What is Vaikunta?
Vaikunta is the celestial abode of Vishnu, the Hindu deity who is part of the Trimurtis. According to the Puranas and Vaishnava traditions, Vaikuntha lies in the direction of the Capricorn constellation. Vaikunta is also known as Vishnupada, meaning “Vishnu’s feet,” or Parama Padam, which means "Supreme Abode.”
In broader terms, Vaikunta is often viewed as a spiritual world or a set of Vaikunta planets where Vishnu and his devotees dwell.
Those who inhabit Vaikunta have achieved a perfect nature. They have no desires and do not feel any envy or experience disharmony with other residents. They gain satisfaction and peace by serving Vishnu. Their love for Vishnu is infinitely more than their love for themselves.
Vaikunta is described in Vaishnava texts as the highest realm among the 14 lokas or worlds, where Vishnu devotees go after achieving liberation. The twin deities, Jaya and Vijaya, are the gatekeepers of Vaikunta. Vishnu’s army, stationed here, is led by Vishvaksena. The planets of Vaikunta are said to have many golden palaces and hanging gardens where delicious fruits and fragrant flowers grow in abundance.
The gates to the beautiful and heavenly abode of Vishnu, Vaikunta, supposedly open on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi. On this day, devotees of Vishnu who observe vrat/fasting and worship Vishnu with true devotion can be liberated of all sins and gain access to Vaikunta when they leave this world.
Vaikunta Ekadasi
Ekadasi is the 11th day in Shukla Paksha or Krishna Paksha. These are the waxing and waning lunar fortnights in the Hindu calendar. There are 2 Ekadasis in a month. The ekadasi in Shukla Paksha of Margasirsha (Dec-Jan) month is Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi. This is a very sacred day for Vishnu devotees or Vaishnavites. Though they observe vrat on all 24 Ekadasis in a year, it is said that observing vrat on Vaikunta Ekadasi is equal to fasting on all 24 Ekadasis.
Why is Vaikunta Ekadasi Special?
There is a reason why Vaikunta Ekadasi is so special to Vaishnavites. The story goes that a demon called Mura was wreaking havoc and tormenting the Devas. When they complained to Vishnu, he engaged the demon in battle. But the demon was invincible, thanks to a boon. After fighting for thousands of years, Vishnu became tired. He sought shelter in a cave to recuperate.
Muran arrived at the cave and found Vishnu sleeping. He was about to kill Vishnu when a female form came out of Vishnu’s body and burned him to ashes. She was the female energy of Vishnu. Vishnu named her Ekadasi and declared that those who honored her by keeping a fast on that day would gain freedom from all sins, and they could attain Vaikunta when they died.
Another legend says that Vishnu allowed 2 demons who were his enemies to enter Vaikunta on this day. They wanted a boon that those who listened to their story and saw Vishnu’s image emerging from Vaikunta Dwaram (gate of Vaikunta) would be able to enter Vaikunta. So, a door-like structure is erected at all Vishnu temples on Vaikunta Ekadasi for devotees to pass through. This is called Vaikunta Dwaram.
Vaikunta Ekadasi Pooja, Rituals, and Fasting
Things Needed for Pooja
- ∙ A photo or idol of Vishnu
- ∙ Fruits
- ∙ Tulsi leaves
- ∙ Betel leaves (optional)
- ∙ Betel nuts (optional)
- ∙ Yellow bananas
- ∙ Whole coconut (optional)
Observance
- ∙ The fast begins on Dashami Tithi, which is the day before Ekadasi. Eat only a single meal on this day.
- ∙ On the day of Ekadasi, wake up early in the morning. After bathing, offer prayers to Ganesha in your mind.
- ∙ Perform a Pooja to Vishnu at home by offering Tulsi leaves and fruits.
- ∙ Light the lamp and pray to Vishnu for a few minutes.
- ∙ Visit a Vishnu temple nearby and take part in the morning Pooja.
- ∙ Keep vigil at night. Read or listen to stories on Vishnu, chant Vishnu Mantras, or sing Vishnu bhajans.
Fasting
- ∙ Fast for 24 hours. A complete or partial fast has much merit on this day.
- ∙ If you have any health issues, consult a doctor before fasting. You can undertake a partial fast by avoiding rice or other grains. Fruits, raw vegetables, and milk can be consumed.
- ∙ Avoid rice-based items completely on Ekadashi.
Evening Rituals
- ∙ Bathe again in the evening.
- ∙ Repeat the Vishnu Pooja.
- ∙ Visit a Vishnu temple and take part in the evening Pooja.
Mantras to be Chanted
- ∙ Vishnu Ashtothram
- ∙ Vishnu Sahasranamam
- ∙ Om Namo Narayana
Parana
Parana means ‘breaking the fast’. Break the fast on the next day (Dwadashi) after bathing. Worship Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then end the fast.
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023 will be observed on Monday, 2nd January 2023, and Saturday, 3rd December 2023.
