🌺 Vaikuntha Ekadashi Puja – Gateway to Lord Vishnu’s Abode
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the most sacred Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) in the month of Margashirsha or Pausha (December–January).
This day is also known as:
- Mukkoti Ekadashi in South India
- Swargavathil Ekadashi in Kerala
- Vaikuntha Dwara Ekadashi, symbolizing the opening of the gates of Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.
✨ Significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi
- According to Padma Purana, those who observe fast and perform puja on this day are believed to be granted entry to Vaikuntha, bypassing the cycle of rebirth.
- It is said that even the gods and sages wait for this day to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
- It is considered as equivalent to fasting on all 24 Ekadashis of the year.
🛕 Vaikuntha Ekadashi Puja Rituals
🌄 1. Early Morning Rituals
- Devotees wake up before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean or new clothes.
- Homes and temples are cleaned and decorated.
🪔 2. Fasting (Upavasa)
- Strict fasting is observed from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi (next day).
- Nirjala (without water) or Phalahar (fruits and milk only) fasts are common.
- The fast is broken on Dwadashi after feeding a Brahmin or poor person.
🙏 3. Vishnu Puja
- Devotees worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, flowers, incense, and lamps.
- Chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Ashtottaram, or Bhagavad Gita verses is recommended.
- Special offering: Pongal, Payasam (sweet rice pudding), fruits, ghee lamps.
🚪 4. Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan
- In Vishnu temples, a special “Vaikuntha Dwaram” (heavenly gate) is opened.
- Devotees walk through this symbolic gate, representing entry to Vaikuntha.
- Grand celebrations take place in temples like Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Srirangam (Tamil Nadu), and Bhadrachalam.
📜 Mantras for Worship
- Om Namo Narayanaya – Universal Vishnu mantra
- Vishnu Sahasranamam – Thousand names of Vishnu
- Govinda Hari Gopal Hare – Bhajans and Kirtans
📚 Mythological Story
According to legend, the demon Muran was terrorizing the gods. Lord Vishnu fought with him but rested in a cave. A divine female energy emerged from Vishnu and slew the demon. Pleased, Vishnu named her Ekadashi and granted her a boon — whoever fasts on this day would be freed from all sins and attain Vaikuntha.
🌍 Regional Observances
- South India: Major event in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, attracting lakhs of devotees.
- Kerala: Observed with traditional rituals in Guruvayur Temple.
- North India: Vishnu temples organize Jagran, bhajans, and Kirtans throughout the night.
🧘 Spiritual Message
Vaikuntha Ekadashi emphasizes:
- Detachment from material desires
- Control over senses and ego
- Pure devotion to Lord Vishnu
- The importance of self-discipline and spiritual purification
