The
ninth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartika denotes Amla Navami.
Nature has always lured the imaginative contours of our minds and subconciously
this also is seen in our ancient scriptures. The Amla has been given the status
of the divine fruit by Lord Vishnu in the Maha Vishnu Purana.
Amla is used as a major
ingredient in preparation of Ayurvedic medicine. The lemony part removes
acidity, sweet portion diseffects ulcers and the bitter part cures cough. Its
utilitarian pupose accords an important status in the various scriptures at par
with Bramha, 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.
