Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comAmalaki Ekadashi (Rangbhari Ekadashi)
Amalaki Ekadashi is observed on Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi, marked by the special worship of the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree, and in Kashi, this same day is celebrated as Rangbhari Ekadashi.
This Ekadashi falls between Maha Shivratri and Holi. In some years, the Smarta and Vaishnava traditions observe it a day apart. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi (Rangbhari Ekadashi)
In the Padma Purana, the sage Vasishtha tells this episode to King Mandhata. On the origin of the amalaki (amla) he says that after the dissolution, when Brahma awoke and spat, a drop as bright as the moon fell from his mouth to the earth, and from it grew the great amla tree, called the first of all trees. When the gods and sages born of Brahma came upon this unknown tree and wondered at it, a voice from the sky declared that it was the finest amalaki, dear to Vishnu.
According to the Purana, merely remembering the amla brings the merit of giving a cow, touching it brings double and eating its fruit triple. Vishnu dwells in its roots, Brahma above them, Rudra in its trunk, the sages in its branches, the gods in its twigs, the Vasus in its leaves, the Maruts in its flowers and all the Prajapatis in its fruit, which is why the amalaki is called the dwelling of all the gods. Lord Vishnu told the sages that keeping vigil by an amla tree on Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi frees one from all sins and brings the merit of giving a thousand cows.
In Kashi (Varanasi), this same day is celebrated as 'Rangbhari Ekadashi', the day Lord Shiva brought Mata Parvati to his city of Kashi for the first time after their wedding. In observance of this, Holi is inaugurated at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple by offering gulal to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.
How Amalaki Ekadashi (Rangbhari Ekadashi) Is Celebrated
In the Padma Purana's vidhi, the ground around an amla tree is cleaned and a whole, water-filled kalash with the five gems is installed; a golden image of Lord Parashurama (Jamadagnya) is set on it in a vessel of puffed grain and worshipped limb by limb with mantras such as 'Vishokaya namah', and arghya is offered with a fine fruit. During the night vigil the tree is circled 108 or 28 times.
In Kashi, a grand palanquin procession of Baba Vishwanath is taken out on this day, and devotees offer gulal to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, playing with colors and gulal with one another, marking the start of Holi's celebration in Kashi.
The fast is broken the next day, on Dwadashi, within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat, and eating the Amla fruit and dishes made from it is considered especially auspicious on this day.
Amalaki Ekadashi (Rangbhari Ekadashi) Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and take the vow, 'Today I will stay without food and eat tomorrow.' Clean the ground by an amla tree and set up a water-filled kalash, place an image of Lord Parashurama (or Lord Vishnu) on it, worship it and offer arghya with an amla fruit. Keep vigil at night and circle the tree; in the morning give the kalash, clothes and the like to a brahmin, then break the fast.
About Amalaki Ekadashi (Rangbhari Ekadashi)
Amalaki Ekadashi is the vow observed on Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi for worshipping the Amla tree, also celebrated in Kashi as Rangbhari Ekadashi. This page covers the vow's significance, the amla's origin in the Padma Purana, the Parashurama puja vidhi, and Kashi's Rangbhari tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Amalaki Ekadashi observed?
This vow is observed every year on Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi, falling between Maha Shivratri and Holi.
Why is the Amla tree worshipped on Amalaki Ekadashi?
According to the Padma Purana, the amla tree grew from a drop that fell from the mouth of Brahma when he awoke after the dissolution, and it is dear to Vishnu. Vishnu, Brahma, Rudra and all the gods are held to dwell in it from root to fruit, which is why worship and vigil are kept beside it on this Ekadashi.
What is Rangbhari Ekadashi?
In Kashi (Varanasi), Amalaki Ekadashi is celebrated as Rangbhari Ekadashi, the day Lord Shiva first brought Mata Parvati to Kashi after their wedding, and Holi is considered to begin in Kashi from this very day.
Why does the date differ between Smarta and Vaishnava traditions?
In some years, based on the exact Ekadashi tithi calculation, the Smarta tradition observes the fast one day and the Vaishnava (Gauna) tradition the next, this difference arises from the finer points of panchang calculation.