Amalaki Ekadashi
Amalaki Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Phalguna (usually February–March). Worship of the amla tree and Vishnu.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Phalguna |
| Usual season | February–March |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Observed for | Worship of the amla tree and Vishnu. |
The story of Amalaki Ekadashi
Amalaki Ekadashi honours the amla (amalaki) tree, in which Vishnu and Lakshmi are traditionally said to reside. Its katha tells of a hunter who, sheltering beneath an amla tree and unknowingly keeping the vigil, gained great merit and a royal rebirth.
Significance
Worship of the amla tree together with Vishnu on this day, close to Holi, is said to grant abundant merit and wellbeing. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Shukla paksha of Phalguna.
Devotees worship at or with the amla tree, keep the fast, and offer amla fruit; the katha is heard on the day.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Amalaki Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Amalaki Ekadashi?
Amalaki Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Phalguna, usually in February–March. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Amalaki Ekadashi?
Worship of the amla tree together with Vishnu on this day, close to Holi, is said to grant abundant merit and wellbeing.
What is the story behind Amalaki Ekadashi?
Amalaki Ekadashi honours the amla (amalaki) tree, in which Vishnu and Lakshmi are traditionally said to reside. Its katha tells of a hunter who, sheltering beneath an amla tree and unknowingly keeping the vigil, gained great merit and a royal rebirth..
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.