Amla Tree In the Month of Karthika / Karthika Masam
The popular belief is that during the Kartik month gods and sages reside on the Amla Tree. Therefore worshipping Amla during the period can help in destroying sins and in fulfilling wishes.
The Puranas also equate Amla Tree with Goddess Lakshmi.
Amla is also known as Dhatri, and thus the worship is essentially for prosperity and auspiciousness.The Amla fruit ripens during the period and therefore it is also a thanksgiving to Nature. The medicinal and therapeutic value of Amala is very famous and is used in India for various medicinal purposes especially in Ayurveda.
Kartik Shukla Paksha Navami has a significant place in Hindu culture and is considered to be a sacred date. Donating gold, clothes, etc. is said to be very auspicious on this day. The priests can save the observer from the major sins like cow killing, murder, etc. Charaka Samhita has expressed its importance. According to which, on Kartik Shukla Navami day saint chayawan took Amla and was blessed to be a weed.
Amla is used as a primary ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicine. The lemony part removes acidity, and sweet portion disaffects ulcers, and the bitter part cures a cough. It’s utilitarian purpose accords an important status in the various scriptures at par with Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara.
On this occasion, Lord Vishnu is bathed in Amla paste water by the Habisha or women who observe the Kartika Vrata or fasting. They cook the offering to the Lord under an Amla tree and chant the name of God while moving around the tree. Protection of nature and compassion for fellow beings is the significance of this festival.
