How Vaikunta Ekadasi Is Celebrated Globally
On January 09, 2025Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most auspicious and important Ekadasi observed by devout Hindus. It is considered auspicious because it is said that the gates of heaven (Vaikunta Dwara) open on this day. It is believed that those who fast, pray, and meditate attain moksha and go to heaven. Hence, it is also called Swarga Vathil Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasu.
History And Significance Of Vaikunta Ekadasi
Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on the Margazhi month of the Tamil Calendar between December and January, according to the English calendar. In 2025, Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on January 10th. It is considered auspicious and is said that fasting on this day is equivalent to fasting on all other 23 Ekadasis of the year. As per Hindu mythology, Vaikunta means Lord Vishnu’s abode, where there is only abundance and no scarcity for anything. The word Ekadasi comes from the Sanskrit word, which means the 11th lunar day, or the Shukla Paksha, which falls between the full moon and new moon days.
As per Padma Purana, the Devas sought the help of Lord Vishnu to kill the demon Muran when his atrocities could not be tolerated anymore. Muran, who was strong, could not be easily defeated, so Lord Vishnu created a new weapon. When Vishnu was resting in a cave, Muran tried to kill, but his attempts were futile as a female energy came from Vishnu’s body and killed Muran. Lord Vishnu was impressed with that energy and named her Ekadasi. He granted her a wish, and as per that, those who fasted on that day were to be granted Moksha. Since then, it is said that anyone who fasts on the 11th day of Margazhi month will reach heaven and attain moksha. From that day, devout Hindus observe a fast to reach Lord Vishnu’s abode. Vaikunta’s door, which is closed to outsiders, opens on this day for everyone. So whoever fasts on this day devotedly will reach Vaikunta Dwara without facing the God of Death, Yama. Hindus don’t eat grains on that day as it is said that Muran, the demon, dwells on it.
Another legend in the history of Vaikunta is that Sagar Mathana happened on this day. During this day, the divine nectar from the milk ocean was distributed among the Devas. Hindus believe that people who leave for the outward world get Moksha (liberation) from the cycle of death and life and reach Vaikunta or heaven. To support this story, the Mahabharata states that Lord Bheesma waited until Ekadasi died. For this reason, in some places, Ekadasi Day is also called Bheeshma Ekadasi.
Vaikunta Ekadasi Celebration
Vaikunta Ekadasi Day is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in all Lord Vishnu temples. Devotees worship and pray to Lord Vishnu with Tulsi and offer sweets and fruits as Prasadam. They fast the whole day and recite Sri Vishnu Sahasranaman, Vishnu Puranam, and Narayana Kavacham. Devotees stay awake the entire night, sing bhajans, and hear stories of Lord Vishnu. They also visit the temples of Lord Vishnu and offer the Bhagwad Gita to Brahmins and other deserving persons. While the entire country celebrates the festivities, the South Indian temples of Tirupati and Srirangam are highly significant for Lord Vishnu devotees and are worth visiting.
If you plan to visit Lord Vishnu temples in South India on this special day, here are some places worth visiting.
History And Significance Of Vaikunta Ekadasi
Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on the Margazhi month of the Tamil Calendar between December and January, according to the English calendar. In 2025, Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on January 10th. It is considered auspicious and is said that fasting on this day is equivalent to fasting on all other 23 Ekadasis of the year. As per Hindu mythology, Vaikunta means Lord Vishnu’s abode, where there is only abundance and no scarcity for anything. The word Ekadasi comes from the Sanskrit word, which means the 11th lunar day, or the Shukla Paksha, which falls between the full moon and new moon days.
As per Padma Purana, the Devas sought the help of Lord Vishnu to kill the demon Muran when his atrocities could not be tolerated anymore. Muran, who was strong, could not be easily defeated, so Lord Vishnu created a new weapon. When Vishnu was resting in a cave, Muran tried to kill, but his attempts were futile as a female energy came from Vishnu’s body and killed Muran. Lord Vishnu was impressed with that energy and named her Ekadasi. He granted her a wish, and as per that, those who fasted on that day were to be granted Moksha. Since then, it is said that anyone who fasts on the 11th day of Margazhi month will reach heaven and attain moksha. From that day, devout Hindus observe a fast to reach Lord Vishnu’s abode. Vaikunta’s door, which is closed to outsiders, opens on this day for everyone. So whoever fasts on this day devotedly will reach Vaikunta Dwara without facing the God of Death, Yama. Hindus don’t eat grains on that day as it is said that Muran, the demon, dwells on it.
Another legend in the history of Vaikunta is that Sagar Mathana happened on this day. During this day, the divine nectar from the milk ocean was distributed among the Devas. Hindus believe that people who leave for the outward world get Moksha (liberation) from the cycle of death and life and reach Vaikunta or heaven. To support this story, the Mahabharata states that Lord Bheesma waited until Ekadasi died. For this reason, in some places, Ekadasi Day is also called Bheeshma Ekadasi.
Vaikunta Ekadasi Celebration
Vaikunta Ekadasi Day is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in all Lord Vishnu temples. Devotees worship and pray to Lord Vishnu with Tulsi and offer sweets and fruits as Prasadam. They fast the whole day and recite Sri Vishnu Sahasranaman, Vishnu Puranam, and Narayana Kavacham. Devotees stay awake the entire night, sing bhajans, and hear stories of Lord Vishnu. They also visit the temples of Lord Vishnu and offer the Bhagwad Gita to Brahmins and other deserving persons. While the entire country celebrates the festivities, the South Indian temples of Tirupati and Srirangam are highly significant for Lord Vishnu devotees and are worth visiting.
If you plan to visit Lord Vishnu temples in South India on this special day, here are some places worth visiting.
- Tirupati Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple in Andhra Pradesh is also called Tirupati Tirumala. It is one of the richest temples in the world, and the celebrations of Vaikunta Ekadasi are famous worldwide. Many devotees throng the place to celebrate it.
- Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is another famous temple in South India. Lakhs of devotees come every year to celebrate this auspicious day. The deity is called NamPerumal and is adorned with precious jewelry.
- Sita Ramachandraswamy temple in Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh, grandly celebrates Vaikunta Ekadasi. On this auspicious day, Lord Rama and Lakshmana’s idols go in a procession.
- Ranaganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna Karnataka. This is the first of the Panchranga Kshetra or Lord Ranganathaswamy abodes. The temple is famous for the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations.
- Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple is in Triplicane, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous Vishnu temples. So, this day is auspicious, and many events are held, and lakhs of devotees visit the temple.
