Significance and Traditions of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi”: The Gateway to Salvation

“Vaikuntha Ekadashi” occurs during the Dhanur solar month in the Hindu calendar, corresponding to Margazhi in the Tamil calendar. This sacred day is observed on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day of the waxing moon. Depending on the solar calendar, “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” may occur in either the Margashirsha or Pausha month of the Hindu lunar calendar.

In the Gregorian calendar, the occurrence of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” varies. There may be none, one, or even two “Vaikuntha Ekadashis” in a single year, depending on the alignment of lunar cycles with the solar calendar

This year, we are celebrating “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” on the 10th of January ‘25.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” in the year ‘25 is as follows:

• Vaikuntha Ekadashi on Friday, 10th of January ‘25
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 12:22 a.m. on 9th of January ‘25
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 10:19 a.m. on 10th of January ‘25

Spiritual Benefits of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi”:

“Vaikuntha Ekadashi”, also called “Mukkoti Ekadashi”, is a day of immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu. On this day, it is believed that the gates of Vaikuntha—the celestial abode of Vishnu—are opened. Devotees who fast and offer prayers are said to attain salvation (moksha) and divine blessings.

This auspicious occasion holds special importance at prominent Vishnu temples like the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. In Kerala, “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” is observed as “Swarga Vathil Ekadashi.”

Fasting and Rituals on “Vaikuntha Ekadashi”:

Fasting on “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” is considered equivalent to fasting on all 23 other Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. Devotees fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi (the following day). The fast is strictly observed without consuming rice, and many devotees engage in prayers, chanting (japa), and meditation (dhyana) throughout the day and night. Observing these practices is believed to cleanse sins and bring devotees closer to Vishnu’s divine grace.

Breaking the fast, known as Parana, should be done after sunrise on Dwadashi and within its tithi (lunar phase). It is essential to avoid breaking the fast during Hari Vasara, the first quarter of Dwadashi.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “Parana” timings for “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” in the year ‘25 are as follows:

• On 11th Jan, Parana Time - 07:09 a.m. to 08:21 a.m.
• On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 08:21 a.m.

Legends Behind “Vaikuntha Ekadashi”:

The origins of Vaikuntha Ekadashi are deeply rooted in Hindu texts, as recounted in the Padma Purana:

1. The story of Murāsura and Ekadashi Devi:

Murāsura, a demon, terrorized the devas with his immense power. Seeking help, the devas approached Vishnu, who battled the demon tirelessly. Vishnu eventually retreated to the Simhavati cave near Badarikashrama, where the demon pursued him. From his divine energy, Vishnu manifested Yogamaya, a goddess who destroyed Murāsura. Vishnu named her Ekadashi and decreed that those who fast and worship on this day would be freed from their sins and attain Vaikuntha.

2. King Ambarisha and Sage Durvasa:

Another popular legend features King Ambarisha, a devout follower of Vishnu, who observed rigorous Ekadashi fasts. When Sage Durvasa visited him, the king faced a dilemma: breaking his fast would insult the sage, but delaying it would nullify its spiritual merit. Ambarisha chose to sip water, symbolically breaking his fast. Durvasa, angered, cursed him, but Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra protected the king. Eventually, the sage realized his folly and sought forgiveness.

3. Vaikuntha Dvaram (Celestial Gate):

According to yet another legend, Vishnu allowed two asuras to enter Vaikuntha, granting them a boon that whoever observed “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” and passed through the symbolic gate (Vaikuntha Dvaram) would also attain his celestial abode. Today, many Vishnu temples construct a temporary Vaikuntha Dvaram for devotees to walk through as part of the celebrations.

Celebrations Across India:

“Vaikuntha Ekadashi” is celebrated with grandeur in Vishnu temples, especially at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

In Srirangam, the celebrations span 20 days and are divided into two parts: Pagal Pathu (10 days of daytime festivities) and Ira Pathu (10 days of nighttime festivities). On “Vaikuntha Ekadashi", the processional idol Namperumal is adorned with a diamond armor and brought through the Paramapada Vasal (the Vaikuntha gate), which is opened only on this day. Devotees believe that walking through this gate leads to Vaikuntha.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati

The Vaikuntha Dvaram at Tirumala encircles the sanctum sanctorum and is opened exclusively on this occasion. Pilgrims flock in large numbers, as passing through this gateway is believed to guarantee entry to Vaikuntha. Devotional hymns, prayers, and special pujas mark the celebrations.

Customs and Practices of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi”:

Devotees observe complete fasting, abstaining from rice and certain foods. Many keep vigil throughout the night, chanting Vishnu’s names and participating in temple rituals. The following day, they consume a nutritious meal prepared to replenish their energy.

Vaishnavas also recite sacred texts like the Vaikuntha Gadyam and engage in Naalayira Divya Prabandham hymns. Traditional events such as Oonjal Seva (swing pooja) and yagnas are also organized.

A Day of Spiritual Renewal:

“Vaikuntha Ekadashi” is not merely a day of fasting but an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal. By observing the rituals and seeking Vishnu’s blessings, devotees aspire to transcend the material world and attain eternal bliss in Vaikuntha.

Conclusion:

Through our articles, we at Ekohumm seek to spread the profound wisdom of Sanatan Dharma. Ekadashi Vrat goes beyond fasting; it is a spiritual practice that helps elevate one's consciousness, cultivate inner discipline, and deepen one's love and devotion to God. This sacred day provides a chance for introspection, self-purification, and spiritual renewal.

Regardless of how one chooses to observe the fast—be it with strict adherence or flexible adjustments, this day serves as a sacred time for prayer, introspection, and reconnecting with the divine.