Vaikunta Ekadasi and the Opening of Vaikunta Dwaram: A Gateway to Heaven

Vaikuntha Ekadashi, also called Mokshada Ekadashi and Mukkoti Ekadasi, has profound significance for devotees of Vishnu or Vaishnavites in India. The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is the Preserver Archetype in Hindu religious beliefs. The main attraction during the festival is the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram or the gateway to Vishnu’s celestial abode in Vishnu temples in South India.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi occurs during the auspicious Dhanurmasam or the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan). Devotees observe a fast, keep vigil at night, and sing Hari kirtan, do meditation, and visit Vishnu temples on this day.

Significance of Vaikuntha Dwaram

Vaikuntha, in Hindu mythology, is the abode of Vishnu. To Vaishnavas, the feet of Vishnu are Parama Padam (ultimate feet). It is the realm where Vishnu and his devotees reside in the supreme state of purity and goodness or suddha-sattva.  

Vaikuntha Ekadasi Fast

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is an integral part of Dhanurmasam/Margazhi vratam and its Pooja. Many Vaishnavas observe fasting for the entire month. Temperance and food restrictions are key to the fast.

There are 24 Ekadashis in a year. The Vishnu Purana says that fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on all the remaining 23 Ekadashis.  However, as per Vaishnava tradition, fasting is a must on all Ekadashis. Observing fast on Ekadashi is regarded as holier than all other religious observances. Complete fasting is observed on Ekadashi, the 11th day of the paksha. Hence, the meal on the Dvadashi (the 12th day) is filling, wholesome, and nutritious.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi begins with Ekabhuktam on Dasami, where devotees have food only once. They undertake a rigorous fast on Ekadashi to purify the body and mind and control the senses. People who can’t observe a complete fast can undertake a partial fast. They can have water, milk, and fruits. Fasting brings one closer to the divine.                

Temple Celebrations

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated grandly in Vishnu temples, like Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, and Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple. The main event is the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram or Paramapada Vaasal, a door that leads to Vishnu’s heavenly abode. Devotees pass through this gateway, to symbolize their entering Vaikuntha.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi in the Divya Desams

There are totally 108 Divya Desams or temples dedicated to Vishnu. These play a large role in Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations. Vishnu wears a diamond-studded armor on this day. The temple’s northern gate, representing the entrance to Vaikunta, will be open. Namperumal or the Utsava idol will be paraded through the Vaikuntha Dwaram/Paramapada Vaasal, which symbolizes the gateway to heaven.      

The major ritual of this day is the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram in Vishnu Temples. The belief is that people who pass through this gate on Vaikuntha Ekadashi can attain Moksha and enter Vishnu’s divine abode. The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ is a passage that encircles the innermost sanctum. 

Importance of Doing Charitable Acts 

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also a day to perform acts of charity and selfless service. On this holy day, helping the needy can bring one immense merit. So many devotees donate money, food, clothes, etc., on this day.

Conclusion

Hindu belief has it that the soul goes through many lives (samsara). Every rebirth depends on a person’s previous life or karma. People incur both good and bad karma during each lifetime. This karma can affect their future lives. The last samsara (cycle of life) is death.

Moksha marks the culmination of the death and rebirth cycle. It is also the fourth and ultimate artha (goal). It transcends all arthas. One can achieve it only by overcoming one’s desires and ignorance. One can attain Moksha both in life and after death. Our souls can become one with the Universal Soul or God by attaining Moksha. It is for this reason that Vaikuntha Ekadasi is so important for Hindus.