Vaikunta Ekadasi, Festival of Hindus

Mukkoti Ekadasi or Vaikunta Ekadasi is the Ekadasi that occurs in the Hindu calendar month of Marghazhi or Margasirsa (corresponding to late December - January in English calendar). Vaishnavism (Worship of Lord Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day.

Special prayers, yagnas, discourses and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples across the world on this auspicious day.

Legend

According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikunta Ekadasi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 22 Ekadasis of the (Hindu) year.

Lord opened the gate of Vaikuntam (his abode) for two daemons inspite of they being against the Lord. They also asked for the boon that who ever listens to their story and see the image of Lord coming out of the door (called Dwaram) called Vaikunta Dwaram they reach Vaikuntam as well. Temples all over the India makes a door kind of structure on this day for devotees to pass through that.

According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Lord Vishnu slains demon Mura in the form of a damsel and protects `Devas'. Impressed by the act, Lord Vishnu names her as `Ekadasi' and gives her the boon that those who worship `Ekadasi' on the day of her victory over Mura would reach `Vaikunta' (His abode).

In Mahabaratha, Bhagavad Gita - the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna at the beginning of Kurukshetra War is said to have occurred on this day.

In Srirangam

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations in Srirangam -- foremost of Vaishanvite Shrines, lasts 21 days and is divided into two parts of pagal pathu (morning part) and Ira pathu (night part). Lord Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha is adorned is an armor of diamonds (rathnaangi) and is brought to the Thousand-Pillared Hall from the sanctum sanctorum through the northern gate known as Paramapada Vasal, the gate to the heaven. This gate is opened once in a year, only on the Vaikuntha Ekadasi day.

In Tirumala

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple also has a similar concept. Thirumala has a special entrance called Vaikunta Dwaram that encircles the sanctum sanctorum. The dwaram (passage) is opened only on Vaikunta Ekadasi and it is believed that any person who passes through this `Vaikunta Dwaram' on this particular day attains salvation. The temple witnesses heavy inflow of pilgrims and dignitaries for Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi

The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord 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. It is one of the most auspicious days in Lord Vishnu Temples in South India.

The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.

Vaikunta Ekadasi occurs in December or early January.