The Opening Of Vishnu’s Sacred Home: Vaikuntha

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is associated with Lord Vishnu's divine home, Vaikuntha. This festival is observed on the 11th lunar day of the waxing lunar fortnight of the solar month of Dhanu.

Vaikunta Ekadashi 2026 Date and Timings

If you wish to know “when is Vaikunta Ekadashi 2026?”, we have the 2026 date and tithi timings below! These are as follows:

  • Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date: 20th December 2026, Sunday
  • Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 10:09 PM on Dec 19, 2026
  • Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 08:14 PM on Dec 20, 2026

Moreover, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated twice a year, once during the Paush month (December-January) and again in Margashirsha (November-December).

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What is Vaikunta Ekadashi?

"Vaikuntha" refers to Lord Vishnu's home, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, and "Ekadashi" is the eleventh day of the lunar month. This special day symbolises the path to liberation and the attainment of moksha.

Moreover, this day is of great significance in Hinduism because it was on this day that Amrit (nectar) emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Munthan).

Mukkoti and Swarga Vathil: The Alternate Names of Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Vaikunta Ekadashi is named Mukkoti or Swarga Vathil because it is believed to be the divine gateway to Vaikuntha, where Vishnu resides.

"Mukkoti" means "three crores," which symbolises the spiritual significance of the day. Observing fast and following the rituals of Vaikuntha ekadashi equals doing 30 million good deeds.

On the other hand, "Swarga Vathil" means the "door to heaven," meaning the path to liberation and peace. Therefore, this day is considered the auspicious time when the gates of Vaikuntha are open for devotees seeking salvation.

What Is The Importance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi?

The significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. On this auspicious day, the gates of Vaikuntha or Lord Vishnu’s home are open.

People observe a fast on this day to seek forgiveness for their sins. Also, by performing puja, devotees are granted salvation and entry into the Vaikuntha.

Moreover, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also seen as a symbol of hope, peace, and positivity. In South India, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated as a significant festival and people gather together in the Vishnu temple to seek his blessings.

What Is The Historical Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi?

The vaikunta ekadasi story is fascinating, and this will help you to understand how the celebration of this ekadashi began. Below is the tale:

The dieties could not tolerate the one-man rule of the Demon Muran and asked for help from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva narrated the situation to Lord Vishnu and told him that all the devas needed his help.

On hearing this, Lord Vishnu went to battle with the demon Muran and realised that Vishnu Ji needed a more powerful weapon. He went back to his cave to make a new weapon.

However, while resting after making a weapon, Muran attacked him on the 11th day of the lunar phase. To this, Lord Vishnu's female energy emerged from him and saved him.

Impressed by her, Lord Vishnu named her Ekadashi and gave her a boon that whoever worships her with dedication will attain moksha. Thus, Lord Vishnu declared this day as Vaikunth Ekadashi.

How Is Vaikunta Ekadashi Celebrated?

These are some common practices followed during the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi.

  • The festival of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Vaishnava temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • Taking a bath and performing meditation and Sankalpa is a great way to connect with the divine lords.
  • On this day, Lord Vishnu is offered tulsi leaves, fruits and sweets.
  • It is an auspicious day to recite Vishnu Puranam, Shri Vishnu Sahasranamam, and Narayan Kavacham.
  • Devotees stay awake the whole night chanting Vishnu mantras and bhajans and reading the Bhagwat Gita.
  • On this day, the 'Gates of Heaven' are open, so people who die on this day are believed to go to Vaikunth.

What Are The Vaikunta Ekadashi Fasting Rules?

The auspicious day of Vaikuntha ekadashi vrat is observed by remembering the grace of God. So, here are some of the common Vaikunta Ekadashi fasting rules:

  • The fast of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed by refraining from food and water for the entire day. However, some individuals may take fruits or milk if they cannot fast for the whole day.
  • One must be restricted from consuming grains, pulses, beans, or other non-vegetarian food.
  • During the fast, physical and mental purity are important. This includes avoiding physical intimacy and negative thoughts, and actions.
  • Vaikuntha Ekadashi's fast should be observed until the following day, Dwadashi. The fast is broken only after performing puja and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
  • Devotional activities such as puja, charity, Daan Pradaan, and singing religious songs must be performed on this day.

Conclusion

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is considered the most sacred of all Ekadashis, marking the opening of the gate to Lord Vishnu's home. Observing the fast and passing through the 'Vaikuntha Dwaram' in temples on this day is believed to cleanse devotees of their sins and ensure they attain Moksha.

Read About Other Important Festivals

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated on the eleventh day of the moon's waxing phase in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (December/January). This day provides a path to the Lord Vishnu’s home, Vaikuntha, and brings the devotee closer to the divine.
The traditions associated with Vaikuntha Ekadashi include fasting, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, and reading the Bhagavata Purana. Devotees also offer Lord Vishnu flowers, incense, and other offerings and perform aarti to seek his blessings.
The fast of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is considered a highly spiritual practice in Hinduism. Observing the fast can help obtain liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death and provide the devotee with a path to the Lord's divine home in Vaikuntha.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi's fast lasts 24 hours, from sunrise to sunset, till the Dwadashi tithi. Some devotees also observe a partial fast, which involves avoiding certain foods or eating only fruits and nuts.
The benefits of observing Vaikuntha Ekadashi include physical, mental, and spiritual purification, a closer connection to the divine, liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and the attainment of moksha.
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati, Mahalakshmi Temple at Gubbi, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam and Rajagopalaswamy Temple at Mannargudi are some of the well-known temples where celebrations take place with great spirit.

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