Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha &…
Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Amla Puja
Amalaki Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalguna. It falls between Maha Shivaratri and Holi. This Ekadashi celebrates the Amla (Indian Gooseberry) tree, which is considered the abode of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
In 2026, Amalaki Ekadashi falls on a Friday. In Varanasi, this day is also celebrated as Rangbhari Ekadashi, marking the start of Holi celebrations for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
📅 Amalaki Ekadashi 2026 Muhurat
- Vrat Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
- Parana Time (Break Fast): Feb 28, 06:45 AM to 09:05 AM
- Hari Vasara End Time: Feb 28, 08:10 AM
⚠️ Note: Tithi timings and Parana windows may vary slightly based on your location (sunrise time). Please check your local Panchang for precise timings.
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Significance of the Amla Tree
The Padma Purana states that the Amla tree is dear to Lord Vishnu because it originated from his pure spit during creation. Every part of the tree is inhabited by gods:
- Roots: Lord Vishnu
- Trunk: Lord Brahma
- Branches: Lord Shiva
- Fruits: All Devas
Worshipping the Amla tree on this day is believed to be equivalent to donating 1,000 cows (Godan).
Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The legend was narrated by Sage Vasistha to King Mandhata.
In the ancient kingdom of Vaidisha, King Chitrasena and his subjects were devout followers of Lord Vishnu. Once, on Amalaki Ekadashi, the King and his citizens went to the forest to worship a grand Amla tree. They fasted, stayed awake (Jagran), and sang bhajans.
A hungry and wicked hunter watched them from a distance. He wanted to steal their food but decided to wait. While waiting, he listened to the stories of Lord Vishnu and witnessed the devotion. Without realizing it, he fasted the whole day and stayed awake all night.
The next day, the hunter went home and ate food. Years later, when the hunter died, his soul was not taken by Yamaraj. Instead, due to the merit of the unknowing Amalaki Ekadashi fast, he was reborn as King Vasuratha, a mighty and righteous ruler. This story proves that even an unintentional observance of this Vrat grants Moksha and high status.
Puja Vidhi for Amalaki Ekadashi
- Morning Rituals: Bathe early and mix a few drops of Amla juice in the water if possible.
- Amla Tree Worship: Visit an Amla tree (or use a branch/fruit at home). Offer water, sandalwood paste, kumkum, and flowers.
- Sacred Thread: Tie a red or yellow thread (Mauli/Kalava) around the trunk of the tree seven times.
- Offerings: Offer Amla fruits to Lord Vishnu.
- Parana: Break the fast the next morning by eating Amla first.
Check the complete list of 26 Ekadashis this year in our master guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amalaki Ekadashi is on Friday, February 27, 2026.
On the day of the fast (Ekadashi), one should worship Amla but abstain from eating grains. Amla is usually consumed the next day (Dwadashi) to break the fast.
In Kashi (Varanasi), Amalaki Ekadashi is celebrated as Rangbhari Ekadashi. It is believed that Lord Shiva brought Goddess Parvati to Kashi on this day after their marriage.
