Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry
Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja said, “O Lord Kṛṣṇa, O Supreme Lord, O protector of the entire universe, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Phālguna (February–March). Kindly describe to me the process of observing it, its glories, and the result one attains by following this sacred day.”
Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Reply
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa replied, “O lion among kings, I shall now narrate to you about the Ekadasi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Phālguna. This Ekadasi is known as Āmalakī Ekadasi. By observing this sacred day, one attains freedom from all sins, great merit, and ultimately reaches My eternal abode.
This day is so auspicious that even the most sinful person, if he observes it faithfully, becomes purified. The Āmalakī tree (Indian gooseberry tree) is very dear to Me, and this Ekadasi is observed in connection with its worship.”
The Importance of Āmalakī Tree
Lord Kṛṣṇa continued, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, the Āmalakī tree is considered a manifestation of Myself. Whoever worships it on this day attains the merit of performing all kinds of sacrifices and austerities.
This Ekadasi destroys all sins and fulfills all desires. By fasting and remaining awake on this day, one attains liberation and pure devotion to Me. Now hear from Me the ancient history that illustrates the glories of this sacred Ekadasi.”
The Story of King Chitraratha
“In ancient times, in a city called Vaidisa, there ruled a righteous and noble king named Chitraratha. He was a great devotee of Lord Viṣṇu and ruled his kingdom according to the principles of dharma. His citizens were virtuous, charitable, and devoted to Lord Hari.
Once, in the month of Phālguna, when the bright fortnight approached, the king, along with his subjects, decided to observe the sacred vow of Āmalakī Ekadasi. They performed a grand festival centered around the worship of the Āmalakī tree and Lord Viṣṇu.”
The Observance of the Festival
“The king and his citizens rose early in the morning, bathed in the sacred river, and assembled in a beautiful grove where the Āmalakī trees grew. They installed a golden pot at the root of one tree, filled it with water, and decorated it with sandal paste, flowers, and fresh leaves.
Then they placed Lord Viṣṇu’s deity upon the pot and offered prayers, incense, lamps, and fruits. The Āmalakī tree itself was worshiped as a manifestation of Lord Viṣṇu, and the brāhmaṇas chanted sacred hymns glorifying the Lord.
Everyone observed fasting that day, abstaining completely from grains and beans, and they spent the night awake, singing the holy names of the Lord and narrating His pastimes. The entire forest shone with the light of countless lamps and the sound of devotional music.”
The Appearance of a Mysterious Guest
“During the night, when the king and his people were engaged in devotional songs and stories, a mysterious brāhmaṇa appeared among them. He was radiant, young, and effulgent like the sun. None knew from where he had come. His eyes were bright, his voice melodious, and his presence filled everyone’s heart with peace.
The king respectfully greeted him and said, ‘O learned one, welcome! Please sit and join our festival. Tell us who you are and from where you have come.’
The brāhmaṇa smiled gently and said, ‘I am a traveler wandering through many lands. Seeing your wonderful festival of devotion, I have come here to witness the worship of the Āmalakī tree and Lord Viṣṇu. Please allow Me to stay among you tonight.’
The king joyfully agreed, and the brāhmaṇa joined in the kīrtana and the celebration until morning.”
The Miracle in the Morning
“When dawn broke, the people prepared to conclude their observance. They bathed again, worshiped the Lord, and offered food to the brāhmaṇas and the poor. But when they looked around for the mysterious guest, He was nowhere to be found.
At that very moment, a celestial voice from the sky proclaimed, ‘O King Chitraratha, the brāhmaṇa who visited you last night was none other than Lord Viṣṇu Himself, who came to bless you and your people for your pure devotion.’
Hearing this divine voice, everyone was filled with awe and joy. The king fell to the ground offering prostrated obeisances and cried tears of gratitude.”
Liberation and Blessings
“From that day forward, the king and his citizens became even more devoted to Lord Viṣṇu. Their lives became peaceful and prosperous. When the time came for King Chitraratha to leave this world, Lord Viṣṇu’s messengers appeared and took his soul to the spiritual world.
By the power of observing Āmalakī Ekadasi, the king and all his people attained liberation and eternal service to Lord Hari.”
The Glories of Observing Āmalakī Ekadasi
Lord Kṛṣṇa said, “O Yudhiṣṭhira, whoever observes this Ekadasi with faith and devotion attains great merit. The merit gained by worshiping the Āmalakī tree and Lord Viṣṇu on this day is greater than that obtained by performing one hundred fire sacrifices or giving a thousand cows in charity.
This Ekadasi grants long life, prosperity, knowledge, and devotion to Me. One who observes it even once in his lifetime will never see the abode of Yamarāja, the god of death.
Even if one hears or recites the glories of this sacred day, all sins are destroyed and one attains My eternal abode.”
Phala-śruti (Result of Observance)
“O best of kings, observing Āmalakī Ekadasi bestows liberation, devotion, and freedom from all sins. Whoever worships the Āmalakī tree and Lord Viṣṇu on this day becomes beloved to the Lord. Even the ancestors of such a devotee are delivered from suffering and attain higher realms.
Therefore, O Yudhiṣṭhira, everyone—whether rich or poor, learned or simple—should observe this sacred Ekadasi with faith. It is the destroyer of sins, the giver of all happiness, and the path to My eternal service.”
Origin of the Story
This narration of Āmalakī Ekadasi is found in the Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa and the Padma Purāṇa, where Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira about the deliverance of King Chitraratha and his citizens. Observance of this Ekadasi, centered around the worship of the Āmalakī tree and Lord Viṣṇu, bestows divine protection, prosperity, and ultimate liberation.
