Aamalaki Ekadhasi

Fasting to be observed on 23rd MARCH 2013

Aamalaki Ekadhasi

The Ekādhaśī that occurs during the light fortnight of the month Phaagluna Maasa (February – March) is the Aamalaki Ekadhasi.

• The merits of this Ekadhasi was once told by Vashishta muni to King Mandhatha.
• He who faithfully observes a fast on this Ekādhaśī obtains enormous wealth, gets free of the effects of all kinds of sins, and attains liberation.
• Fasting on this Ekādhaśī is more purifying than donating one thousand cows in charity to a pure brāhmana.
• Prahlada says, “Wherever there is a person remaining awake overnight on Ekadhashi, which is very dear to Lord Krishna, all the demigods, including Brahma, Indra and Siva, are all available there. And where there is such a wake going on, all of the great sages, headed by Narada Muni and Vyasadeva, are available there and I (Prahlada Maharaja) who am always engaged in worshiping Lord Shri Hari, am also available there.”

Aamalaki tree is very auspicious to worship. It is told that Aamalaki tree is a offspring of Lord Brahma. It is told that Sri Rama has worshipped Aamalaki tree. Whoever circumambulates (i.e doing pradhakshinam) the Aamalaki tree, their sins will reduce. This Ekadhasi is related with worshipping Aamalaki tree.

Once a hunter, who lives by killing animals, was struck in a forest on Aamalaki Ekadhasi day. There many kings and sages were doing jaagarne throughout the night by worshiping Sri Vishnu and Aamalaki tree. He was taken away by the scared songs and other devotional services which were happening during jaagarne. It become next morning and the hunter died after going home. But due to the merits he earned by fasting and doing jaagarne on Aamalaki Ekadhasi, he was again born as a King namely Vasūratha and ruled like second Indra. Though he had several enemies, no one were able to touch him because of the merits of Ekadhasi.

It is told that whoever observes Ekadhasi vratha, Vishnu duthas will be protecting them. Several negative forces will be destroyed and nullified by the great merits of Ekadhasi vratha. Hope everyone irrespective of caste and creed should follow Ekadhasi vratha. Om Shree Raghavendraya Namaha !!!