Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Know Date, Parana Timing, Rituals, Mantras And Significance

Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Ekadashi fast holds a significant place in Hindu culture and is revered for its spiritual importance. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ekadashi is observed with deep devotion by devotees seeking divine blessings. Occurring twice a month during Krishna Paksha and Shukla Paksha, there are a total of 24 Ekadashi observances in a year, each with its unique name and significance.

This time around, we prepare to observe the sacred Amalaki Ekadashi fast on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalguna, falling on March 20, 2024.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Date and Time

Amalaki Ekadashi, also known as Phalguna Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, falls between Maha Shivaratri and Holi, usually in February or March according to the English calendar.

Parana means breaking the fast. It should be done after sunrise on the next day of the Ekadashi fast, within Dwadashi Tithi. Failing to do so is considered a mistake.

Parana shouldn't be done during Hari Vasara, which is the first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. It's best to break the fast during Pratahkal, avoiding Madhyahna. If unable to break the fast in the morning, it's acceptable to do so after noon.

Sometimes Ekadashi fasting is advised for two consecutive days. In such cases, families usually fast on the first day, while the second day is recommended for Sanyasis, widows, and those seeking spiritual liberation. When Smartha is advised to fast on the second day, it aligns with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day.

Fasting on both days is recommended for dedicated devotees seeking the love and blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Significance

Amalaki Ekadashi carries profound religious and spiritual significance in Hinduism. Devotees worldwide, particularly those following Iskcon, dedicate this day to seeking blessings from Lord Vishnu. Observing fast on this auspicious day is believed to absolve one from past sins and usher in good fortune, happiness, prosperity, wealth, and worldly pleasures.

According to Hindu Scriptures, it's customary to offer prayers to the Amla tree and present Amla (Indian gooseberry) to Lord Vishnu. Amla symbolizes longevity, and those who offer it to Lord Vishnu, along with worshipping the tree, are believed to receive blessings for a long and prosperous life. Sitting under the Amle tree on this Ekadashi is also advised to seek blessings from Shri Hari.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Rituals

• Begin the day by taking a holy bath early in the morning.
• Cleanse the house, especially the puja room.
• Place an idol of Lord Vishnu alongside the Shree Yantra.
• Light a diya with desi ghee and offer a garland of yellow flowers.
• Offer homemade sweets, panchamrit, and Tulsi Dal.
• Chant Lord Vishnu Mantra and recite Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Narrate the Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha and offer bhog prasad to the Lord.
• Seek blessings, and the fast will be broken the next day on Dwadashi Tithi.
• Those unable to endure hunger can break their fast with sattvik food recommended for fasting.

Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Celebration

In religious scriptures, it's believed that Lord Vishnu, who is highly respected during Ekadashis, resides in the amla tree. On this special day, devotees show great reverence to the amla tree to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. In some traditions, it's said that Lord Vishnu's wife Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, also resides in this tree. Additionally, it's believed that the tree is the abode of Lord Vishnu's incarnation Krishna and his beloved Radha. During Amalaki Ekadashi, devotees water the amla tree and perform puja rituals, offering prayers, flowers, and lighting ghee lamps as a form of worship.

Ekadashi Fasting Food: What to Eat

When it comes to Ekadashi fasting, devotees have the flexibility to choose their fasting style based on their willpower and physical endurance. Religious texts mention four main types of Ekadashi fasting:

• Water Fasting (Jalahar): This fasting involves consuming only water. While most devotees opt for this on Nirjala Ekadashi, it can be observed on any Ekadashi day.
• Milk Fasting (Ksheerbhoji): This type of fasting revolves around milk and milk products. It includes milk itself as well as plant-based milky juices. However, during Ekadashi fasting, it's essential to stick to all milk-based products.
• Fruit Fasting (Phalahari): Fasting solely on fruits is another option. It's important to choose high-quality fruits like mangoes, grapes, bananas, almonds, and pistachios. Leafy vegetables should be avoided during this fasting.
• Single Meal Fasting (Naktabhoji): This involves having a single meal just before sunset. The meal should exclude grains, cereals, beans, wheat, rice, and pulses, as these are prohibited during Ekadashi fasting.

Common foods for the single meal during Ekadashi fasting include Sabudana (sago), Singhada (water caltrop or chestnut), sweet potatoes, and groundnuts. Some also consider Kuttu Atta (buckwheat flour) and Samak (millet rice) as staple foods for Ekadashi fasting. However, there's debate regarding their validity as they are semi-grains or pseudo-grains. It's advisable to avoid these items during fasting to adhere strictly to Ekadashi guidelines.

Mantras

• Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaye..!!
• Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare..!!
• Ram Ram Rameti Rame Raame Manorame Sahasranama Tatulyam Ram Naam Varanane..!!

Observing Amalaki Ekadashi not only strengthens spiritual bonds but also fosters a sense of inner peace and well-being. May this Ekadashi bring prosperity and blessings to all devotees.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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