Date and Time of Amalaki Vrata Ekadasi in Mumbai
This year Vijaya Ekadasi tithi begins on 27 Feb 2026 at 12:36 AM and ends on 27 Feb 2026, 10:35 PM . Thus Amalaki-vrata ekadasi fast will be observed from 27 Feb 2026 06:59 AM to 28 Feb 2026 06:58 AM and Ekadasi fast needs to be broken on 28 Feb 2026 from 06:58 AM to 10:53 AM.
Click here to know more about Ekadasi Fasting Days Calculation Principles
King Mandhata Seeks the Greatest Fast
King Mandhata once said to Vasishtha Muni,
“O great sage, kindly be merciful to me and tell me of a holy fast that will benefit me eternally.”
Vasishtha Muni Explains the Supreme Merit of Amalaki Ekadasi
Vasishtha Muni replied,
“O king, kindly listen as I describe the best of all fast days, Amalaki Ekadasi. He who faithfully observes a fast on this Ekadasi obtains enormous wealth, becomes free from the effects of all kinds of sins, and attains liberation. Fasting on this Ekadasi is more purifying than donating one thousand cows in charity to a pure brahmana.
Please hear attentively as I narrate the history of a hunter who, though daily engaged in killing innocent animals, achieved liberation by observing Amalaki Ekadasi according to the prescribed rules and regulations.”
The Kingdom of Vaidisha
There was once a kingdom named Vaidisha, where all the brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were equally endowed with Vedic knowledge, great bodily strength, and fine intelligence.
Oh lion among kings, the entire kingdom resounded with Vedic sounds. Not a single person was atheistic, and no one sinned. The ruler was King Pashabinduka, also known as Chitraratha, a descendant of the lunar dynasty. He was truthful, religious, immensely wealthy, and possessed the strength of ten thousand elephants. He was also perfectly versed in the six branches of Vedic wisdom.
Ideal Society Under King Chitraratha
During Maharaja Chitraratha’s reign, no one deviated from his prescribed duties. The brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were perfectly engaged in their own dharmas.
There were neither misers nor paupers, no droughts or floods, and no disease. Everyone enjoyed good health. The citizens lovingly served Lord Vishnu, as did the king, who also rendered special respect to Lord Shiva. Twice every month the entire kingdom observed Ekadasi.
Thus, the citizens of Vaidisha lived long lives in happiness and prosperity, having abandoned all materialistic religion and fully dedicated themselves to the loving service of the Supreme Lord, Hari.
Observance of Amalaki Ekadasi in Vaidisha
Once, in the month of Phalguna (February–March), the sacred fast of Amalaki Ekadasi, conjoined with Dvadasi, arrived. King Chitraratha understood its exceptional potency and, along with all the citizens, observed this Ekadasi very strictly, following all rules and regulations.
Worship of the Amalaki Tree and Lord Vishnu
After bathing in the river, the king and his subjects went to the temple of Lord Vishnu, where a sacred Amalaki tree grew. The king and sages offered a water pot, canopy, shoes, gold, jewels, incense, and other opulent items.
They worshiped Lord Parashurama, praying for His mercy, and then offered heartfelt prayers to the Amalaki tree, glorifying it as the destroyer of sins and a manifestation of Brahman, once worshiped by Lord Ramachandra Himself.
All-Night Vigil on Ekadasi
After these prayers, King Chitraratha and the citizens remained awake throughout the night, worshiping according to Ekadasi regulations.
During this sacred vigil, a sinful hunter—who sustained himself by killing animals—approached the assembly. Burdened with sin and fatigue, he witnessed the Ekadasi celebration illuminated by lamps and filled with devotional singing. Curious and astonished, he hid nearby.
The Fortunate Hunter Witnesses Devotional Worship
The hunter thought, “What is going on here?”
He saw the Deity of Lord Damodara worshiped upon a sacred waterpot and heard devotees glorifying Lord Krishna’s transcendental forms and pastimes.
Though irreligious by nature, he spent the entire night awake, listening and watching in wonder.
The Hunter’s Elevation After Death
After sunrise, the king and citizens completed their Ekadasi observance and returned to Vaidisha. The hunter returned home and ate.
In due course, the hunter died. However, by fasting unknowingly, staying awake all night, and hearing the glorification of the Lord, he accumulated immense spiritual merit. He was reborn as a great king named Vasuratha, the son of King Viduratha, ruling the kingdom of Jayanti.
King Vasuratha’s Glorious Qualities
King Vasuratha was fearless, effulgent like the Sun, handsome like the Moon, strong like Lord Vishnu, and forgiving like the Earth. Charitable, truthful, and devoted to Lord Vishnu, he expertly governed his kingdom and cared for his citizens like his own children.
The King in Danger
One day, while hunting, King Vasuratha lost his way in the forest and fell asleep beneath a tree. Barbarian tribesmen, remembering old enmities, surrounded him and plotted to kill him with weapons.
The Great Rescue by Divine Power
Though they attacked with spears, swords, arrows, and mystic ropes, none could harm the king. Suddenly, a fierce and radiant woman emerged from his body, adorned with ornaments and blazing with divine anger. With her chakra, she swiftly killed all the attackers.
Divine Revelation from the Sky
When the king awoke and saw the dead enemies, he was astonished. A voice from the sky declared that Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the sole protector of those who take shelter of Him.
King Vasuratha’s Devotion and Prosperous Rule
Overwhelmed with love for Lord Keshava, King Vasuratha returned to his capital and ruled like a second Indra, without obstacles.
The Supreme Benefit of Amalaki Ekadasi
Vasishtha Muni concluded,
“Therefore, O King Mandhata, anyone who observes Amalaki Ekadasi will undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. Such is the immense merit of this sacred fast.”
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Phalguna-sukla Ekadasi, or Amalaki Ekadasi, from the Brahmanda Purana.
Note: If an Amalaki tree is unavailable, one should worship Tulasi Devi, plant Tulasi seeds, and offer lamps to her.
