Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Kannada: ವೈಕುಂಠ ಏಕಾದಶಿ)(Tamil: வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி) (Telugu: వైకుంఠ ఏకాదశి)or Mukkoti Ekadashi is the Shukla paksha Ekadashi that occurs during the Dhanurmasa period in the Hindu calendar (corresponding to late December - January in English calendar). Vaishnavism (Worship of Lord Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikuntha Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. The Margashirsha shukla paksha ekadashi in lunar calendar is known as a 'Mokshada Ekadashi'. Special prayers, yagnas, discourses and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples across the world on this auspicious day. According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the (Hindu) year.[1] However according to Vaishnava tradition fasting is mandatory on all Ekadashi of both Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered holier than any other religious observation. Lord opened the gate of Vaikuntham (his abode) for two demons in spite of them being against the Lord. They also asked for the boon that who ever listens to their story and see the image of Lord coming out of the door (called Dwar) called Vaikunth Dwar they reach Vaikunth as well. Temples all over India make a door kind of structure on this day for devotees to walk through. According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Lord Vishnu slayed the demon Muran and protects the `Devas'. This happened on the eleventh day of lunar month during the sun's journey in the Dhanur rasi. Impressed by the act, Lord Vishnu names her as `Ekadashi' and gives her the boon that those who worship `Ekadashi' on the day of her victory over Muran would reach `Vaikunth' (His abode).[2] Vaikuntha Ekadasi is one of the important and auspicious days for Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It occurs in the Hindu calendar, in the month of Margashirsha (Between December and January). Also called the 'Mukkoti Ekadasi', when observed, it bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and death.