The Role of Temples in Vaikunta Ekadasi Celebrations

Of the 24 Ekadashi days in the Hindu calendar year, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, also called Mokshada/Mukkoti Ekadashi, is the most auspicious. For, on this day, the Vaikuntha Dwaram, or the gates of Vishnu’s abode, open, enabling devotees to enter heaven, according to Hindu beliefs.  

All Ekadashi days are dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. However, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is very special due to its significance and association with the attainment of Moksha, or freedom from the death and rebirth cycle.

A key concept in Hinduism revolves around the 4 Purusharthas or the four main aims or goals of human life. They are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (love and pleasure), and Moksha (liberation and self-realization). Of these, Moksha is the ultimate goal. A soul that has attained Moksha becomes free from rebirth and will no longer have to endure the sufferings of human existence. It also enables the Atman/individual soul to unite with Brahman/God. To devout and righteous Hindus, there can be no better or more desirable outcome. This explains why Vaikuntha Ekadashi is an important event for Hindus, especially Vaishnavas or Vishnu devotees.

According to the Scriptures, people who observe a fast and worship Vishnu on this day will gain Moksha and go to heaven. So, it is also called Swarga Vathil Ekadashi. Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls in Margazhi month (Dec-Jan). In 2025, Vaikuntha Ekadasi is on 10th January.

Origins of Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Observing fast on this day is equivalent to fasting on 23 Ekadashi days.  'Vaikuntha' refers to the abode of Lord Vishnu, where there is no lack or scarcity. 'Ekadashi' in Sanskrit means Shukla paksha or the 11th lunar day. It comes between the New Moon and Full moon days.

The Padma Purana narrates the story of Vishnu and a demon called Muran. Muran was creating lots of problems for the gods. So Vishnu decided to put an end to his menace and engaged him in battle. But Muran proved to be a tough foe, and the battle raged for many years. Feeling tired, Vishnu took refuge in a cave to rest and create a new weapon. Muran made his way to the cave and was about to kill the sleeping Vishnu when a female form emerged from Vishnu's body and slew him. Impressed by this, Vishnu called her Ekadashi and gave her a boon. The boon she demanded was that anyone who fasted on that day should have their sins forgiven and gain Moksha. Vishnu agreed. Since then, people keeping fast on Ekadashi in Margazhi are believed to gain Moksha and enter heaven.

Hindus, especially devotees of Vishnu or Vaishnavites, observe fast on this day. Only on Vaikuntha Ekadashi does 'Vaikunta dwaram' or the door of Vaikuntha open for everyone. Hindus don't eat rice on Ekadashi days, as Muran supposedly dwells in rice grains.

Another legend says that Samudra Manthan took place on this day to get Amrit from the Milky Ocean. The Mahabharata says that Bheeshma waited until Ekadashi to die. Hence, some also call it "Bheeshma Ekadashi."

How is Vaikuntha Ekadashi Celebrated?

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Vishnu temples in South India. Devotees offer prayers to Vishnu, worship him with Tulsi leaves, and offer fruits and sweets as Prasad. They also observe a fast for the whole day and recite scriptures like Vishnu Puranam, Shri Vishnu Sahasranamam, and Narayan Kavacham. They also sing bhajans and keep vigil at night to listen to Vishnu's stories. Many visit Vishnu temples and gift copies of the Bhagwad Gita to Brahmins or others.

Vaikunta Ekadasi festivities are more prevalent in the southern states. Srirangam and Tirupati Temple celebrations are especially famous for their Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations.

Role of Temples in Vaikuntha Ekadashi Celebrations

Vishnu temples have a major role to play in Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations. On this day, devotees who visit these temples pass through a door that signifies Vaikuntha Dwaram or Paramapada Vaasal, the entrance to Vaikuntha, the celestial abode of Vishnu. Hence, visiting Vishnu temples is mandatory for Vishnu devotees. By performing the symbolic ritual of passing through Vaikuntha Dwaram, they believe that they can gain Moksha and enter heaven.

Let us see which are the major Vishnu temples in south India that celebrate this festival.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. – This is a very famous Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu. Lakhs of devotees visit it every year on Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

The celebrations last for 20 days and are divided into  pagal pathu (morning part 10 days) and Ira pathu (night part 10 days). Vishnu, being the Moolavar (central temple idol) of Ranganatha, blesses devotees in his Muthangi, a kavach or armor of pearls, on all 20 days. On the 10th day of Pagal Pathu (the day before Vaikuntha Ekadashi), the processional idol or utsavar), called Namperumal, blesses devotees in the form of Mohini.

On the day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Namperumal blesses devotees at daybreak, wearing a kavach of diamonds and gems. He is brought to the 1000-pillared hall from the sanctum sanctorum, through the northern gate called Paramapada Vaasal, the entrance to Vaikuntha. This gate opens only once in a year and it is on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh - It is also called Tirupati Tirumala. It is among the richest temples in the world. Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebration here is very famous. The temple has a special gateway called Vaikunta Dvaram encircling the sanctum sanctorum. It opens only on Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh- Grand celebrations take place here on this day. The idols of Rama and Lakshmana are taken out in a procession.

Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple Triplicane, Chennai, Tamilnadu- At this renowned Vishnu Temple, there are many festivities that draw lakhs of devotees.

Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna, Karnataka- It is the first of the five abodes (Panchranga Kshetra) of Ranganathaswamy. The Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations here attract huge crowds.