Vaikunta Ekadashi festival, a Gateway to Spiritual Liberation

Vaikunta Ekadashi is a highly revered Hindu festival celebrated annually during the Margashirsha month (December–January) on the 11th day of the waxing moon. This auspicious day holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu and is considered the best day for Vishnu worship.

The mythological story behind Vaikunta Ekadashi dates back to ancient times and is intertwined with the divine feats of Lord Vishnu. According to one popular legend, there was a demon named Mura who had become a significant threat to both the gods and humans. His tyranny caused immense suffering, and the gods approached Lord Vishnu for help.

Lord Vishnu, in his quest to vanquish Mura, fought a long and arduous battle. Exhausted from the prolonged combat, Vishnu retired to a cave called 'Himani Gufa' in Badrikashram to rest. Taking this opportunity, Mura decided to attack the sleeping Lord Vishnu. At that moment, a powerful female energy emerged from Vishnu's body, who was none other than Ekadashi Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati.

Ekadashi Devi fought fiercely and defeated Mura. When Vishnu awoke, he was pleased with her devotion and bravery. He named her "Ekadashi" and granted her a boon. She requested that those who observed a fast on this day and devoted themselves to Vishnu would attain liberation and their sins would be absolved. Vishnu granted her wish, declaring that the 11th day of each lunar fortnight would be known as Ekadashi, and the Vaikunta Ekadashi, when the gates of his celestial abode Vaikunta are opened, would be especially significant.

Another legend involves the demons Jaya and Vijaya, who were the gatekeepers of Vaikunta. They were cursed to be born on Earth as demons. After completing their penance and redemption, they were allowed to return to Vaikunta. It is believed that on Vaikunta Ekadashi, the gates of Vaikunta are symbolically opened, allowing devotees to pass through and attain moksha.

Vaikunta Ekadashi is considered the most auspicious Ekadashi of the Hindu year. Observing a strict fast on this day is believed to be equivalent to fasting on all 23 Ekadashis in a year. Devotees engage in chanting Vishnu’s names, visiting Vishnu temples, and offering prayers. Special rituals and prayers are conducted in temples to honor Lord Vishnu.

Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated with great fervor, especially in South India. Devotees observe a strict fast and engage in chanting hymns and bhajans throughout the night. In the early hours of the morning, they visit Vishnu temples to offer prayers and walk through the Vaikunta Dwaram, symbolizing the gateway to Vaikunta.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam are particularly famous for their grand celebrations. These temples witness a huge influx of pilgrims who throng to experience the spiritual bliss of Vaikunta Ekadashi. In Bengaluru , some of the famous temples where Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated

•  ISKCON Temple, Rajajinagar - celebrates Vaikunta Ekadashi with special pujas, chanting of Vishnu’s names, and a grand Vaikunta Dwara Pravesha. The temple remains open from 8 AM to 10 PM on this day.
•  ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura - hosts elaborate celebrations with special pujas, bhajans, and the opening of the Vaikunta Dwara. The temple remains open from 5:30 AM to 10 PM on Vaikunta Ekadashi.
•  Tirumalagiri Sri Lakshmi Venkataramanaswamy Temple, JP Nagar- The temple erects a Vaikunta Dwara for devotees to walk through, and special pujas and prasada distribution are organized.
•  Sri Krishna Seva Samiti Trust, Gokulam 3rd Stage - The temple organizes Harikatha on Bhagavata Purana and special pujas on Vaikunta Ekadashi.