Vaikunta Ekadasi is the Ekadasi that occurs in the Hindu calendar month of Marghazhi (corresponding to late December - January in English calendar. Vaishnavism (Worship of Lord Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. Ekadasi is the eleventh lunar day (Tithi) of the shukla (bright) or krishna (dark) paksha (fortnight) respectively, of every lunar month in the Hindu calendar (Panchang). ... A page from the Hindu calendar 1871-72. ... For the calendar of religious holidays and periods, see liturgical year. ... Temple dedicated to the worship of Vishnu as Venkateswara. ... Vishnu (Hindi: (विष्‍णु) is a form of God, whom Hindus pray to. ...

Special prayers, yagas, discources and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples across the world on this auspicious day.

Legend

According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikunta Ekadasi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 11 Ekadasis of the (Hindu) year.^[1]

According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Lord Vishnu slains demon Muran in the form of a damsel and protects `Devas'. Impressed by the act, Lord Vishnu names her as `Ekadasi' and gives her the boon that those who worship `Ekadasi' on the day of her victory over Muran would reach `Vaikunta' (His abode).^[2]

In Mahabaratha, Bhagavad Gita - the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna at the beginning of Kurukshetra War is said to have occurred on this day. For the film by Peter Brook, see The Mahabharata (1989 film). ... Bhagavad Gīta भगवद्गीता, composed ca the fifth - second centuries BC, is part of the epic poem Mahabharata, located in the Bhisma-Parva chapters 23–40. ... Krishna (IAST , the Sanskrit for dark or black) (see below), is according to common Hindu tradition the eighth avatar of Vishnu. ... For other uses, please see Arjun. ... Combatants Pandavas led by Dhristadyumna Kauravas led by Bhishma Commanders Arjuna Bhima Yudhishthira Nakula Sahadeva Bhishma Drona Karna Duryodhana Ashwatthama Strength 7 Akshauhinis 1,530,900 soldiers 11 Akshauhinis 2,405,700 soldiers Casualties Almost Total Only 7 survivors - the five Pandavas, Krishna, and Satyaki Almost Total Only 3 survivors...

In Srirangam

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations in Srirangam -- foremost of Vaishanvite Shrines, lasts 21 days and is divided into two parts of pagal pathu (morning part) and Ira pathu (night part). Lord Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha is adorned is an armor of diamonds (rathnaangi) and is brought to the Thousand-Pillared Hall from the sanctum sanctorum through the northern gate known as Paramapada Vasal, the gate to the heaven. This gate is opened once in a year, only on the Vaikuntha Ekadasi day. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. ...

In Tirumala

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple also has a similar concept. Thirumala has a special entrance called Vaikunta Dwaram that encircles the sanctum sanctorum. The dwaram (passage) is opened only on Vaikunta Ekadasi and it is believed that any person who passes through this `Vaikunta Dwaram' on this particular day attains salvation.^[3] The temple witnesses heavy inflow of pilgrims and dignitaries for Vaikunta Ekadasi. The Venkateswara Temple (Telugu: తిరుమల వేంకటేశ్వర దేవాలయం, Tamil: திருப்பதி வேங்கடேஸ்வரர் கோவில்) at Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Venkateswara (or Srinivasa) and attracts followers from a wide range of Hindu traditions. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Hindu is a leading English-language newspaper in South India, with its largest base of circulation in Tamil Nadu. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 363rd day of the year (364th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Hindu is a leading English-language newspaper in South India, with its largest base of circulation in Tamil Nadu. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (362nd in leap years). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Significance of Vaikunata Ekadasi
• Vaikunta Ekadasi in Srirangam
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Official Website