Vaikunta Ekadasi
வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி
Vaikunta Ekadasi is a highly auspicious day for Lord Vishnu devotees, marked by fasting, all-night vigil, and passing through the 'Paramapada Vasal' (Gates of Heaven).
Primary date & Panchangam
Times and tithi lines follow the site Panchangam engine for that civil day when data exists.
Spiritual Festival Sequence
Tamil Nadu Spiritual Experience
Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi
Falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadasi) of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Margazhi, Vaikunta Ekadasi is believed to be the day when the gates of Vaikunta (the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu) are opened.
It is strongly believed that anyone passing through the 'Paramapada Vasal' (the innermost door of a Vishnu temple) on this day attains liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
Fasting and Observances
Devotees observe a strict fast on this day, abstaining from all grains and rice. Many observe a complete waterless fast. They stay awake the entire night (Jagaran), chanting the Vishnu Sahasranamam and singing hymns in praise of Lord Narayana.
The fast is broken on the next day (Dvadashi) morning after a special prayer. The meal to break the fast traditionally includes gooseberry (Amla) and agathi leaves, which have high medicinal and detoxifying values.