Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: Origin of Amla Tree, Significance & Benefits

In this blog, you will learn about the birth story of the amla tree and how it became significant for Hindu dharma, that we celebrate its origin as Amalaki Ekadashi.

Table of Contents 

1. Origin of Amla According to Puranas
2. Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi in Hindu Dharma
3. Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 Date and Paran Time
4. Rituals of Amalaki Ekadashi
5. Vrat Katha of Amalaki Ekadashi
6. Spiritual Benefits of Observing Amalaki Ekadashi
7. Conclusion

Origin of Amla According to Puranas

According to the Puranic stories, it is said that Lord Brahma originated from Lord Vishnu’s navel so that Lord Brahma could create the universe. On one particular day, Lord Brahma wished to truly know himself and everything about his existence. So he started deeply meditating in the name of Lord Shri Vishnu with great devotion. Lord Vishnu was very pleased with Lord Brahma and decided to appear in front of him. After witnessing lord Vishnu in front of him, he started crying and his tears fell on Lord Vishnu’s feet turning into an amla tree. That day was on Ekadashi Tithi. So Vishnu ji stated this day as  Amalaki Ekadashi. 

Witnessing this tree, Lord Shri Hari Vishnu stated that any devotee who worships this tree on the day of Amalaki Ekadashi shall be granted salvation and freed from all the sins as the tree is very dear to him.

Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi in Hindu Dharma

The Ekadashi of Phalguna month Shukla paksh is considered as an Amalaki Ekadashi. On this day amla tree is worshipped.

The Amalaki Ekadashi is very significant in the Hindu religion as it is believed that keeping a fast on this day and worshipping the Amla tree along with Lord Shri Vishnu with complete devotion and sincerity shall help the devotee attain salvation. 

God is believed to reside in every part of the Amla tree. Its origin, i.e., Shri Vishnu is believed to reside in the root, Lord Shiva in the stem and Lord Brahma above. Besides, sages and gods are believed to reside in its branches, Vasu in its leaves, Marudgan in its flowers and all the Creators are believed to reside in its fruits. The Amla tree is very dear to Lord Vishnu. It is said that just remembering the Amla tree gives the same virtuous results as donating a cow. At the same time, by touching it one gets double the virtuous results of any work and by eating its fruit, one gets three times the virtuous results. Hence it is clear that the Amla tree is going to defeat all the problems of a person.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 Date and Paran Time

Rituals of Amalaki Ekadashi

• Wake up early in the morning and take a bath with pure water before the Sun rises.
•  begin your fast in the name of Lord Vishnu after bathing.
• Keep a Kalash containing navratna under the amla tree and then worship lord Vishnu and amla tree.
• Perform the amla Ekadashi Aarti after lighting an incense lamp.
• After the Aarti, feed a hungry person or a Brahmin.
• Donate clothes and Amla (Gooseberry) to the needy people.

Vrat Katha of Amalaki Ekadashi

On Amalaki Ekadashi, the  Devotees immerse themselves in the stories that extol the virtues of the Amalaki tree and the glory of Lord Vishnu.

The Vrat Katha is a time for introspection and spiritual connection, allowing worshippers to internalize the teachings and essence of the Ekadashi.

According to scriptures, a Chandravanshi king named Chaitrath ruled. The kingdom he ruled was full of wealth. That was because the kings there were learned and righteous. His subjects also worshiped Shri Hari Vishnu along with him. On every Ekadashi they all observed a fast and worshiped in the temple along with the king. One day a hunter came there who was very wicked and sinful. He used to feed his family only by hunting. One day when he did not get anything, he saw a bhajan being performed in the temple and there he started listening to bhajans from the corner of the temple the whole night. He went to his home early in the morning. He died some time after reaching home. According to his deeds, he had to go to hell but due to the influence of listening to the story of Ekadashi, he got the next birth as a king.

In his next birth, he became a devotee of Vishnu, truthful and courageous. He regularly observed Vrat for Amalaki Ekadashi. One day, King Chitra Sena, alongwith his warriors, went to the forest for hunting. While in the forest, he had lost his way.

Some demons caught him. He felt unconscious. The demons kept attacking him. Then a powerful light originates from his body and attacks the demons.

On regaining consciousness, the King realized that his attackers were down and out. He heard a divine voice  which said, “oh King, you were saved by the power which you have earned by observing Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat”.

Hence, it was understood that observation of Amalaki Ekadashi provides protection during trouble.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Amalaki Ekadashi

• The story of King Chitraratha underscores the belief that sincere observance of Amalaki Ekadashi can lead to divine blessings and liberation from worldly sufferings.
• Amalaki Ekadashi holds profound significance in Hindu culture as a day of spiritual cleansing, renewal, and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
• By observing this sacred Ekadashi with sincerity and dedication, devotees seek to purify their souls, eradicate sins, and attain divine blessings and liberation.
• It serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual practices in leading a righteous and fulfilling life, guiding devotees on the path towards ultimate salvation and enlightenment.