Hindu festival
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi, Vaikunta Ekadasi.
In short
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is the holiest Ekadashi of Vishnu, falling in Dhanurmasa. On it the gate of Vaikuntha, Vishnu's heaven, is said to open. Devotees fast, keep an all-night vigil, and at temples pass through the Vaikuntha Dwaram, seeking liberation and the Lord's grace.
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When is Vaikuntha Ekadashi?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- The Shukla Ekadashi (11th tithi of the waxing moon) in the solar month of Dhanurmasa (Margashirsha–Pausha), when the gate of Vaikuntha is said to open
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Vishnu
Dhanurmasa falls roughly mid-December to mid-January. It is observed most famously at Srirangam and other great Vishnu temples, where devotees pass through the Vaikuntha Dwaram, the 'gate of heaven'.
The story of Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Tradition tells that on this Ekadashi Vishnu opened the gate of his heaven, Vaikuntha, to those who fasted and remembered him; the Ekadashi vow itself is personified as a goddess born to defeat the demon Mura, and keeping it is held to free the soul.
At Srirangam, the Paramapada Vasal — the 'doorway to the supreme abode' — is opened only on this day, and the faithful pass through it at first light. The whole observance holds out the promise most prized of all: moksha, release into the Lord's own presence.
How is Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated?
Devotees keep the Ekadashi fast and an all-night vigil of Vishnu's names. At great Vishnu temples such as Srirangam, the Vaikuntha Dwaram — the 'gate of heaven' — is opened and the faithful pass through it at dawn, seeking liberation.
A mantra to mark the day
ॐ नमो नारायणाय
oṃ namo nārāyaṇāya
I bow to Narayana (Vishnu), the refuge and resting place of all beings.
Temples for Vaikuntha Ekadashi
More Hindu festivals
About Vaikuntha Ekadashi
When is Vaikuntha Ekadashi?
On the Shukla Ekadashi of Dhanurmasa (Margashirsha–Pausha), around mid-December to mid-January. The exact date is set by the panchang each year.
What is the Vaikuntha Dwaram?
The 'gate of Vaikuntha' — a temple doorway, most famously at Srirangam, opened only on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, through which devotees pass seeking liberation.
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