Vaikunth Ekaadashee

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Vaikunth Ekaadashee

Vaikunth Ekaadashee is an important festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) Shukla Paksh amd in Telugu Calendar during the same period in Pushya Shukla Paksha. In North India, it falls in the Krishn Paksh in Vaishakh month. In South India, Vaikunth Ekaadashee is also known as Mokshadaa Ekaadashee. In Kerala, it is known as Swarg Vathil (Swarg Vaahee) Ekaadashee.

Vaikunth Ekaadashee festival is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganaath Temple and at the Bhadraachalam Temple. It is one of the most auspicious days in Lord Vishnu Temples in South India. The significance of Vaikunth Ekaadashee can be traced back to the Padm Puraan. The Puraan indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekaadashee’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekaadashee,’ Lord Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunth Lok’ (heaven). It is widely believed that the gates to the Heaven open - the Gate of Vaikunth - on the Vaikunth Ekaadashee day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunth in the temples.

How to observe Vaikunth Ekaadashee?
Vaikunth Ekaadashee, or Mukti Ekaadashee, is the most important of the 24 Ekadashi observed in North and South India. Fasting and all night prayer dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the main observance of the day. It is believed that venerating Lord Vishnu on Vaikunth Ekaadashee will help to free soul from cycles of rebirth and grant Moksh. Another important belief is that Vaikunth Dwaaar, the doors of heaven, will open on this day and give easy access to Lord Vishnu. Like all Ekaadashee days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil the whole night. Some people indulge in meditation, Jap and singing of Hari Keertan. Rice is avoided during Ekaadashee days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling place in the rice eaten on Ekaadashee day.

Ekaadashee is mentioned in a number of Puraan. It is especially associated with Lord Vishnu and "Haribhakti Vilas" talks in detail about its importance. Today, in Hindoo religion Ekaadashee means a day to fast. It falls on the 11th day of every lunar fortnight and thus there are two Ekaadashee every month. It is also known as "Hari-vaasar" and "Hari Din". Several Puraan including Padm Puraan and Skand Puraan detail about the significance of Ekaadashee.

How to observe ‘Ekaadashee’ is clearly mentioned in ‘Hari-vaasar.’ In modern day, many people will find it difficult to observe it in its entire strictness. But there are a large number of people who observe it. And there are numerous observations on what food one can have? There are also regional variations to the way in which the Ekaadashee is observed.

The preparation starts on Dashamee day – a day before Ekaadashee. The person observing this Ekaadashee should wake up early in the morning on Dashamee day and should take bath and perform other daily routines. The person should mentally prepare for the Ekaadashee. He/ she should only have one meal on the Dashamee day and should avoid salt, alcohol, non-vegetarian food and sex. Some Puraan say that ‘Daal’ (pulses) and ‘honey’ should be avoided on Dashamee day.

The next day, that is the Ekaadashee day, is meant for total fasting. Praying to Vishnu is the order of the day. Some people avoid sleep during Ekaadashee night and they hear religious discourses and perform "Aaratee". But many people today will not be able to stay awake the entire night due to work pressure etc.

The next day on Dwaadashee – the same routine which was followed on Dashamee, should be repeated. Overeating should be avoided on Dwaadashee day. Puraan state that one should not take pride in observing Ekaadashee. The food on Dwaadashee should be cooked in one’s own house.

Take a picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu, fruits, Tulasee leaves, Betel leaves (optional), Betel nuts, (optional), yellow bananas, unbroken coconut (optional) for Poojaa.

Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers. You can perform a simple Poojaa to Lord Vishnu at home by offering fruits and Tulasee leaves, 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 Poojaa and rituals. Complete fast or Upavaas by eating in the evening the day. Fasting for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekaadashee is rewarded with bliss. Do not eat food made from rice on Ekaadashee. 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.

Take a bath in the evening too. Repeat the morning Poojaa to Vishnu in the evening. Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening Poojaa and rituals. "Vishnu Ashtottar", "Vishnu Sahastranaam" or simple Chanting of – Om Namo Naaraayanaaya. Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunth Ekaadashee 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 (Dwaadashee), break the fast after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then break the fast.

It is good to go on fast once in a while as it recuperates the body. Ekaadashee observance cleans our body and the digestive organs get much needed rest. Those people suffering from ailments and on medications should take the advice of a doctor before fasting. Never torture your body in the name of religion. There is nothing wrong in having fruits or milk. And you can bring a certain amount of flexibility in the way it is observed.

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