According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), the Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha of the Phalguna month is known as Amalaki Ekadashi. This year, Amalaki Ekadashi will be observed on March 20. Among all the Ekadashi observances, Amalaki Ekadashi is considered one of the most sacred and revered. It is also known as Amla Ekadashi, Amli Gyaras, or Rangbhari Ekadashi.
On this day, devotees observe a fast and worship both Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree, which is believed to be very dear to Lord Vishnu. During the puja, it is customary to read or listen to the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha (the sacred story behind the vrat), which is said to immediately please Lord Vishnu.
The Story of Amalaki Ekadashi
According to ancient scriptures, there was a town called Vaidisha, where people of all four varnas — Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras — lived. All residents of this town were devout devotees of Lord Vishnu, and none were atheists. The king of the town was Chaitraratha, who was a wise and deeply religious ruler. There was no poverty in his kingdom, and every citizen observed the Ekadashi fast regularly.
Once, during the Phalguna month's Amalaki Ekadashi, the entire town, including the king, observed the vrat with great devotion. They worshipped the Amla tree in the temple and kept vigil throughout the night (Jagran).
That night, a hunter, known to be a great sinner, wandered into the temple. He was hungry and thirsty. Seeing the gathering, he quietly sat in a corner of the temple and stayed awake throughout the night, listening to the glories of Lord Vishnu and the Ekadashi Mahatmya (importance).
Even though he didn’t fast or perform the rituals consciously, he stayed awake all night listening to the divine stories. The next morning, everyone returned home, including the hunter, who later ate food. Some time after this, the hunter passed away.
Due to the merit earned from listening to the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha and staying awake in vigil, the hunter was reborn in the house of King Viduratha. He was named Vasuratha, and he eventually became the king of the same city.
One day, while hunting, King Vasuratha lost his way in the forest and lay down to rest under a tree. While he was asleep, a group of Mlechhas (barbaric enemies) came to attack him. They said, “Because of this king, we were exiled from our land. Let’s kill him.”
As they prepared to attack the sleeping king, something miraculous happened — all the weapons they threw at him turned into flowers before touching him. Eventually, all the Mlechhas collapsed and died mysteriously.
When the king woke up, he found all the enemies lying dead. Astonished, he asked aloud, “Who protected me?”
A celestial voice replied:
“O King, it was Lord Vishnu who saved your life. In your previous birth, you listened to the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha and stayed awake during the sacred night. Because of that merit, you were protected from your enemies.”
Realizing this divine protection, the king returned to his city and began ruling righteously, engaging in noble and religious deeds for the rest of his life.
