Amalaki Ekadashi is one of the sacred days dedicated to Shri Krishna who is the supreme Lord of the universe. It falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Phalguna month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees observe fasting and worship the Amla tree (Indian gooseberry). Amla is believed to be dear to Lord Vishnu. Observing fast on this Ekadashi grants immense fortune, spiritual liberation, and divine blessings.
When is Amalaki Ekadashi 2025?
Amalaki Ekadashi 2025 will be observed on Monday, March 10. On this auspicious day devotees have a visit to ISKCON temples. They participate in bhajans, kirtans, and prayers dedicated to Shri Krishna. On this day, the devotional and fasting practices help purify the soul and remove past sins.
ISKCON Amalaki Ekadashi significance
In ISKCON temples, the importance of Amalaki Ekadashi is not just about fasting but also strengthening one’s devotion to Shri Krishna even deeper. Devotees engage themselves in chanting Shri Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, reading scriptures, and participating in devotional services. This Ekadashi is considered highly important as it marks the worship of the Amla tree which showcases Shri Krishna’s divine presence on earth.
Story of Amalaki Ekadashi
The puranas share the glories of Amalaki Ekadashi through a divine story. Long ago, in an ancient Kingdom there lived a pious King whose name was Chitrasena. He ruled over his Kingdom with true devotion to Shri Krishna. On one of the Amalaki Ekadashis, the king along with his subjects observed a tough fast and worshipped the Amla tree.
During the same night a group of demonic forces attacked the kingdom. Devotees who observed fast remained untouched by their weapons due to their spiritual purity. All of sudden, a divine light emerged from the Amla tree and took the form of Shri Krishna. He then destroyed the diamonds and protected the king and his people. Since then, observing Amalaki Ekadashi fast is considered a path to divine protection and salvation.
Amalaki Ekadashi fasting rules in ISKCON
Observing fast on Amalaki Ekadashi is a path to purify the mind and body. ISKCON Amalaki Ekadashi fasting rules are simple yet strict.
1) No grains and pulses: One should avoid rice, wheat, and lentils.
2) Fruits, nuts, and dairy: Devotees consume milk, fruits, nuts, and Ekadashi-approved vegetables.
3) Complete or partial fasting: Some devotees choose a water-only fast, while others take light Ekadashi prasadam.
4) Chanting and devotion: The most important part is chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and reading scriptures.
Importance of Amalaki Ekadashi in ISKCON
Devotees of ISKCON Temples celebrate Ekadashi as a sacred opportunity to strengthen their connection with Shri Krishna. On this day they detach from material desires and engage themselves in spiritual services.
The Bhagavad Gita and Amalaki Ekadashi teachings emphasize that real fasting is not only about food but also about controlling one’s desires and surrendering to Shri Krishna. Observing fast on the Ekadashi with true devotion leads one to spiritual progress and liberation.
Amalaki Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Performing Amalaki Ekadashi puja vidhi with devotion brings divine blessings. Devotees follow these steps to observe the sacred rituals in an ISKCON manner:
1) Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta and take a holy bath while chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
2) Clean the puja area and place an Amla (Indian Gooseberry) tree branch or its image.
3) Offer Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, incense, and ghee lamp to Shri Krishna and Lord Vishnu.
4) Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita verses, and sing Hare Krishna kirtan.
5) Perform parikrama (circumambulation) around the Amla tree while praying for spiritual upliftment.
6) Break the fast on Dwadashi (next day) with prasadam after being offered to Shri Krishna.
Charity on Amalaki Ekadashi in ISKCON
Charity on Amalaki Ekadashi ISKCON traditions emphasize helping the needy. Shri Krishna teaches that selfless giving pleases the Supreme Lord and purifies the heart. Devotees practice:
· Food donation (Annadanam): Giving food to the poor brings immense spiritual merit.
· Temple donations – Contributing money to ISKCON temples supports spreading Shri Krishna’s teachings.
· Clothes and blankets – Giving warm clothes to the underprivileged shows compassion and mercy.
Things to Donate on Amalaki Ekadashi
According to scriptures, donating on Ekadashi multiplies spiritual benefits. The best things to donate on Amalaki Ekadashi include:
1) Amla fruits: A sacred offering to Shri Krishna and the Brahmanas.
2) Cow donations (Gau Seva): Serving cows is equal to serving Lord Vishnu.
3) Grains and jaggery: Offering to Brahmanas and ISKCON temples ensures divine blessings.
4) Bhagavad Gita books: Spreading Shri Krishna’s wisdom leads to spiritual liberation.
Spiritual Benefits of Amalaki Ekadashi
Observing fast on Amalaki Ekadashi with devotion bring eternal benefits. Shri Krishna bestows:
i) Freedom from sins: Past karmic reactions are nullified.
ii) Protection from evil forces: Just as Shri Krishna saved King Chitrasena, devotees receive divine shelter.
iii) Devotion and Moksha: Observing this Ekadashi leads to spiritual elevation and liberation.
Glories of Amalaki Ekadashi from Scriptures
The Brahmanda Purana glorifies Amalaki Ekadashi as one of the most sacred fasting days. The scriptures state:
The Bhagavad Gita also confirms:
(Bhagavad Gita 9.26)
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः॥
Meaning: One who offers me with love and true devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it.
This verse highlights the importance of simple yet sincere offerings to Shri Krishna on Amalaki Ekadashi.
Amalaki Ekadashi ISKCON Temple Celebrations
ISKCON temples from across the world celebrate Amalaki Ekadashi with grand devotional events:
· Special deity darshan: Beautiful decorations for Shri Krishna and Lord Vishnu.
· Bhajans and kirtans: Devotees sing Hare Krishna Mahamantra with deep devotion.
· Scriptural discourses: ISKCON sannyasis explain the glories of Ekadashi fasting.
· Ekadashi prasadam distribution: Fasting-friendly prasadam is shared with devotees and the poor.
Conclusion
Observing Amalaki Ekadashi in ISKCON brings not only divine grace, purity but also spiritual growth. Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, showers unlimited blessings on those who follow this sacred Ekadashi vrat with true devotion.
By observing fast, worshipping, donating, and chanting one can attain spiritual success and shift one closer to Shri Krishna’s divine abode.
