"Exploring the Healing Powers of Amla: Know the unique connection between Ayurveda, Spirituality, and Health on Amalaki Ekadashi"

"Amalaki Ekadashi", also known as "Amalaka Ekadashi", "Amla Ekadashi", "Kunj Ekadashi", "Rangbhari Ekadashi", "Papanasini Ekadashi", "Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi" and "Sarbasammat Ekadashi", falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the lunar month of Phalgun. As per the Gregorian calendar, it lies in the month of February or March. This year, 'Amalaki Ekadashi' is on '20th March 2024.'

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Amalaki Ekadashi” in the year 2024 is as follows:

Amalaki Ekadashi on Wednesday, March 20, 2024

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 12:21 AM on Mar 20, 2024
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 02:22 AM on Mar 21, 2024

Basically, Amalaki Ekadashi falls between Mahashivratri & Holi. Actually, this auspicious day marks the starting of the main celebrations of Holi. This day is solely devoted to the Amla tree (biologically- Phyllanthus emblica), popularly called Indian gooseberry. That's why, on Amalaki Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Amla tree as it is believed that when he gave birth to Lord Brahma for creating the universe, at the same time Amla tree was also given a birth boon by him. Hindus believe that Lord Vishnu & his wife, Mata Lakshmi reside in every part of the Amla tree. Also, in Hinduism, there's a significant ritual of tree worship. Another reason for the worship of Amla tree is because of its fruitful medicinal properties. Eating the fruit on this day also improves intelligence and freedom. Planting a gooseberry and taking care of it also blesses one with desire fulfillment.

The rituals of Amalaki Ekadashi are very similar to that of all other Ekadashis. On this auspicious day, the devotees wake up early & get a ritual bath. Then they worship Lord Vishnu & Amla tree by keeping a Kalash containing Navaratna under the tree. After Puja, a strict fast is observed. 'Parana' (fast completion) should be done on Dwadashi during Madhyanna.

As per “Drik Panchang”, “Parana” timings for “Amalaki Ekadashi” in the year 2024 are as follows:

• On 21st Mar, Parana Time - 08:58 AM to 09:03 AM
• On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment - 08:58 AM

Donating Amla or feeding the poor and Brahmins on this day is also considered very blissful. On Amalaki Ekadashi, one should prohibit everything other than Satvik foods, shouldn't consume liquor, practice celibacy and be kind towards everyone. Keeping a gooseberry covered with yellow cloth in a safe or purse is believed to overcome debt and financial difficulties.

The legend of Amalaki Ekadashi has an utmost significance in the Brahmanda Purana where Vashishta Muni explains to the King Madhata:

"Once, there was a king Chitraratha ruling over the kingdom of Vaidika. He & his people were very kind, compassionate and religious. They all used to keep strict fasts on all the Ekadashis to pursue the blessings of Lord Vishnu. One day on Amalaki Ekadashi also, the king and his people kept a holy fast and the King led all of them to a temple where he planted an Amalaki plant & worshiped it by offering ghee, pancharatna, and many other things. They followed all the rules of Amalaki Ekadashi & stayed vigil the whole night.

Coincidentally, a hunter who was the non-believer of God came there & was amazed to witness such devotion of people towards the Almighty. As he was hungry and tired, he didn't leave the place. He also stayed awake the whole night and listened to Lord Vishnu's bhajans. Next day, as everyone went towards their home, he also got back to his home and had his meal. In due course of time, he died. In his next birth, he was born as the son of the king Viduratha and was named Vasuratha. It happened as a result of the blessings of Lord Vishnu on keeping Amalaki Ekadashi's fast. He became a very virtuous king and used to take care of his people.

One day, he went hunting in the forest and got lost. Trying to find out the way out of the forest, he became exhausted and fell on the ground. After a while, some tribesmen came there and became enraged on seeing the King whom they considered their enemy. They thought of killing & taking revenge on him. As per their plan, when they picked up their weapons, suddenly a beautiful radiant woman wearing garland around her neck, with red fiery eyes emerged from the King's body. All the tribesmen present there got afraid. And all of a sudden, that power killed the whole group of tribes and disappeared.

When King Vasuratha woke up, he was astonished to see so many of his sworn enemies lying dead on the ground. As he was wondering about who did all this, an Aakash Vani appeared telling him that 'It was Lord Vishnu himself who protected him from those evil people. He helps all his devotees who surrender to him & as a result of the King's heartedly devotion, Almighty has protected him from those tribesmen who were trying to kill him. And he will always be protected the same way.' The King became so happy on listening to this. Thanking the Lord, he came back to his kingdom & started ruling unobstructedly for many years.'

Vashishta Muni ended the conversation by saying that Amalaki Ekadashi has the power to wipe out all the sins of the individual even in his or her next birth.

Apart from this, Amalaki Ekadashi helps people get rid of all the problems and difficulties in their lives, be successful in attaining everything that they wish for and get a place in Vaikuntha at the Lotus feet of the God.

Happy Amalaki Ekadashi !