Phalguna (February–March)
Ekadashi In The Month Phalguna (February–March)
🌙 Vijaya Ekadashi – Krishna Paksha (Phalguna Month)
Vijaya Ekadashi falls during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) in the month of Phalguna (February–March).
As its name suggests, “Vijaya” means Victory — this Ekadashi is believed to bestow success in all endeavors, remove obstacles, and ensure spiritual as well as worldly triumph.
It is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, where Lord Rama Himself observed this Ekadashi before crossing the ocean to reach Lanka. Hence, it is also regarded as the Ekadashi of Victory and Divine Grace.
🕉️ Legend of Vijaya Ekadashi
Once, King Yudhishthira asked Lord Krishna to describe the glory of this Ekadashi. The Lord narrated a story from the Skanda Purana.
When Lord Rama, along with Lakshmana and the Vanara army, was preparing to cross the ocean to reach Lanka, He sought the blessings of Sage Bakadalbhya. The sage advised Rama to observe the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat to gain success and divine support in His mission.
Under the sage’s guidance, Rama:
- Made an altar (mandap) near the sea with seven kinds of grains.
- Installed an image of Lord Vishnu on it.
- Observed a strict fast on the day of Vijaya Ekadashi, worshipping Lord Vishnu with devotion, flowers, and incense.
- Stayed awake all night in prayers and bhajans.
The next morning, after offering food and charity to Brahmins and the needy, Rama broke His fast.
Soon after, the sea god blessed Him, and a bridge (Rama Setu) was miraculously formed over the ocean — allowing Rama’s army to cross and ultimately win victory over Ravana.
Hence, it is said that whoever observes Vijaya Ekadashi with sincerity attains victory in all righteous undertakings.
🌺 Significance of Vijaya Ekadashi
- Brings victory (Vijaya) in all aspects of life — spiritual, moral, and worldly.
- Removes past karma, sins, and misfortunes.
- Provides divine protection from enemies and obstacles.
- Bestows peace, prosperity, and courage.
- Helps devotees gain success in righteous missions, just as Lord Rama did.
- Grants moksha (liberation) to those who follow it with full faith.
🪔 Rituals and Observances
1. Dashami (Day Before Ekadashi)
- Eat a single meal before sunset, avoiding grains and non-vegetarian food.
- Maintain purity in thought and conduct.
2. Ekadashi (Main Day of the Fast)
- Wake up early in Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise).
- Take a holy bath, preferably in a river or with a few sesame seeds in the water.
- Prepare an altar (mandap) with seven grains (wheat, barley, rice, corn, chickpea, black gram, and moong).
- Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu on it.
- Worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, sandalwood, ghee lamp, and flowers.
- Observe a fast (vrat) — complete or partial, depending on health and capacity.
- Spend the day in bhajans, meditation, and Vishnu katha.
- Stay awake all night chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or reading the Vishnu Sahasranama.
3. Dwadashi (Breaking the Fast)
- The next morning, perform Vishnu puja and offer charity to the poor, cows, or Brahmins.
- Only after giving food in charity should you break your fast (parana).
📜 Scriptural Reference
In the Skanda Purana, Lord Krishna says:
“O King, one who observes Vijaya Ekadashi with full faith will achieve success in all undertakings, destroy all sins, and attain My supreme abode.”
It is also said that the merit of observing Vijaya Ekadashi equals performing thousands of Ashwamedha and Rajasuya Yajnas.
🌿 Spiritual Meaning
The deeper symbolism of Vijaya Ekadashi lies in conquering the inner enemies — lust, anger, greed, pride, and ignorance.
True victory (Vijaya) is achieved when the soul triumphs over ego and connects with the divine essence within.
It reminds us that with devotion, purity, and surrender to God, even the greatest challenges can be overcome — just as Lord Rama attained victory through faith and righteousness.
✨ Essence of Vijaya Ekadashi
Symbolizes faith, courage, and righteousness leading to triumph.
A day for spiritual strength and success.
Brings victory over difficulties and evil forces.
Purifies the mind and heart.
Connects the devotee to Lord Vishnu’s divine power.
🌳 Amalaki Ekadashi – Shukla Paksha (Phalguna Month)
Amalaki Ekadashi, also known as Amla Ekadashi, falls in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of Phalguna (February–March).
It is one of the most sacred and auspicious Ekadashis, dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and the Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) tree, which is revered in Hinduism as a divine manifestation of purity and healing.
This Ekadashi is said to destroy all sins, enhance longevity, and bring prosperity and good health.
🌿 Mythological Significance of Amalaki Ekadashi
The story of this Ekadashi is described in the Brahmanda Purana.
Once, King Chitraratha, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, ruled over a prosperous kingdom called Vaidhisha. His people lived virtuous lives, following dharma and worshipping Vishnu regularly.
During the Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi, the king and his citizens performed a grand ritual under an Amalaki tree, offering prayers, lighting lamps, and fasting with deep devotion.
That night, a demon named Vayasura attacked the city, intending to destroy the holy gathering. However, as he approached, the divine energy emanating from the Amalaki tree and the Lord Vishnu idol incinerated the demon instantly.
In the morning, the people were astonished to see the demon’s ashes. The divine voice of Lord Vishnu echoed through the sky, saying:
“By observing the Amalaki Ekadashi fast with devotion, all sins are destroyed, enemies are defeated, and one attains My eternal abode.”
Since then, devotees have observed this Ekadashi with reverence, worshipping the Amalaki tree as the embodiment of Vishnu’s divine energy.
🍃 Spiritual Importance of the Amalaki Tree
The Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is considered sacred in Hinduism — it is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
It symbolizes health, vitality, and purity. Worshipping it on this day bestows spiritual merit (punya), good fortune, and protection from illness.
In Ayurveda, Amla is known for its exceptional healing properties — it purifies the body, enhances immunity, and rejuvenates the mind and soul. Thus, its presence in this Ekadashi signifies both spiritual and physical cleansing.
🪔 Rituals and Observances
1. Dashami (Day Before Ekadashi)
- Eat only sattvik food before sunset.
- Avoid grains, beans, onion, garlic, and alcohol.
- Prepare for fasting with a calm and devotional mindset.
2. Ekadashi (Main Day of the Fast)
- Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath, preferably using water mixed with Tulsi leaves.
- Set up a sacred altar near an Amalaki tree, or if not possible, place an Amla fruit in a clean vessel.
- Install an image of Lord Vishnu and worship Him along with the Amla tree using:
- Flowers, sandalwood, lamp (diya), Tulsi leaves, and incense.
- Offer Amla fruits, sweets, and Naivedya to the Lord.
- Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and other Vishnu mantras.
- Observe a complete fast (Nirjala) or take fruits and milk (Phalahar).
- Stay awake through the night, singing bhajans and chanting Lord Vishnu’s name.
3. Dwadashi (Breaking the Fast)
- Offer food and donations to Brahmins or the poor.
- Feed cows, birds, or devotees.
- Break the fast (Parana) with Amla fruit or prasadam after prayers.
📜 Scriptural Reference
In the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Krishna says to Yudhishthira:
“He who observes Amalaki Ekadashi attains freedom from sin, enjoys good fortune, and ultimately reaches My divine abode, Vaikuntha.”
It is also said that:
“A person who worships the Amla tree on this day gains the fruit of performing countless sacrifices and charities.”
🌸 Benefits of Observing Amalaki Ekadashi
- Removes all forms of sin and negativity.
- Brings good health, wealth, and happiness.
- Grants protection from enemies and evil influences.
- Ensures spiritual progress and divine blessings.
- Bestows long life and peace of mind.
- Helps one attain moksha (liberation).
🌼 Spiritual Essence
Amalaki Ekadashi symbolizes the harmony of nature and divinity.
The Amalaki tree, representing purity and healing, stands as a reminder that the divine resides in every aspect of nature.
By fasting, meditating, and offering devotion to Lord Vishnu on this day, devotees cleanse both body and soul, attaining inner balance and divine grace.
✨ Essence of Amalaki Ekadashi
Leads to victory over sin and attainment of Vaikuntha (heavenly abode).
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the sacred Amla tree.
Brings purity, prosperity, and spiritual health.
Promotes harmony between humans and nature.
