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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.
"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).
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.
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.
These are some of the common practices followed during the day of Vakuntha Ekadashi.
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:
Devotional activities such as puja, charity, Daan Pradaan, and singing religious songs must be performed on this day.