If you are a Lord Vishnu devotee, then you might have heard about Amlaki Ekadashi, which is celebrated across India by people of different regions. It’s the festivity to honor Lord Vishnu, the protector of the realm, and the humble Amla tree (gooseberry), considered the home of Lord Vishnu.
This year, we will honor this special day on 10th March 2025. The best thing about this day is that one can connect with nature by worshipping the Amla tree.
Let’s deep dive into the significance of this day, how people worship on this day, the rituals followed, and how it helps connect you with nature.
What’s Amla Ekadashi?
Amla Ekadashi comes on the 11th day called Ekadashi during the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of Phalguna, which marks the important day for fasting, prayer, and reflection.
The day is to seek the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu and it is believed that whoever worships the Lord this day attracts better health and prosperity in life. In addition, it also cleanses one’s sins and sorrows and leads life toward liberation.
When you keep fast for Amlaki Ekadashi, keep track of the timings too, and for this time on 10th March, the right muhurat timings are:
Begins on 9th March, 2025 - 7:45 AM
Ends on 10th March 2025 - 7:45 AM
Amlaki Ekadashi For 2024
Began on 20th March, 2024 - 12:21 AM
Ended on 21st March, 2024 - 2:22 AM
Amlaki Ekadashi 2023
Began on March 2, 2023 - 6:39 AM
Ended on March 3, 2023 - 9:11 AM
The timings are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and can vary slightly based on local observations.
The Fast & It’s Observance
People who are Lord Vishnu’s followers keep fast on this day, in the way defined under:
- The fast typically starts in the evening before Ekadashi by consuming a light pre-dawn meal (Satvik), the process known as Parayan.
- They start by waking up early, taking a purifying bath, and then setting up the puja altar.
- People perform Abhishek for Lord Vishnu, using milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar known as five nectars.
- Following, they offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, chanting his divine mantras and hymns. They also keep the Lord Vishnu's idol at the sacred place where they do puja or simply place a Sudarshan Shaligram stone.
- People also keep vigil (Jagran) throughout the night, offer continuous prayers, and stay awake the night to heighten their spiritual awareness.
- Bhakts also prepare special offerings or prasad for the Lord, which can include fruits and sweets with several permitted ingredients.
- People who keep fast also visit an amla tree, preferably in a temple or nearby place.
- They also pour clean or sacred water at the base of the Amla tree.
- Then, prayers are offered to the tree, expressing gratitude for its medicinal properties and seeking its divine blessings.
- People also tie a sacred thread on it called Kalawa around the trunk.
- Devotees abstain from grains, cereals, legumes, and certain vegetables this day, such as onions and garlic. While some observe the strict fast, which is avoiding fruits and vegetables too.
- Breaking the fast, called Parana, the fasters must, after sunrise, take a simple meal of fruits and vegetables.
What Must Be Done On This Day?
- Ponder doing spiritual activities like meditation all day, chanting bhajans, or reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita.
- Listen to the stories related to Amalaki Ekadashi and also the virtues of Lord Vishnu.
- Charity is considered good to be done on this day, providing items to the underprivileged.
- It’s good to indulge in Satsang, which means to be in the company of the Holy, discussing spiritual matters and sharing stories.
- Devote the day to meditation and chant bhajans and you must also read scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita.
- The adept devotees also practice silence for the day, refraining from talking about their minds to anyone except Lord Vishnu.
Connection To The Nature
The beautiful thing about Amlaki Ekadashi is how it bridges the gap between the human spirit and the natural world. The tree represents balance in life; its deep roots symbolize stability and its fruits remind us of the healing properties of nature.
When we worship the tree, we begin our spiritual cleansing inside, being connected to nature and simply to Lord Vishnu. In today’s fast-paced world, we often feel disconnected from nature and when we walk under an Amla tree, we breathe in the freshness and the positivity; we stay in silence surrounded by greenery. Therefore, it becomes the event to get connected with the earth and its healing energy.
Final Notes
So, pray to Lord Vishnu to keep the Amlaki Ekadashi fast, as it will bring peace and prosperity to your life. Observe it with good intentions, thinking about everyone’s good and providing help to the needy.
For any kind of information and guidance on keeping different vrats, visit the experts at pandit.com. They will provide you with profound knowledge devised by Mahaguru Pt. Rahul Kaushl for helping you attain spiritual wisdom.
