Vaikunta Ekadasi is
an important festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Tamil month of Margazhi
(December-January). Vaikunda Ekadesi festival is of great significance at the
Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple and at the Bhadrachalam
Temple. In Kerala, it is known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi. Next Vaikunta Ekadasi
date is December 17, 2010.
The significance of
Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates
that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon
Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord
Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’
(heaven).
Like all Ekadasi
days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil the whole night. Some people
indulge in meditation, Japa and singing of Hari Kirtan. Rice is avoided during
ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the
rice eaten on Ekadasi day.
It is widely believed
that the gates to the heaven open - the Gate of Vaikuntha - on the Vaikunta
Ekadasi day. It is one of the most auspicious days in Lord Vishnu Temples in
South India.
The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’
or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day. This is the passage
encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to
pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.
Vaikunta Ekadasi
occurs in December or early January.