Amalaki Ekadashi, also known as Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. The festival generally falls in February or March in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is named after the Amalaki fruit, which is also known as Indian gooseberry or amla, and is considered sacred in Hinduism. This year it’s on 3rd March.
Origin and Background:
The origin of Amalaki Ekadashi can be traced back to the ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Skanda Purana. According to the legend, there was once a powerful king named Chitraratha who ruled a prosperous kingdom. However, due to his arrogance and pride, he began to oppress his subjects and committed many sins. One day, he visited the hermitage of a sage named Vashishtha and repented for his actions. The sage advised him to observe a fast on Amalaki Ekadashi, which would help him cleanse his sins and attain salvation.
Chitraratha observed the fast and was able to purify his mind and body. He also gained the blessings of Lord Vishnu and was eventually able to attain heaven after his death. The story of Chitraratha and the importance of Amalaki Ekadashi is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and is still celebrated in Hindu households and temples around the world.
Importance of Amalaki Ekadashi:
Amalaki Ekadashi is an important festival in the Hindu calendar and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm. The festival is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is considered the preserver of the universe in Hindu mythology. According to Hindu beliefs observing a fast on Amalaki Ekadashi can help one attain salvation and cleanse the mind and body of sins. The festival is also believed to bring good health and prosperity to those who observe it with devotion.
What to do on Amalaki Ekadashi:
On Amalaki Ekadashi, devotees usually wake up early in the morning and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. They visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and offer special prayers and perform rituals. They also consume only fruits and water as part of their fast. Some devotees also observe a complete fast, where they do not consume any food or water for the entire day.
It is also common for devotees to read the Vishnu Sahasranamam, which is a sacred hymn that praises Lord Vishnu. The hymn contains 1000 names of Lord Vishnu and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to those who recite it.
Benefits of observing Amalaki Ekadashi:
Observing a fast on Amalaki Ekadashi is believed to have several benefits. The fast is believed to cleanse the mind and body of sins and help one attain salvation. It is also believed to bring good health and prosperity to those who observe it with devotion. The Amalaki fruit, which is considered sacred in Hinduism, is believed to have several health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
Where is Amalaki Ekadashi celebrated?
Amalaki Ekadashi is celebrated in various parts of India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. The festival is also celebrated by Hindu communities around the world, including in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, Amalaki Ekadashi is an important festival in the Hindu calendar, and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm. The festival is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is believed to help one attain salvation and bring good health. Amalaki Ekadashi is celebrated in various parts of India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. The festival is also celebrated by Hindu communities around the world, including in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Observing a fast and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu on Amalaki Ekadashi is considered a way of showing devotion and gratitude towards the deity. It is a day for introspection and cleansing, and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to those who observe it with devotion.
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