Vaikunta Ekadasi

 Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi 

 Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important festival dedicated to Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu in the Tamil month of Margazhi. Telugu Month of Dhanur (December-January).

 Vaikunda Ekadesi festival is of great significance at allmost all South Indian temples like

 Tirupati Balaji Temple,

 Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple and at the

 Bhadrachalam Temple.

 In Kerala, it is known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi.

 Next Vaikunta Ekadasi date is January 1, 2015. In United States, Vaikunta Ekadasi is on December 31.

 The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Bhagvan Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi/Dhanur Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’ (heaven).

 Like all Ekadasi days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil the whole night. Some people indulge in meditation, Japa and singing of Hari Kirtan.

 Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.

 It is widely believed that the gates to the heaven open - the Gate of Vaikuntha - on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day.
Denotingly The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day in the vaishnava temples .

 This door is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum or the Garbha Gruha of the Lord leading directly to the Central Diety..

 Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.

Generally Vaikunta Ekadasi occurs in December or early January.