Amalaki Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month. This Ekadashi emphasizes the worship of the Amalaki (Gooseberry) tree, which is considered highly sacred as Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Devi reside in it. It was narrated by Sage Vasishtha to King Mandhata.
In ancient times, there was a glorious kingdom ruled by King Chitrasena. All the citizens of this kingdom, from the king to the humblest laborer, were deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu and observed Amalaki Ekadashi. One year, on this day, the king and his subjects gathered around a majestic Amalaki tree, decorating it with flowers, lamps, and offerings, staying awake all night in worship.
A wicked hunter, who was a sinner and lived in the forest, stumbled upon this midnight gathering. Exhausted and hungry, he sat quietly at the back, watching the beautiful worship and listening to the devotional songs of Lord Hari throughout the night, completely fasting without realizing it. After many years, the hunter died and was reborn as a glorious prince named Vasuratha due to his accidental fasting.
One day, Prince Vasuratha got lost in the forest and fell asleep. A band of fierce forest bandits found him and attacked him with weapons. Miraculously, a beautiful, blazing goddess emerged from the prince's chest and destroyed the bandits. When he woke up, he learned that this protective divine energy was the blessing of Amalaki Ekadashi he had observed in his past life. This story highlights the immense defensive and liberating power of this sacred day.
