Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi
Amalaki Ekadashi, also known as Amla Ekadashi, falls on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in the month of Phalguna. In 2026, this auspicious day falls on Friday, February 27.
This Ekadashi derives its name from the Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry) tree, which is considered sacred in Hinduism. The Amla tree is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu himself. According to the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Vishnu once appeared in the form of an Amla tree to bless his devotees.
It is believed that observing Amalaki Ekadashi vrat with devotion washes away all sins, including those accumulated over many lifetimes. The merit earned is said to be equivalent to donating a thousand cows (Go-daan), which is considered one of the highest forms of charity in Hindu tradition.
Amalaki Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Dashami - Day Before (Feb 26)
Eat a single Sattvic meal in the afternoon. Avoid onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Mentally prepare for the fast.
Ekadashi Day (Feb 27) - Morning
Wake up before sunrise, bathe, and take the vrat sankalp. Visit the temple for Mangla Aarti. Offer water and prayers at the base of an Amla tree.
Ekadashi Day (Feb 27) - Puja
Perform puja of the Amla tree with turmeric, kumkum, flowers, incense, and a diya. Circumambulate the tree 7 times. Chant Lord Vishnu mantras or "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
Ekadashi Night
Stay awake through the night (jagran) singing bhajans and kirtans. At Khatu Shyam Mandir, special all-night bhajan sessions are held on this occasion.
Dwadashi - Parana (Feb 28)
Break the fast on Dwadashi morning after sunrise during the prescribed Parana time. Begin with Amla fruit or water, followed by a light sattvic meal.
Amalaki Ekadashi at Khatu Shyam Mandir
At Shri Khatu Shyam Mandir, Amalaki Ekadashi is celebrated with great devotion. The temple witnesses a significant influx of devotees who come to observe the vrat and seek blessings of Khatu Shyam Ji (Barbarik).
Special Aarti Timings
Extended Mangla Aarti at 4:30 AM and special Sandhya Aarti. View all aarti timings →
Night Bhajan Session
All-night devotional bhajan and kirtan session from 9 PM to 4 AM in the temple premises.
Holy Dip
Devotees take a holy dip at Shyam Kund before visiting the temple.
Special Bhog
Elaborate bhog prepared with Amla and seasonal fruits offered to the deity and distributed as prasad.
Fasting Rules for Amalaki Ekadashi
✅ What to Eat During the Fast
- • Fruits (especially Amla), milk, curd, dry fruits
- • Sabudana (tapioca), Singhara (water chestnut) flour preparations
- • Potatoes, sweet potatoes, rock salt (sendha namak)
- • Water, coconut water, fruit juices
❌ What to Avoid
- • All grains — rice, wheat, barley, millet
- • Lentils, beans, and pulses
- • Onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food
- • Regular salt (use rock salt instead)