King Mandhata once sought the guidance of the wise Vasishtha Muni, asking for a holy fast that would grant eternal benefits. In response, Vasishtha Muni extolled the virtues of Amalaki Ekadashi, the best of all fasting days.
He explained that observing this Ekadashi brings immense wealth, absolves one of all sins, and leads to liberation. The sage emphasized fasting on this sacred day is more purifying than donating a thousand cows to a Brahman.
Therefore, King Mandhata was advised that anyone who observes Amalaki Ekadashi faithfully will undoubtedly attain Lord Vishnu’s supreme abode; such is the profound religious merit earned from this auspicious observance.
Amalaki Ekadashi 2024
Amalaki Ekadashi Tithi begins on March 20, 2024 at 12:21 AM and ends on March 21, 2024 2:22 AM.
| Amalaki Ekadashi | March 20, 2024, Wednesday | Phalguna Shukla Paksha Ekadashi |
Story about Amalaki Ekadashi
In the illustrious kingdom of Vaidika, harmony reigned supreme, where Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras flourished in equal measure, each adorned with Vedic wisdom and virtues.
Under the reign of the righteous King Chitraratha, the people lived in piety and devotion, their hearts aligned with the worship of Lord Vishnu. The kingdom observed Ekadashi twice a month, a sacred fast ordained by tradition.
In Phalguna, the auspicious Amalaki Ekadashi dawned upon Vaidika, accompanied by Dvadashi. With reverence, King Chitraratha and his people embarked on the solemn observance, adorning the Amalaki tree with offerings and prayers. As night descended, they remained vigilant, immersing themselves in prayer and devotion.
Amidst this devout gathering, a lone figure emerged – a hunter, burdened with sin yet drawn by curiosity to witness the Ekadashi celebrations. Spellbound by the devotees’ enthusiasm and the Lord’s glory, the hunter remained awake the whole night, his heart touched by the divine atmosphere.
The observance concluded with the first light of dawn, and the citizens returned to their homes. The hunter, too, retreated to his humble abode, his heart transformed by the sacred experience. In due time, he departed from this world, his soul enriched by the merits of Ekadashi observance.
Reborn as King Vasuratha of the prosperous kingdom of Jayanti, he embodied strength, wisdom, and righteousness. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, he ruled with compassion and generosity, ensuring the welfare of his subjects. Yet, fate intervened, leading him astray during a hunt in the forest.
As he slumbered beneath a tree, enemies from his past sought his demise. However, divine intervention thwarted their plans, as a celestial being emerged from the king’s body, wielding the chakra discus to defeat the assailants. Awakened by the miraculous turn of events, King Vasuratha beheld the divine hand that had saved him, and his heart overflowed with gratitude towards Lord Sri Keshava.
Guided by the voice from the heavens, King Vasuratha returned to his kingdom, ruling with renewed devotion and unwavering faith. Through trials and triumphs, his journey bore witness to the timeless truth – that those who seek refuge in the Lord find deliverance from all adversities. And thus, the tale of King Vasuratha echoed through the annals of time, a testament to the boundless grace of the Supreme Lord.
Thus concludes the narration of the glories of Phalguna-shukla Ekadashi, or Amalaki Ekadashi, from the Brahmanda Purana.