Worshiping the Amla Tree on Amla Ekadashi Brings Purity to the Mind
Kakatpur (Tushar Dixit), 10/03/2025 – Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi is celebrated as Amla Ekadashi. According to scriptures, the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree is considered highly sacred. As per mythological beliefs, during the creation of the universe, Lord Vishnu gave birth to Brahma, and at that moment, the Amla tree came into existence. Lord Vishnu himself established the Amla as the primordial tree (Adi Vriksha).
Hindus believe that every part of the Amla tree is imbued with the divine presence of Lord Vishnu. On Amla Ekadashi, devotees perform their daily rituals, meditate on the image of Lord Vishnu, take a sacred vow (sankalpa), and observe the Ekadashi fast to seek his blessings and ultimate liberation (moksha). After the worship of Vishnu, it is customary to worship the Amla tree as well.
On this day, a golden idol of Vishnu’s sixth incarnation, Parashurama, is installed and worshiped with proper rituals. On Dwadashi (the day following Ekadashi), the fast is concluded, and the idol of Parashurama is offered as a gift to a Brahmin.
Lord Vishnu is believed to have said that anyone desiring heaven and liberation must observe the Ekadashi fast in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Phalguna month.
There is a legend associated with the origin of the Amla tree: once, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhavati (a form of Hari) wished to offer something new to the Lord. As they contemplated what to offer, tears of joy flowed simultaneously from their eyes. When those divine tears touched the earth, the Amla tree was born.
According to another legend, one day Lakshmi and Parvati decided to worship their respective husbands while in the forest. However, they lacked the specific items needed for the ritual—Parvati did not have Bel leaves (dear to Lord Shiva), and Lakshmi did not have Tulsi (sacred to Lord Vishnu). Both goddesses were concerned about how to resolve this issue. At that moment, sage Narada arrived, listened to their concern, and told them that the Amla tree was a divine combination of Amla, Bel, and Tulsi. Following his advice, they completed their worship near the Amla tree.
For this reason, the Amla tree is considered sacred and beloved by both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
