Vaikunta Ekadashi (Mukkoti Ekadashi)

Vaikunta Ekadashi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi, is a Hindu festival that devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate. It is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, as it is believed that the gates of Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu, are opened on this day. Those who observe a fast and worship Lord Vishnu on this day are said to attain salvation and reach Vaikunta after death. In this blog, we will learn more about the significance, legends, and rituals of Vaikunta Ekadashi.

Vaikunta Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (shukla paksha) of the Hindu month of Dhanu or Margashirsha. It usually falls in December or January in the Gregorian calendar. Vaikunta Ekadashi, also known as Mokshada Ekadashi, grants liberation (moksha) to the devotees. It is also called Mukkoti Ekadashi, as it is believed that all three crores (Mukkoti) gods and goddesses visit Lord Vishnu's temple on this day.

The greatness of Vaikunta Ekadashi is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, such as the Padma Purana, the Vishnu Purana, and the Bhagavata Purana. According to these texts, Vaikunta Ekadashi is when Lord Vishnu defeated a powerful demon named Muran, who was tormenting the gods and sages. Lord Vishnu created a female energy called Ekadashi from his body and asked her to fight the demon. Ekadashi killed Muran and saved the universe from his tyranny. Lord Vishnu was pleased with Ekadashi and granted her a boon. She asked that whoever observes a fast and worships Lord Vishnu on this day should be freed from their sins and attain Vaikunta. Lord Vishnu agreed and declared that this day would be known as Vaikunta Ekadashi.

Another legend associated with Vaikunta Ekadashi is that of King Ambarisha, a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. He observed the Ekadashi fast for a year and was about to break it the next day (Dwadashi) when the sage Durvasa arrived at his palace. The king welcomed the sage and invited him to join the feast. The sage agreed but went to take a bath in the river first. The king waited a long time, but the sage did not return. The auspicious time for breaking the fast passed, and the king was in a dilemma. He decided to sip some water, which was considered a partial breaking of the fast, and waited for the sage. When Durvasa returned, he was furious that the king had broken his fast without him. He created a demon from his hair and sent it to kill the king. The king prayed to Lord Vishnu for protection, and the Lord sent his discus (Sudarshana chakra) to destroy the demon. The chakra then chased Durvasa, who ran for his life. He sought refuge from Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, but they could not help him. He finally approached Lord Vishnu, who told him that only the king could save him. Durvasa realized his mistake and begged for the king's forgiveness. The king pardoned the sage and offered him the feast. Lord Vishnu was pleased with the king's devotion and humility and blessed him with Vaikunta.

The observance of Mukkoti Ekadashi begins on the previous day (Dashami) with a single meal and a vow to fast the next day. On the day of Ekadashi, the devotees wake up early, bathe, and worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, fruits, and tulsi leaves. They also recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, the Hari Stotram, and the Ekadashi Vrat Katha. They abstain from food, water, and worldly pleasures and spend the day meditating, chanting, and singing the glories of Lord Vishnu. They also visit the temples of Lord Vishnu, where a special entrance called Vaikunta Dwara is opened on this day. It is believed that passing through this gate leads to Vaikunta. The devotees also donate food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy. The next day (dwadashi), the devotees break their fast after sunrise by offering prayers and food to Lord Vishnu. They also feed the brahmins and the cows and seek their blessings.

Some rules and regulations should be followed during Vaikunta Ekadashi to get the maximum benefits of the fast. Some of them are:

• Avoid eating rice, grains, beans, and other prohibited foods on Ekadashi.
• Avoid sleeping during the day and stay awake at night.
• Avoid anger, violence, lying, and other sinful activities.
• Avoid shaving, cutting nails, and applying oil on the body.
• Maintain celibacy and avoid physical contact with the opposite sex.
• Avoid watching television, listening to music, and engaging in worldly affairs.
• Seek forgiveness from Lord Vishnu and others for any mistakes or offenses committed.

The date and time of Vaikunta Ekadashi 2023 are as follows:

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: December 22, 2023, at 8:15 AM
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends December 23, 2023, at 7:11 AM
• Parana Time: December 24, 2023, from 7:15 AM to 9:17 AM

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