Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The Story of the Sinful Hunter and Prince Vasuratha
Amalaki Ekadashi is one of the most sacred fasts dedicated to Vishnu. The glory of this Ekadashi is described in ancient scriptures through a powerful story narrated by Sutaji to eighty-eight thousand sages. This divine katha explains how even a sinful hunter attained salvation through the power of Amalaki Ekadashi vrat.
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Beginning of the Sacred Dialogue
Addressing the eighty-eight thousand sages, Sutaji said:
“In ancient times, the great king Mandhata humbly asked Maharishi Vashishtha —
‘O revered sage! If you are pleased with me, please tell me about such a fast which can bring the highest benefit and ultimate liberation.’”
Maharishi Vashishtha replied:
“O King! The fast of Amalaki Ekadashi is the greatest among all Ekadashis. It destroys all sins and grants salvation.”
King Mandhata then requested:
“O great sage! How did this Ekadashi originate? What is the proper method of observing this fast? Kindly narrate the complete story in detail.”
Origin and Importance of Amalaki Ekadashi
Maharishi Vashishtha explained:
- This fast is observed in the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month.
- The merit of observing this vrat equals the donation of one thousand cows.
- The sacred Gooseberry (Amalaki) originated from the mouth of Lord Vishnu.
- Worship of the Amla tree removes all sins.
He then narrated the ancient legend associated with this Ekadashi.
The Kingdom of King Chaitra Ratha
In ancient times, there was a prosperous city named Vedic. People of all four varnas — Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra — lived there happily. The chanting of Vedas echoed throughout the city.
The Chandravanshi king Chaitra Ratha ruled that kingdom. He was learned, religious, and just. No one in his kingdom was poor or miserable. All citizens were devotees of Lord Vishnu and observed every Ekadashi with devotion.
Observance of Amalaki Ekadashi
When Amalaki Ekadashi of Phalguna Shukla Paksha arrived:
- The king and his entire kingdom observed the fast.
- They gathered in the temple.
- A sacred Kalasha was installed.
- Worship of the Dhatri (Amla tree) was performed with incense, lamps, Naivedya, ornaments, and golden umbrella.
They prayed:
“O Dhatri! You are born from Brahma. You are the destroyer of sins. O sacred tree honored by Shri Ramchandra, please remove all our sins.”
That night, everyone kept vigil (Jagrana) in devotion.
The Sinful Hunter’s Transformation
At that time, a sinful bird hunter arrived near the temple. He sustained his family through violence and was distressed by hunger and thirst.
Seeking shelter and food, he sat quietly in a corner of the temple.
While sitting there, he:
- Listened to the Ekadashi Mahatmya
- Heard stories of Lord Vishnu
- Stayed awake throughout the night along with devotees
Though unintentionally, he observed the fast and vigil of Amalaki Ekadashi.
After some time, the hunter died. Because of his violent deeds, he was destined for hell. However, due to the merit of Amalaki Ekadashi, he was reborn as the son of King Viduratha and named Vasuratha.
Prince Vasuratha – The Blessed Rebirth
Vasuratha grew into a powerful and virtuous king:
- He ruled ten thousand villages.
- He commanded a strong Chaturangini army.
- He was radiant like the Sun and forgiving like Mother Earth.
- He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and generous in charity.
The Divine Protection in the Forest
Once, King Vasuratha went hunting and lost his way in a dense forest. Exhausted, he slept under a tree.
Suddenly, hill bandits surrounded him shouting, “Kill him!”
They attacked him with weapons. But astonishingly:
- Their weapons turned into flowers upon touching his body.
- The weapons rebounded and injured the bandits themselves.
At that moment, a divine Goddess emerged from the king’s body.
She was radiant, adorned with jewels, and fierce with anger. Within moments, she destroyed all the bandits.
When the king awoke and saw the dead bandits, he wondered who protected him.
A divine voice from the sky proclaimed:
“O King! Who else can protect you except Lord Vishnu?”
Hearing this, the king bowed in gratitude to Lord Vishnu and returned to his kingdom.
The Secret Behind This Protection
Maharishi Vashishtha concluded:
“O King! This divine protection was the result of observing Amalaki Ekadashi in his previous birth as the hunter. Even a single fast of Amalaki Ekadashi makes a person successful in all endeavors and ultimately grants Vaikuntha.”
Katha-Saar (Summary)
- The power of Lord Vishnu protects devotees from all dangers.
- Even accidental observance of Amalaki Ekadashi grants immense merit.
- The vrat has the power to destroy sins and grant liberation.
- Through this power, Lord Vishnu defeated demons like Madhu-Kaitabha and Mura.
Conclusion
The story of the sinful hunter and Prince Vasuratha teaches that sincere devotion — even once — can transform destiny. Amalaki Ekadashi vrat is powerful enough to cleanse sins, provide divine protection, and grant liberation.
By observing this sacred fast with faith, one can receive the eternal blessings of Lord Vishnu and ultimately attain Vaikuntha Dham.
