Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: Worshipping the Amla Tree Today Grants Eternal Merit; Know the Shubh Muhurat and Significance

New Delhi/Mathura: The Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalguna is celebrated as Amalaki Ekadashi. According to the scriptures, when Lord Vishnu created Lord Brahma for the creation of the universe, the Amla (Indian Gooseberry) tree was manifested at the same time. Therefore, the Amla tree is considered the 'Adi Vriksha' (the first tree), and it is believed that deities reside in every part of it.

1. Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: Auspicious Timing (Shubh Muhurat)

According to the Panchang, the details of the Ekadashi Tithi are as follows:

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: February 26, 2026, at 11:20 PM.

• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: February 27, 2026, at 12:45 AM.

• Parana (Breaking the Fast) Time: February 28, 2026, between 06:45 AM and 09:00 AM.

2. Why is Worshipping the Amla Tree Special?

It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in the roots, Lord Shiva in the trunk, sages and saints in the branches, deities in the leaves, and Prajapati in the fruits of the Amla tree. Worshipping the Amla tree today brings:

• Akshaya Punya (Eternal Merit): Devotees attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and all sins are destroyed.

• Attainment of Health: Both Ayurveda and the scriptures consider Amla as 'Amrit' (Nectar). Its worship provides significant health benefits.

3. Puja Rituals for Today (Puja Vidhi)

• After the morning bath, meditate on Lord Vishnu and take a resolution (Sankalpa) for the fast.

• If possible, go to an Amla tree and clean the area around it.

• Offer water to the roots of the tree and light incense and a lamp (Diya).

• Offer Roli, Akshat (sacred rice), and flowers to the Amla tree and perform 7 or 11 circumambulations (Parikrama).

• Donating Amla and consuming it today is considered extremely auspicious.

4. The Conjunction of Rangbharni Ekadashi

Today, Rangbharni Ekadashi is also being celebrated in Kashi and Braj. While the 'Gauna' festival of Baba Vishwanath is celebrated in Varanasi, today also marks the formal commencement of the Holi of colors (Rang-Gulal) at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan.