Amalaki Ekadashi 2026
The Ekadashi of the Sacred Amla Tree — For Health and Longevity
📅 Sunday, March 29, 2026
About Amalaki Ekadashi
Amalaki Ekadashi is observed during the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Phalguna month. It falls just before Holi and is dedicated to the sacred Amalaki tree (Indian Gooseberry/Amla), which is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
This unique Ekadashi combines spiritual observance with the worship of a tree, highlighting the ancient Hindu tradition of revering nature as divine. The Amalaki tree is considered one of the most sacred trees in Hinduism and is also renowned in Ayurveda for its exceptional health benefits.
🌳 The Sacred Amalaki Tree
According to the Brahma Purana, the Amalaki tree originated from Lord Vishnu's tears of joy while meditating. Therefore:
- Lord Vishnu permanently resides in the Amalaki tree
- Worshipping the tree equals worshipping Lord Vishnu directly
- Every part of the tree — roots, trunk, branches, leaves, fruits — is sacred
- Eating amla fruit or using its products removes sins
- Sitting under the tree brings peace and spiritual merit
Fun fact: The Amalaki tree is also called "Dhatri" (the nurse) because it nurtures like a mother!
📖 The Story of King Chaitraratha
The Brahmanda Purana narrates the story of King Chaitraratha, who ruled the kingdom of Vaidisha. He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and observed all Ekadashi fasts with great devotion.
In his kingdom grew a magnificent Amalaki tree. On Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi, the king and his subjects would gather under this tree, worship Lord Vishnu, stay awake through the night singing bhajans, and fast strictly.
Due to the collective merit of this observance, the entire kingdom prospered with excellent health, abundant harvests, and spiritual advancement. When the king died, he attained Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode), and his subjects who had participated in the worship also achieved liberation.
This is why Amalaki Ekadashi is observed by worshipping the Amalaki tree with Lord Vishnu.
How to Observe Amalaki Ekadashi
Finding an Amalaki Tree
- If possible, find an Amalaki (Amla) tree to worship
- Many temples have Amalaki trees in their compounds
- If no tree is available, keep amla fruits at your altar
- You can also worship a picture of the tree with Lord Vishnu
Morning Rituals
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta
- Take a bath, ideally in a river or with water containing amla
- Wear clean yellow or white clothes
Tree Worship Ceremony
- Clean the area around the Amalaki tree
- Sprinkle holy water at the base
- Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to the trunk
- Tie sacred thread (kalava) around the tree
- Offer flowers, incense, and a ghee lamp
- Place Lord Vishnu's idol at the base of the tree
- Circumambulate the tree 7 or 21 times
- Chant Vishnu mantras and tree-worship mantras
Night Vigil
Staying awake under or near the Amalaki tree on this night is considered extremely meritorious. If not possible, stay awake at home with devotional activities.
💚 Health Benefits of Amla (Ayurvedic Perspective)
The Amalaki fruit is called "Amritphala" (fruit of immortality) in Ayurveda:
- Vitamin C: One of the richest natural sources — boosts immunity
- Anti-aging: Rich in antioxidants that slow aging
- Digestion: Improves digestive fire (Agni)
- Hair health: Prevents greying and promotes hair growth
- Eye health: Strengthens vision
- Heart health: Reduces cholesterol and blood pressure
- Blood sugar: Helps regulate diabetes
Consuming amla products on Amalaki Ekadashi is considered both spiritually and physically beneficial.
Spiritual Benefits of Amalaki Ekadashi
- Grants long life and excellent health
- Removes sins equal to killing a Brahmin (Brahma-hatya)
- Merit equal to donating 1000 cows
- Ensures prosperity and absence of disease
- Protects from untimely death
- Leads to liberation (Moksha) after death
- Blesses with healthy children
Special Offerings for Amalaki Ekadashi
- Amla fruits: Offer to Lord Vishnu and the tree
- Amla products: Amla juice, dried amla, amla murabba
- Tulsi leaves: Combined with amla for extra merit
- Yellow flowers: Marigold, chrysanthemum
- Panchamrit: Made with milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee
📥 Add to Your Calendar
Celebrate the sacred Amalaki tree and gain Lord Vishnu's blessings!
📅 Add to Google CalendarFrequently Asked Questions
When is Amalaki Ekadashi 2026?
Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 falls on Sunday, March 29, 2026, during the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month, just before Holi.
What if I can't find an Amalaki tree?
If you can't find an Amalaki tree, you can worship amla fruits placed at your Lord Vishnu altar. The intention and devotion matter most. Many also worship a picture of the tree.
Can I eat amla during the fast?
Interestingly, amla (in forms like juice, dried, or murabba) can be consumed during this Ekadashi as it's considered sacred prasad of the day. However, strict observers may choose to consume it only after breaking the fast.
Is Amalaki Ekadashi connected to Holi?
Yes, Amalaki Ekadashi falls just 2-3 days before Holi. Some traditions burn old wood from the Amalaki tree during Holika Dahan for additional merit.
Mantras for Amalaki Ekadashi
- Vishnu Mantra: ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
- Amalaki Mantra: आमलकि धात्रि पापहरणि पुण्यदायिनि। मातर्मे दुःखशोकघ्ने नमस्तुभ्यं नमो नमः॥
- Tree Worship Mantra: वृक्षराज नमस्तुभ्यं हरिवासाय ते नमः। त्वत्प्रसादान्महाराज सर्वान् कामान् समाप्नुयाम्॥