What is the significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi?

Of all the Ekadashis that fall in a Hindu year, Vaikunta Ekadashi or Mukkoti Ekadashi, as it is known in the Telugu States, is the most auspicious occasion

Hyderabad: Ekadashis are the 11th day in the waxing and waning phases of the moon and occur twice a month, which are considered auspicious for the Hindus, especially for Vaishnavas, the devotees of Lord Vishnu.

Of all the Ekadashis that fall in a Hindu year, Vaikunta Ekadashi or Mukkoti Ekadashi, as it is known in the Telugu States, is the most auspicious occasion, which coincides with Mokshada Ekadashi or Putrada Ekadashi. It is observed in Dhanu month, which falls between December and January.

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The significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi was mentioned in Padma Purana. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu took the help of Goddess Yogamaya to slay a demon. After she killed the demon, God offered her the epithet Ekadashi, declaring that she would be capable of vanquishing the sins of people on Earth. In Vaishnav tradition, it is held that those who observe a fast and worship Ekadashi will attain Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Thus, began the first Ekadashi, which is also called Vaikunta Ekadashi.

Another legend tells that Lord Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikunta for two demons, who sought a boon from the God that whoever listens to their story, and sees the image of Vishnu coming out of the door called Vaikunta Dwaram, would reach Vaikunta as well.

Vishnu temples all over India make Vaikunta Dwaram on this day for devotees to walk through. On this day, the Vaishnavs follow a strict fast as it is believed that fasting on this one day is equal to fasting on all 23 Ekadashis. Hymns and bhajans are sung through the night and devotees visit the Vishnu temples in the wee hours.

Though celebrated throughout India, Vaikunta Ekadashi is most popular in southern States, particularly at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu,  and Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati. These temples witness a huge inflow of pilgrims who throng the Vaikunta Dwaram.