Vaikunta Ekadasi: Fasting, Prayers, and the Power of Devotion

For seekers of Moksha and devotees of Lord Vishnu, Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important day on the Hindu calendar. Also called Mokshada and Mukkoti Ekadashi, it falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi during the Dhanur/Margazhi month (Dec-Jan). Vaishnavas believe that the gateway to heaven or Vishnu’s abode, called “Vaikunta Dwara” or Paramapada Vaasal, opens on this auspicious day. Hence, on this day, devotees line up to pass through the gate of Vaikuntha in Vishnu temples in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

In Kerala, Vaikunta Ekadasi goes by the name, ‘Swargavathil Ekadashi’. Special prayers, yagnas, rituals, and discourses take place at Vishnu temples on this special day. Mahalakshmi Temple at Gubbi, Rajagopalaswamy Temple at Mannargudi, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, and Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati celebrate it very grandly.

Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi

The Padma Purana mentions the significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi. According to legends, the gods were terrorized by a demon. They approached Vishnu for a solution. Vishnu fought Muran, and the battle continued for many years. Vishnu felt tired and retired to a cave to take some rest. Muran also entered the cave and tried to kill the sleeping Vishnu. Just then, a female power came out of Vishnu’s body and killed Muran. A pleased Vishnu gave her the name ‘Ekadashi’ (it was the 11th lunar day) and told her to ask for a boon.

Ekadashi replied that those who observed a fast on that day should get freedom from their sins. So, Vishnu declared that devotees who kept a fast on Ekadashi would attain Vaikuntha, his heavenly abode.

According to the Vishnu Purana, Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntha for two demons because they requested the boon that whoever listened to their story and glimpse the image of Vishnu coming out of Vaikunta Dwara, will attain Vaikuntha. For this reason, Vishnu temples erect a gateway for devotees to walk through on this day.

Things to Do on Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the main festivals of Vaishnavas. It was also on this day that saint-poet Nammalwar, a Vishnu devotee, attained Vaikuntha.

By doing the following things, you can gain the blessings of Vishnu.

Recite the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra

Chant the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra 108 times. This brings joy and peace. One simple way to become spiritually awakened in Kali-yuga is to recite Lord Krishna’s names, according to the scriptures. The Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra is mentioned in the Kali-santarana Upanishad. Chanting the Mantra purifies the soul, removes all obstacles, and bestows spiritual awakening.

Mantra:

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

Visit a Vishnu temple

Many devotees make it a point to visit Vishnu temples and seek the blessings of the deity. In many Vishnu temples, a special entrance called Vaikunta Dwara or Paramapada Vaasal is opened on this day. The belief is that people who pass through this entrance on Vaikuntha Ekadashi can attain Vaikunta. Rama and Krishna are two popular incarnations of Vishnu. If you have their idols at home, you can decorate them and offer worship by following the Pooja vidhi and rituals.

Observe a Fast

Being the most important Ekadashi of the year, people observe a fast on this day. Ekadashi fasting is good for the body and mind. It offers many spiritual benefits, as well. Fasting cleanses the body, and rejuvenates the mind and soul. People offer special prayers and do meditation, too.

Vaikunta Ekadasi Parana Time

Parana refers to breaking the fast. People should break the fast after sunrise on the day after the fast. Parana should take place within Dwadashi Tithi. Otherwise, it is an offense. Doing the Parana during Hari Vasara is not permitted. Hari Vasara is the first one-fourth phase of Dwadashi Tithi. Pratahkal is the best time to break the fast. One should not break the Vaikunta Ekadasi fast during Madhyahna, either. If you are unable to do Parana during Pratahkal, do it after Madhyahna.

Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting is recommended on two consecutive days. Smartha with family can fast on the first day only. Widows, sanyasis, and those who desire Moksha must fast on the second day. Fasting on both days is for those who ardently desire Vishnu’s love and affection.

Read the Gita

Gita Jayanti is also on the same day as Vaikunta Ekadasi. On this day, Krishna gave a discourse to about spiritual knowledge. Hence, it is important to read the Bhagavad-gita on this day. Krishna's discourse is the Bhagavad Gita, so Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita are one. Thus, reading the Gita on Vaikunth Ekadashi day has the same importance as reading about Krishna. Recite the verses of the Gita and try to understand their meaning.

Offer Seva to Vishnu

You can also offer Pooja samagri and prasad to the idol, scriptures or pictures of Vishnu. Chanting Vishnu Mantras is also recommended.

How to Observe Fast on Vaikunth Ekadashi

• Milk and fruits (without seeds) are allowed during Vaikunta Ekadasi fast.
• Chant Vishnu Mantras.
• Avoid rice and other grains.
• Avoid vegetables and fruits with seeds. Do not have eggplant, cauliflower, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables.
• Take part in yagnas and rituals that honor Vishnu.
• Visit Vishnu temples.
• Avoid spices and salts.
• Do not consume curd/yogurt, buttermilk, coffee, and tea.

If you observe the fast and the rituals properly on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, you can receive abundant blessings from Vishnu and attain Moksha.