Amalaki Ekadashi 2017 : A New Beginning

According to the Gregorian Calendar, Amalaki Ekadashi will be celebrated on the 8th March 2017. As per our Hindu Calendar, it is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Phalguna. On this day, Amla tree is worshipped, that is why, it is known as Amalaki Ekadashi. Read on to know more�

Story of Amalaki Ekadashi

While we prepare to celebrate Amalaki Ekadashi, we should go back in times to know about the story associated with the Amalaki Ekadashi. King Mandhata once asked Saint Vasistha about a fast that would free him from all his sins. Then the saint told him that he with his people should observe the Amalaki Ekadashi and narrated the story of the fast.

The saint told him that this fast is known for freeing the devotees from their past sins and leading them toward the path of enlightenment and liberation.

There was a Kingdom once, which was ruled by the King Chitraratha. All the people under his rule were very happy and lived in immense prosperity. The King along with his people observed all the Ekadashi.

Understanding the significance of Amalaki Ekadashi, the King and all the people of his kingdom observed the fast together. They observed the fast all day and remained awake all night by chanting the hymns of Lord Vishnu and went to the nearby temple to worship the Amla tree.

While all the people were drowned in the devotion of Lord Vishnu, a hunter was watching all this from a distance. He was really surprised to see the events that he was witnessing. He could not understand any of it but still stood watching in awe. He stayed there all night and did the Jagran (all night vigil) unintentionally. The hunter went home after that and ate his meal.

He then died only to be reborn as a King's son and was named Vasuratha. The King Vasuratha was very strong and handsome. He had the strength of Lord Vishnu and the forgiveness of the mother Earth.

On one occasion, the King went for hunting and strayed from the path. After a while he got tired and fell asleep under a tree. A few tribesmen saw the sleeping King and tried to kill him because of a past enmity.

After this, a beautiful woman dressed in attractive clothes and ornaments came out of the sleeping King�s body. After this, a beautiful woman dressed in attractive clothes and ornaments came out of the sleeping King�s body.

Raging in anger, she killed all the tribesmen. Vasuratha woke up to see the horrible sight of all the slain men and wondered who had killed all his enemies. A voice from the Sky told him that only Lord Vishnu helps the people in need.

Hearing this, the King was overwhelmed and went back to his state. So, the crux is that though the hunter did not know what he was doing yet he got the fruit of his actions. With this story we can understand the significance and power of Amalaki Ekadashi.

Amalaki Ekadashi Depletes the Effects of the Past Sins

Therefore, it can be said that whosoever observes this fast is freed from the past sins. So, if you have made some mistakes in your life and want to deplete the effect of those Karmas you should religiously observe this fast.

Like other Ekadashis Amalaki Ekadashi is also observed by fasting and staying awake all night. By denying all the materialistic pleasures to our body we get a chance to connect to the higher power. This gives us strength and makes us capable to handle the challenges that fall upon us as we go on living our life.

We wish all of you a very Happy Amalaki Ekadashi. Hoping that Amalaki Ekadashi will bring good luck and prosperity into your life. Let the Devi Ekadashi guide you in all the ventures of your life.