Vaikunta Ekadashi Vrat: Importance, Rituals & Date

The Opening Of Vishnu’s Heavenly Abode

Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Mukkoti or Swarga Vathil Ekadashi is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It is associated with Lord Vishnu's heavenly abode, Vaikuntha. This festival is observed on the 11th lunar day of the waxing lunar fortnight of the solar month of Dhanu. With that, let’s get going to explore more about this sacred festival.

What is Vaikuntha Ekadashi?

'Vaikuntha' refers to Lord Vishnu's celestial abode, 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 also has great significance in Hinduism because it was on this day that the amrit (nectar) emerged from the churning ocean (Samudra Munthan).

Importance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Hinduism

The significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. People believe that on this auspicious day, the gates of Vaikuntha or Lord Vishnu’s abode or home, are open. People observe fast on this day to ask for 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 gather together in the Vishnu temple to seek his blessings.

Historical Significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi

The story of Vaikuntha is fascinating, and this will help you to understand how the celebration of this ekadashi began. So, the dieties could not tolerate the dictatorship of the Demon Muran and sought help from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva narrated the situation to Lord Vishnu and told him 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 to finish the demon Muran. Lord Vishnu 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 out of him and saved him. However, 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.

Celebration of Vaikuntha Ekadashi

These are some of the common practices followed during the day of Vakuntha Ekadashi.

The festival of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Vaishnava temples or Lord Vishnu Temples.

Taking a bath and performing Meditation and Sankalpa is a great way to connect with divine lords.

On this day, Lord Vishnu is offered with tulsi leaves and offers Prasad 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 Bhagwad Gita.

On this day, the 'Gates of Heaven' are believed to open, so people who die on this day are believed to go to Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

Rules for Vaikuntha Ekadashi Vrat

The auspicious day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed with fasting and 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 restrict from consuming grains, pulses, beans or any other non-vegetarian food.

During the fast, physical and mental purity are vital. 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.

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's abode, 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 abode 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 enthusiasm and grandeur.