Five Things You Must Do On Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a major festival celebrated in Vishnu temples, especially in South India. The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival falls on the day of Ekadashi and commemorates Nammalwar’s attainment of Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. Nammalwar was a great devotee of Vishnu. 

There are some myths about the origin of this day. It is said that Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntha for two demons or asuras, though they were against him. They also wanted a boon - that those who listen to their story and see the image of Vishnu coming out of Vaikunth Dwar, the door of his abode, will attain Vaikuntha too. On this day, temples in the country erect a door-like structure through which devotees pass. This symbolizes their attaining entry into Vishnu’s celestial abode.

The Padma Purana says that Vishnu’s female energy killed the demon Muran and protected the gods. This supposedly occurred on the eleventh day of the lunar month when the sun journeys in Dhanu Rashi. Vishnu was impressed by her deed and named her 'Ekadashi'. He also granted her a boon by which those who worship 'Ekadashi' on the day she killed Muran would attain Vaikuntha.

This day is very auspicious for Hindus. It occurs in the Hindu month of Margazhi (December- January). It is believed to bestow Moksha or liberation from the birth-death cycle.

On this auspicious day, you can observe five things that can bring you Vishnu’s blessings in abundance.

1) Recite the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra

Recite the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra at least 108 times on this special day.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

We are living in Kali-yuga, and the easiest way to achieve spiritual realization in this period is to recite Krishna’s name as the Vedic scriptures have suggested. The Kali-santarana Upanishad has mentioned this mantra, and it also states that in this age, there can be nothing more sublime than chanting Hare Krishna. Supposedly, chanting this mantra can purify our hearts and bring freedom from all the miseries we endure, and also helps us to become spiritually perfect.

2) Read the Bhagavad Gita

Usually, Gita Jayanti occurs on the same day as Vaikuntha Ekadashi. This was the day when Krishna imparted spiritual knowledge to Arjuna, and it is called the Bhagavad Gita. Therefore, reading the Bhagavad Gita is a highly recommended spiritual activity on this special day.

Two kinds of literature glorify Krishna. One talks about the glories of the deity, and the other is uttered by Krishna himself. As the Gita was spoken by Krishna, there is no difference between them. To read the Gita is to associate with Krishna. Hence it is ideal to read the verses of the Gita on this day.

3) Worship at a Vishnu temple

Devotees can visit a Vishnu or Krishna temple and take part in the Mukkoti Ekadasi celebration. Any other avatar of Vishnu can also be worshipped.

At many Vishnu temples, there will be an entrance called Vaikuntha Dwara, which will be specially erected on this day. Those who pass through this door on this day supposedly attain Vaikuntha. If there are idols of Vishnu, Krishna, or any of his other avatars (Rama, Narasimha, etc.) at your home, you can do a special Pooja along with your family.

4) Observe vrat/ fast:

It is customary for many Hindus to observe a vrat or fast on Ekadasi days. Hence, on the day of Vaikuntha Ekadasi, devotees can observe a fast. Fasting is very good for the body and mind and has a purifying effect as well as other spiritual benefits.

One can observe a fast on different levels. For instance, some people do not eat anything on this day, which is a complete fast. Others may eat fruits or consume a liquid diet, which is a partial fast. They may take fruits, dry fruits, nuts, milk, or fruit juices. Some foods are forbidden, like rice, onion, garlic, beans, etc. Some also consume bel tree leaves. 

5) Chant Vishnu Sahasranamam:

Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranamam is another way to gain Vishnu’s grace. This is a Sanskrit hymn that contains the 1000 names of Vishnu, which praises the deity.