Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Today is Amalki Ekadashi

In Hinduism it is believed that One Universal Spirit pervades all animate or inanimate things. God the Omnipresent dwells in everything and everything is in him. So trees or beasts, rivers or deities are all worshipped. It is this conception of God or Reality that underlies the worship of trees.

India has been and is an agricultural country, and the vital role of the trees in its life is all too evident. Most festivals and rituals in India therefore are closely connected to the seasonal and harvesting cycles.

One such day is the Amalka Ekadashi. On Amalka Ekadashi day the Amla tree (Emblica Officinalis) is worshipped. It is believed that Hari himself resides in this tree.

This day is observed on the eleventh day(ekadashi) of the waxing moon (shuklpaksh) of Phalgun.

After the morning ablutions, Amalaka tree is ceremonially bathed and watered, and then worshipped. A fast is observed on this day and Brahmins are given gifts. It is believed that from the piety observed on this day flows happiness, prosperity and beatitude.

This day also marks the beginning of Holi festival.