Amalaka Ekadashi
| Amalaka Ekadashi | |
|---|---|
The amla tree
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| Also called | Amalaki Ekadashi |
| Observed by | Hindus |
| Type | Hindu |
| Significance | Vishnu, Lakshmi, Damodara (Krishna) and Radha said to reside near the tree |
| Observances | Prayers and religious rituals, including puja to the amla tree |
| Date | Decided by the lunar calendar |
| 2016 date | 19 March |
| 2017 date | 8 March |
| Frequency | annual |
Amalaka Ekadashi or Amalaki Ekadashi is a Hindu holy day, celebrated on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon, in the lunar month of Phalgun (February–March). It is a celebration of the amalaka or amla tree (Phyllanthus emblica), known as the Indian gooseberry.
The god Vishnu, for whom ekadashis are sacred, is believed to reside in the tree. The amla tree is ritually worshiped on this day to get the grace of the deity. The day marks the beginning of the main celebrations of the festival of Holi, the Hindu festival of colours.
Tree worship is an integral part of Hinduism, which believes the Universal Spirit or Omnipresent God resides in everything. Trees are important in agrarian societies like India.
The veneration of the amla tree in particular is due to the belief that the god Vishnu resides in and near the tree, particularly on Amalaka Ekadashi. In some traditions, his wife Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is said to dwell in the tree. It is believed that Vishnu's avatar Krishna and his consort Radha reside near the tree.
Another reason for the worship are its medicinal qualities. Every part of the tree is useful and the fruit in particular is used in Ayurvedic medicinal preparations and is rich in Vitamin C.
The legend of a ritual fast is also called a Vrata katha (tale of the vrata religious vow).
According to the legend narrated for the occasion, King Chitrasena and his subjects observed the vrata of Amalaka Ekadashi. During one of his hunting trips, Chitrasena lost his way in the forest and was captured by the wild tribals or rakshasas (demons) who attacked him with weapons. Though he remained physically unharmed, the king fell unconscious as more tribals or demons surrounded him. A divine power in the form of a light emerged from his body and destroyed his attackers and then vanished. On regaining consciousness, Chitrasena was stunned to see all the attackers killed. A divine voice (Akasavani) announced that this was due to the observance of the Ekadashi vrata. Following this incident, the vrata became popular in the kingdom, which led to peace and harmony.
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