Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Auspicious Timings, Significance, and the Story Behind the Fast
Amalaki Ekadashi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Amla tree, falls on March 11th, 2024. The auspicious timings for the Parana tithi (breaking the fast) are from 06:41 AM to 08:13 AM. Dwadashi Tithi ends at 08:13 AM on the day of Parana. Observing this ekadashi is believed to bestow prosperity, wash away sins, and ultimately lead to Vishnu Loka.
The Legend of Amalaki Ekadashi
According to the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha, the Amla tree holds a revered position in Hindu scriptures. It is believed that during the creation of the universe, lord Vishnu manifested the Amla tree. Vishnu himself resides in the tree, making it sacred and worthy of worship on this Ekadashi.
The Story of King Chitrarath: How Amalaki Ekadashi Saved a Kingdom
King Mandhata once sought guidance from Sage Vashistha, desiring to know of a vrata (fast) that could bring him well-being. Sage Vashistha extolled the virtues of Amalaki Ekadashi, capable of absolving sins and granting salvation. He then narrated the story of a kingdom named Vaidisha, ruled by the pious King Chitrarath, a devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Vaidisha was a prosperous kingdom where dharma was followed diligently by all its inhabitants – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Vedas were recited regularly and no one was sinful, immoral, or atheistic. Nor were there any indigent or miserly people. Every citizen was a Vishnu devotee and observed Ekadashi fasts.
On one amalaki Ekadashi, King Chitrarath, along with his subjects, observed the vrat with great devotion. They installed a sacred Kalasha (pitcher), offered incense, lamps, and food to the Amla tree, and prayed, “Oh, Dhatri (Amla)! You are the embodiment of Brahma, created by Brahma himself. You are the destroyer of all sins.We offer our respects to you. Please accept our offerings.” They remained awake throughout the night, singing devotional songs.
During the night, a very sinful hunter, who sustained his family through violence, arrived at the temple.Driven by hunger and thirst, he sat in a corner, observing the Jagaran (night vigil) and listening to the stories of Lord Vishnu and the Ekadashi Mahatmya. He spent the entire night awake.
The hunter, unknowingly, had observed the Amalaki ekadashi vrat. he later died, and due to the merits of observing the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat, he was reborn as Vasurath, the son of King Vidurath. Vasurath grew to become a valiant, wealthy, and righteous ruler, commanding an army and administering 10,000 villages. He was radiant as the sun, gentle as the moon, and brave as Lord Vishnu.
One day, while hunting in a forest, Vasurath lost his way and fell asleep under a tree. Tribesmen attacked him,seeking revenge for his previous life’s actions,where he harmed their families. However, their weapons were ineffective against him, shattering like petals upon his body.
Suddenly, a divine woman emerged from the king’s body, a fierce figure with fiery eyes, resembling the destructive power of Kali.She swiftly eliminated the attackers. When the king awoke, he was bewildered to find his enemies slain. A divine voice then echoed, proclaiming that Lord vishnu alone could offer such protection.
King Vasurath returned to His Kingdom and ruled with righteousness.Sage Vashistha told to King Mandhata,this was all due to the power of the Amalaki Ekadashi vrat. Those who observe this Ekadashi with faith and devotion are blessed with success in every endeavor and ultimately attain Vishnu Loka.
How can individuals who may not be able to observe a full fast still participate in the auspiciousness of Amalaki ekadashi?
Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Your Essential Q&A
Get all your questions answered about the auspicious Amalaki Ekadashi, as explained in the article above.
Q&A
- What is Amalaki Ekadashi, and when is it in 2024?
- Amalaki ekadashi is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Amla (Indian Gooseberry) tree. In 2024, it falls on March 11th.
- What are the auspicious timings for observing the fast on March 11th?
- The Parana (breaking the fast) timings are from 06:41 AM to 08:13 AM. Dwadashi Tithi ends at 08:13 AM on the day of parana.
- Why is the Amla tree so meaningful during Amalaki Ekadashi?
- The Amla tree is considered sacred because it’s believed Lord Vishnu manifested the tree during the creation of the universe. Vishnu himself resides in the tree, making it worthy of worship.
- What is the story behind Amalaki Ekadashi?
- The story involves King Chitrarath and the kingdom of Vaidisha, where everyone followed dharma. A sinful hunter, who unknowingly observed the Ekadashi fast, was reborn as a righteous king, Vasurath, due to the merits of the fast.This story highlights the power of Amalaki Ekadashi in absolving sins and granting salvation.
- What are the benefits of observing the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat?
- Observing this fast is believed to bring prosperity, wash away sins, and ultimately lead to Vishnu Loka (the abode of Lord Vishnu). It also helps in success in every endeavor.
- Can anyone observe this fast?
- Yes, the story emphasizes that even unknowingly observing the fast can have significant positive effects, as seen with the hunter.
- How is the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat observed?
- Devotees install a sacred Kalasha, offer incense, lamps, and food to the Amla tree.They stay awake at night, singing devotional songs. Fasting is observed following specific guidelines.
- What is a Kalasha?
- A Kalasha is a metal pot (often copper, brass, or silver) filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut. It is indeed a symbol of abundance and is used in Hindu rituals.
- Trivia: How does the story of King Vasurath connect to modern life?
- The story is a reminder that even unintended good deeds can have profound consequences. It stresses the importance of intention and devotion.
Embrace the blessings of Amalaki Ekadashi. Read the full article to understand more on this auspicious day and start your path to spiritual growth.
