Significance of Phalguna Masa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi – Aamalaki Ekadashi

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)