Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date, Time, Story and Celebrations – GHdays.in
Vaikuntha Ekadashi, also known as the ‘Eleventh day of Vaikuntha’ in Sanskrit, is a significant Hindu celebration that holds special importance among Vaishnavas. This auspicious occasion aligns with either Mokshada Ekadashi or Putrada Ekadashi and occurs on the 11th day of the waxing lunar fortnight in the month of Dhanu. In the Gregorian calendar, this falls between 16th December and 13th January.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2025: 10 January, Friday
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Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2024 Overview
| Festival Name | Vaikuntha Ekadashi |
| Observed by | Vaishnavas |
| Type | Hindu |
| Significance | Vishnu’s victory over Murasura, Opening of the gates of Vaikuntha |
| Observances | Fasting |
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date | Ahanu Masa, Sukla pakṣa, Ekadasi tithi |
| Homepage | Click here |
Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date and Pooja Timings 2025
On Friday, January 10, 2025, the sacred Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival will be observed. The auspicious Parana Time will be from 06:34 to 08:21 on the following day, January 11. The Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment is at 08:21, signifying the conclusion of the fasting period. The Ekadashi Tithi commences at 12:22 on January 9, 2025, and concludes at 10:19 on January 10, 2025, marking this day as a significant time for spiritual observances and prayers.
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2025 | 10 Jan, Friday |
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2026 | Update Soon…! |
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2027 | Update Soon…! |
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2028 | Update Soon…! |
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2029 | Update Soon…! |
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi Date 2030 | Update Soon…! |
Story Behind Vaikuntha Ekadashi
In the ancient lore of the Padma Purana, a tale unfolds about Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Murāsura, an asura dreaded by the devas due to a powerful boon from Brahma, posed a formidable threat. Unable to defeat him in battle, the devas turned to Vishnu for aid. Finding refuge in the cave named Simhavati near Badarikashrama, Vishnu faced Murāsura’s relentless pursuit.
It was there that Vishnu summoned Yogamaya, a divine goddess born of his own energy, who ultimately vanquished the asura. Delighted by this victory, Vishnu bestowed upon the goddess the title of ‘Ekadashi’, proclaiming her ability to absolve the sins of humanity. Thus marked the inception of Ekadashi, specifically a Dhanurmasa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, believed in Vaishnava tradition to lead devotees to Vaikuntha through fasting and worship.
Another legend recounts the devout king Ambarisha of Ayodhya, dedicated to fasting on Ekadashi. Once, as he neared the end of a three-day fast and prepared to break it, the sage Durvasa arrived unexpectedly at his palace gates. Honoring his guest, the king awaited Durvasa’s return from ablutions before breaking his fast.
Faced with the dilemma of timing, Ambarisha chose to sip water to avoid disrespecting the sage, inadvertently breaking his fast. Enraged by this perceived transgression, Durvasa unleashed a curse upon the king, only to be thwarted by Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra. The chastened sage sought Vishnu’s counsel and later reconciled with Ambarisha, understanding the power of devotion.
In a different account, Vishnu granted entry to Vaikuntha, his divine abode, to two opposing asuras. They stipulated that those who heard their tale and witnessed Vishnu emerging from the Vaikuntha Dvaram would also find passage to Vaikuntha. Temples across India commemorate this event by constructing symbolic doorways for devotees to pass through on this auspicious day.
Significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Vaishnavas, followers devoted to Vishnu, hold the belief that the ‘Vaikuntha Dvaram’ or the gateway to Vaikuntha, opens on this particular day. Known as ‘Mokshada Ekadashi,’ the Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in the Lunar calendar is observed with great reverence. Various ceremonies and rituals such as reciting prayers from sacred texts like the Vedas, Naalayira Divya Prabandham, and Sri Vaikuntha Gadhyam, along with performing Vaikuntha Dvara Puja, Prakarothsvam (Sri Veli), Oonjal Seva (swing pooja), Oonjal Prabhandham, yagnas, discourses, and speeches take place in Vishnu temples worldwide on this auspicious day.
Vaikuntha represents the divine abode of Vishnu, the preserver deity in Hindu mythology. Vaishnavas hold Vishnupada, or the Ultimate feet of Vishnu, in high esteem as it symbolizes a sacred realm where Vishnu and his devotees dwell in a state of pure goodness and righteousness.
The observance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi is an integral part of the Dhanurmasam (Margaḻi) vratam and its rituals in Vishnu temples. Many Vaishnavas practice fasting throughout the entire month of Dhanurmasam, adhering to dietary restrictions and practicing moderation as per Sri Vaishnava customs.
As per the Vishnu Purana, observing a fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is considered equivalent to fasting on all the other 23 ekadashis in the Hindu calendar year. Although according to Vaishnava tradition, fasting is obligatory on all ekadashis falling in both Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is deemed more sacred than any other religious practice, emphasizing complete fasting on the 11th day of the lunar fortnight. Consequently, the meal on Dvadashi (the 12th day) is carefully prepared to be nourishing, wholesome, and satisfying.
Fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Observing the Vaikuntha Ekadashi fast holds significant importance for its followers. It entails a day-long abstinence from food and a period of vigil. Devotees dedicate special prayers to Vishnu, engaging in the recitation of Vishnu’s name (Japa) and meditation (Dhyana). Preceding the observance on ‘Dashami’, followers partake in only lunch.
The subsequent day, Ekadashi, is marked by a complete fast, with devotees focusing on prayers and meditation while refraining from consuming rice. Throughout the night, they maintain a vigil and pay a visit to Vishnu’s temple, typically during the early hours of the morning.
In contrast, the Shaiva community commemorates this day as Trikoti Ekadashi, viewing it as a sacred occasion where all deities in the Hindu pantheon pay homage to Shiva.
Celebrations on Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Festive rituals are observed at various Venkateswara temples, with special significance attached to the celebrations at Srirangam, renowned for the grand Svarga Vasal ceremony. Following this, the festivities at Tirupati, situated in the Tirumala hills and home to the revered shrine of Venkateswara, are also highly esteemed.
Srirangam: The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam celebrates the Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival for a total of 20 days, split into two segments: the pagal pathu (morning phase of 10 days) and Ira pathu (night phase of 10 days). Vishnu, embodying Ranganatha as the central deity, is believed to bestow blessings upon devotees wearing a mantle of pearls throughout the entire 20-day period. On the 10th day of Pagal Pathu (the day before Vaikuntha Ekadashi), the processional idol known as Namperumal, appearing as Mohini, is said to confer blessings upon worshippers.
During the dawn of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Namperumal, adorned in an armor made of diamonds and precious gems, is carried from the inner sanctum to the thousand-pillared hall through the northern gate called Paramapada Vasal, symbolizing the gateway to Vaikuntha. This gate is exclusively opened once a year, specifically for Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Legend has it that those who pass through the Paramapada Vasal will reach Vaikuntha, hence why it is also referred to as Svarga Vasal.
Tirupati: The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple follows a similar tradition of observing Mukkoti Ekadasi, which is popular in Telugu-speaking areas. At Tirumala, there exists a unique entrance known as Vaikunta Dvaram that surrounds the sacred inner sanctum. This gateway is unlocked exclusively on Vaikunta Ekadasi, and it is a common belief that individuals who cross the threshold of this ‘Vaikunta Dvaram’ on that specific day achieve Vaikunta. The temple experiences a significant influx of devotees and important figures during the Vaikunta Ekadashi celebration.