Vaikunta Ekadhashi Festival.

[prasanna]

Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival, or Vykunta Ekadashi, is one of the most important Ekadasis. Ekadashi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and falls on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Vaikuntha Ekadasi is observed in the Margali Month (Margazhi Masam) as per Tamil Calendar and in Pushya month as per Telugu Calendar. In 2009, the date of Vaikunta Ekadasi is December 28. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi and in Kerala it is known as Swargavathil Ekadasi.

Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is more elaborately celebrated by Vaishnavites. It is more prominent for Tamil and Telugu speaking people. Fasting, keep vigil at night and passing through the Vaikunta Dwaram are the important auspicious activities on the day.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with great importance in Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, and Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandraswamy temple. Apart from these temples, all the temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations celebrate Vaikunta Ekadasi.

In 2009, there are two Vaikunta Ekadasis. One in January 7, 2009 and other on December 28, 2009. Please note that there is no Vaikunta Ekadasi in 2010.

Significance of this festival.

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.


How to observe Vaikunta Ekadasi?

Vaikunta Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day in Margazhi Shukla Paksha in Tamil Calendar and in Telugu Calendar the same period is Pushya Shukla Paksha.

Things needed for Puja and Prayer

* A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
* Fruits
* Tulsi leaves
* Betel leaves (optional)
* Betel nuts (optional)
* Yellow bananas
* Unbroken coconut (optional)

Observance

* Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
* You can perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
* You can just light the lamp and prayer or meditate for few minutes – or the normal ritual you do daily. Only difference is that today it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
* If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
* Complete fast or upavasam on the day is the main observance.

Fasting

Fasting for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.

If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.

Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.

Evening Prayers

* Take a bath in the evening.
* Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu
* Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.

Prayers for Vaikunta Ekadasi

* Vishnu Ashotharam
* Vishnu Sahasranamam
* Or Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana

No Sleep

Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Next Day Morning

The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.


hindu-blog.com/2008/12/vaikunta-ekadasi-2009.html