Significance and Importance
Amalaka
Ekadashi also known as Amalaki Ekadashi is a Hindu holy day, celebrated on the
11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon, in the lunar month of Phalguna
(February–March). It is a celebration of the Amalaka or amla tree, known as the Indian gooseberry. The day also marks the
beginning of the colourful festival of Holi.
The
god Vishnu, for whom Ekadashi is sacred, is believed to reside in the tree. The
amla tree is ritually worshipped 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.
Observance
In
Mewar of Rajasthan, a small fair is organized at the Gangu Kund Mahasatiya. On this occasion, the potters from Gogunda
region come to the fair with earthen vessels. During this season all the
vessels for storing water are replaced with the new pots. In Orissa, Amalaki
Ekadashi is observed as ‘Sarbasammat
Ekadashi’ with grand celebrations in Lord Jagannath and Lord Vishnu
temples.
Ekadashi
Vrata is said to be one of the most auspicious fastings and is observed by many
people across India. It is also believed that people can fulfill their desires
by observing the fast as it carries blessings. The devotees observe a strict
fast all day long and only food made from amla
can be eaten. Some devotees also observe partial fast by simply avoiding food
made from grains and rice. The observer of this Vrata should listen to the
Amalaki Ekadashi Vrata katha after
finishing the puja rituals. The devotees stay awake all night on the day of
Amalaki Ekadashi and chant the bhajans and rhymes in the name of Lord Vishnu.
History and Significance
There
are various stories around why Amalaka Ekadashi is celebrated. One popular
legend suggested that King Chitrasena 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. The king remained physically unharmed, but he fell unconscious as more
tribals or demons surrounded him. That is when a divine power in the form of
light emerged from his body and destroyed his attackers and then vanished. When
he regained consciousness, Chitrasena was stunned to see all the attackers
killed. A divine voice then announced that this was due to the observance of
the Ekadashi Vrata. After this incident, the Vrata became popular in the
kingdom, which led to peace and harmony.
Another legend
Brahmanda Purana states that King Chaitraratha of Vaidisa and his subjects were blessed with riches due to the worship of Vishnu. When Chaitraratha and his subjects worshipped Vishnu and the amla tree near the Vishnu temple, they also fasted and remained awake the whole night singing bhajans in praise of Lord Vishnu. The story states that a hungry hunter joined the group and followed the Amalaka Ekadashi Vrata. As a result, after his death, he was reborn as King Vasurath. Essentially, the moral of the story is that the performance of Amalaka Ekadashi Vrata, without any desire and just pure devotion, results in the grace of Vishnu, in this and next lives.