Duration
24 hours (sunrise to sunrise)
Fasting Level
phalahari
Month & Paksha
Phalguna · Shukla
Meaning of the Name
Amalakiidentifies this Ekadashi's traditional name and devotional theme. The observance belongs to Phalguna month, Shukla Paksha.
Significance
The Amla (Amalaki) tree is considered sacred and believed to house all gods, sacred places, and holy waters. Worshipping it grants immense spiritual and health benefits.
Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
Sage Vashishta explained to King Mandata that the Amla tree is not ordinary but divine. All the sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, all holy places like Kurukshetra, Mathura, Kashi, and all gods reside in this tree.
A poor Brahmin who had nothing to offer in worship simply circled an Amla tree on this day with devotion. Lord Vishnu appeared and granted him wealth, health, and ultimately moksha.
The story teaches that even simple worship of the Amla tree on this day, done with true devotion, grants benefits equivalent to visiting all holy places and worshipping all gods.
Food Rules
- Worship the Amla tree with offerings
- Circle the tree 108 times if possible
- Offer water, flowers, and fruits to the tree
- Consume fresh Amla or Amla juice
- Distribute Amla to others as prasad
- Consume only Amla and fruits
- No grains or cooked food
- Use only natural Amla preparations
- Maintain purity near Amla tree
- Avoid harming any part of the tree
Puja Vidhi
- 1
Step 1
Worship the Amla tree with offerings
- 2
Step 2
Circle the tree 108 times if possible
- 3
Step 3
Offer water, flowers, and fruits to the tree
- 4
Step 4
Consume fresh Amla or Amla juice
- 5
Step 5
Distribute Amla to others as prasad
- 6
Step 6
Plant Amla saplings if possible
- 7
Step 7
Read scriptures under the Amla tree
Smarta and Vaishnava Notes
HinduLab shows Smarta observance first on public calendar cards and displays Vaishnava alternates when the calculation returns a separate date. Follow your family sampradaya or local temple when their calendar differs.
Sacred Mantras
Mantra 1
ॐ आमलकी देव्यै नमः
Mantra 2
धात्री मंत्र
Mantra 3
ॐ धात्री फलदायिन्यै नमः
Mantra 4
आमला वृक्ष वंदना
Chanting Guidelines: These mantras should be chanted with devotion and understanding. Begin with 108 repetitions and gradually increase. The best time for chanting is during Brahma Muhurta (before dawn).
Spiritual Benefits
Health and longevity
Immunity from diseases
Spiritual purification
Benefits of visiting all holy places
Divine protection
Nutritional and medicinal benefits
Related Deities
Alternative Names
Sources and tradition
How to read this Ekadashi guide
Traditional Ekadashi observances are described in Vaishnava texts and regional vrat traditions. Practices vary across sampradaya, family lineage, and local temple guidance. This article presents a general Hindu household observance, with Vaishnava notes where applicable.
Padma Purana
Uttara-khanda / Ekadashi Mahatmya / Āmalakī Ekādaśī, Uttara-khanda ch. 45, vv. 1-63
Supports the Phalguna Shukla Amalaki name, amalaki tree worship, and its Vishnu-centered observance.
Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda Ekadashi Mahatmya
Ekadashi Mahatmya chapters used in type-specific citation notes
Used for named Ekadashi kathas, devotional benefits, and observance context where a type page supplies chapter or verse detail.
Vaishnava and regional vrat traditions
Household, temple, and sampradaya practice
Used for practice framing such as family sampradaya, local temple guidance, and Smarta/Vaishnava distinctions.
HinduLab calculation methodology
Location-aware panchang, tithi, sunrise, and vrat timing rules
Explains how HinduLab combines astronomical calculations, Hindu calendar rules, city, timezone, sunrise, and sunset data.
HinduLab Hindu calendar and vrats source library
Editorial review, regional variation, and health disclaimer policies
Documents the trust policy used for panchang tools, vrat guides, Ekadashi rules, and health cautions.
Tradition notes
The cited Padma chapter uses Amalaki/Āmalakī.
FAQs
When is the next Amalaki Ekadashi?
For New Delhi, Delhi, India, the next calculated fasting date is 2027-03-18.
What should I eat on Amalaki Ekadashi?
Avoid grains and pulses; choose Nirjala, Jalahar, Phalahari, or Anukalpa according to health and tradition.
Can Smarta and Vaishnava dates differ?
Yes. Local sunrise, tithi rules, Dwadashi availability, and sampradaya rules can create separate observance dates.
When should I do Parana for Amalaki Ekadashi?
Parana is done on the next day after sunrise, preferably after Hari Vasara has ended when that timing applies. The comparison table shows the calculated Parana date and window when available.
Scientific Understanding
Modern Perspective
Amla is extremely rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Consuming it during late winter/early spring helps boost immunity for the changing season.