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Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated with great devotion and fervour by Hindus all over the world. This festival is observed on the eleventh day of the Hindu lunar month of Margashirsha, which typically falls in December or January.
The word 'Vaikuntha' refers to the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, and 'Ekadashi' means the eleventh day of the lunar month. Vaikuntha Ekadashi, therefore, symbolises the path to liberation and the attainment of moksha, which is the ultimate goal of 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 who observe fast on this day, repent for their sins, and perform puja, are granted entry and salvation.
The occasion of Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with fasting, performing puja, and singing devotional songs. The fast is broken on the following day, Dwadashi, which is considered to be highly auspicious. In addition to its religious significance, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also seen as a symbol of hope, peace, and positivity. It is a time to reflect on one's deeds and to seek redemption for past misdeeds. It is a time to come closer to one's inner self and to seek divine blessings for peace and happiness.
The above reading must have familiarised you with the origin of this festival, lets get deeper into its enchanting history. The history behind celebrating Vaikuntha Ekadashi is rooted in Hindu mythology and spirituality. According to Hindu scriptures, the festival of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity.
The Vaikunta Ekadasi story goes that once, a devotee of Lord Vishnu named Hrisikesha was disturbed by the cycle of birth and death and sought refuge in the Lord. Lord Vishnu said to him that by observing the holy fast of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, one can make place for themselves in Vaikuntha, and liberate themselves from the cycle of birth and death. Since then, Vaikuntha Ekadashi has been celebrated as a day of fasting and devotion, with the belief that observing the fast and performing puja to Lord Vishnu will lead to liberation and the attainment of moksha. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and fervour by Hindus all over the world.
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023 will occur on Monday, January 2.
Ekadashi timings:
Start: Ekadashi time runs from 7:11 PM on January 1
End: Vaikuntha ekadashi ends at 8:23 PM on January 2.
The festival of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated in various ways, depending on the region and the personal beliefs and practices of the individual. However, some of the common practices during the festival include the following:
In conclusion, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a day of fasting, puja, devotional singing, and charity. It is celebrated with great devotion and fervour by Hindus worldwide and symbolises the path to liberation and the attainment of moksha. It is a time to reflect on one's deeds and to seek divine blessings for peace and happiness.
The auspicious day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed with fasting and remembering the grace of God. The fast is believed to purify the body and the mind and to bring one closer to the divine. Here are some of the common Vaikunta Ekadashi fasting rules:
It is important to note that the rules of fasting may vary depending on the personal beliefs and practices of the individual. Some individuals may have more strict or lenient rules, while others may not observe the fast. The important thing is to follow the rules that align with one's personal beliefs and practices and to observe the fast with devotion and a pure heart.