrat-katha is told through Sage Vasishtha's instruction to King Mandhata. In the story, King Chaitraratha ruled a prosperous city whose people worshipped Vishnu. On Amalaki Ekadashi they gathered near an amla tree, offered prayers and lamps, listened to the katha and kept vigil. A hungry hunter, wandering nearby, stopped to watch. He remained without food and listened through the night, though he had not intended to perform a vow.

After his death, the hunter is said to have been reborn as King Vasuratha, a just ruler. During a hunting expedition he lost his way in the forest and fell asleep. Enemies attacked him, but their weapons could not harm him. The devotional account describes a luminous feminine power appearing and defeating the attackers. Vasuratha awoke unharmed, and a divine voice explained his protection through the merit of his earlier, unplanned Ekadashi observance. The story's message is the transformative influence of spiritual company and sincere attention, not a claim about verifiable rebirth or invulnerability.

Devotees worship Vishnu, respectfully honour the amla tree, listen to the story and give in charity. Fasting and the next day's Dwadashi parana follow local tradition and health needs. Amalaki Ekadashi should not be confused with the Kartik Amla Navami, which shares tree symbolism but has a different lunar date.

Vishnu worship and reverence for the amla tree; the hunter's katha emphasizes spiritual transformation.

Worship Vishnu, honour the amla tree without harming it, listen to the katha and give charity. Observe the fast and Dwadashi parana according to local tradition.

Kept under an amla tree where there is one, with the puja at its root, and the fast broken with amla the next morning. It is one of the few ekadashis with somewhere to go rather than something to avoid.

Gujarati Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi; in parts of Braj the spring colour-celebration season is already beginning.