As
narrated by Sree Krishna Paramathma to Yudhishtira
Dharmaraja,
Phalguna
Masa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is called AAMALAKI Ekadashi..Observance of this
Ekadashi ( Complete fasting, without even drinking water) and keeping jagaran
under the sacred AMLA tree, will help to get punya equivalent to giving as
dhana of one thousand cows.
Once
upon a time, King Mandhatha requested Saint Vasishta to explain him regarding
the origin of AMLA tree as well as how it attained sacredness .
During
PRALAYA, the entire universe was destroyed. MAHA VISHNU while going to his
abode to decide the recreation of the universe, spit. The spit was shining like
moon and the place where it fell was converted into a GOOSEBERRY tree (AMLA
tree) with plenty of branches and leaves filled with AMLAS. Thereafter,
MAHAVISHNU created BRAHMA , other DEITIES (Devas)and the rest of the
populace.
BRAHMA
reached the AMLA tree and started thinking about the origin of the tree. He
heard an etherial voice (Ashareera vani) which said “ This tree is very much
liked by MAHA VISHNU. Mere thinking of this tree will fetch the thinker the
punya equivalent to performing a godhana. Touching this tree and eating AMLA
will be beneficial. MAHA VISHNU, BRAHMA and RUDRA reside in the trunk of
AMLA tree. All the other DEITIES (Devas) reside in the branches of the tree, VASOOS
reside in the leaves, MARUTHS reside in the flowers and PRAJESHWARAS reside in
the AMLAS. This tree is to be worshipped by all Vishnu Bhakthaas.”
The
saints present there at that time started wondering about the source of the
etherial voice suspecting whether it is a divine voice or someone else’s. The
voice informed them that it belongs to MAHA VISHNU. The saints were very happy
and started praying MAHA VISHNU. As per the request of the saints, MAHA VISHNU
told them about the observance of a sacred , not- too- difficult- to follow and
very much beneficial vrata.
MAHA
VISHNU said : Phalguna Masa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is very sacred.
Observance of this Ekadashi ( Complete fasting, without even drinking water)
and keeping jagaran under the sacred AMLA tree will help to get punya
equivalent to giving as dhana of one thousand cows. It will help to get rid of
the consequences of all the bad deeds performed earlier (“papaas”)
When
requested by the saints the procedure for performance of the vrata, MAHA VISHNU
said:
1.
Pray Bhagavantha early in the morning seeking His help in the successful
culmination of the fast.
2.
Brush teeth and finish bathing.
3.
Don’t converse with people of questionable character & undesirable
behaviour
4.
Take bath in a river applying mrithika
5.
Go to AMLA tree, keep a kalasha with pancharatna. Keep umbrella, footwear and
new cloth along with it.
6.
Decorate the kalasha with flowers. Keep diyas (Deepas) around the kalasha.
7.
In a vessel, spread puffed paddy (ARALU), keep the golden idol of Parashurama (
if affordable) in it and perform pooja
8.
Perform arghya pradaana (Like Janmaashtami)
9.
In the night, keep jagaran accompanied by vadhya ghosha, music, dance and
devotional songs.
10.
Perform pradakshina to AMLA tree ( 28 or 108 times)
11.
On Dwadashi morning, perform pooja with mangala harathi.
12.
Perform pooja to brahmins and give Parashurama idol as dhaana
13.
Touch the AMLA tree, perform pradakshina and feed Brahmins.
14.
Take food along with family.
By
doing as mentioned above, the punya attained will be more than the punya
attained by performing all theertha snanas and all yagnas.
MAHA
VISHNU disappeared after saying as above.
All
the saints performed the vrata and were immensely benefitted.
Courtesy:
Sath Katha Sagara – Sadachara Taranga 3 ,– Aithareya Shodhana Prakasha Peetha,
Bangaluru – Translated version from Kannada for the benefit of interested
Samaj Bhandhvas- For internal use only)
(Contributed by Shri Ramdas)