Hari OM
Vaikunta Ekadashi (on 13th January 2022)
Om Namo Venkateshaya!
Vaikunta Ekadashi, or Mukkoti Ekadasi, is the most important of the twenty four Ekadashi observances in 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 Vaikunda Ekadasi will help to free soul from cycles of rebirth and grant moksha. Another important belief is that Vaikunta Dwara, the doors (Swarga Vasal) of heaven, will open on this day and give easy access to Lord Vishnu.
Nammalwar, one of the great Sages in the Sri Sampradaya (the disciplic succession descending from Sri Lakshmi Devi) went back to Godhead on this day. To commemorate this event, in all the Vishnu temples, the Vaikunta Dwara (the gate to Vaikunta) a special entrance in the north side of the temple is opened once in a year on this particular day. It is believed that anyone who enters the Vaikunta Dwara on this day is guaranteed to attain the spiritual abode.
Vaikunta Ekadashi Rituals
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 by reciting Astothram or repeating Rama Nama or any other names of Lord Maha Vishnu for at least 36 0r 108 times 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.
Chanting Narayana Ashtakshari Mantram – “OM NAMO NARAYANAYA”, Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram, Vishnu Purana Parayana, Narayana Kavacham and Sri Ranganatha Ashtakam is highly auspicious.
Here is a sloka to chant on Vaikunta Ekadasi:
Sashankha Chakram Sakireeta Kundalam SapeethaVasthram Sarasheery Hekshanam||
Sahaara Vaksha sthala Kausthubha Shriyam Namami Vishnu Shirasaa Chaturbhujam||
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 is recommended. 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 and pulses or grains 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 (Dwadashi)
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.
By the Grace, Kripa and Karuna of GF, May Lord Vishnuji Bless you All for Happy, Prosperous and Spiritually enlightened living.
With GF’ Blessings Always…..🙏😊✋️
Om Namo Narayanaya !
