Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a part of the Ekadashis celebrated every year, and many Hindus observe a fast on. However, Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival is one of the most important ones of all because of its significance and effects upon observing it.
This Ekadashi is related to Lord Vishnu, who is one of the Trinities and the energy behind running the Universe. It is a belief that only on this day, the gates of the abode of Lord Vishnu are open. Anyone who observes a fast on this Ekadashi or gets a Darshan of Lord Vishnu gets to the abode of the Lord after their soul departs from this world.
Thus thousands of people flock to various famous Vishnu temples to just get a glimpse of the Lord. They observe the fast, recite Vishnu’s name, and follow all the rituals to observe it rightly. The one who fasts on Mukkoti Ekadasi gets the fruit equal to observing fast on all 23 Ekadashis of the year.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi arrives in the Tamil month of Marghazhi, the duration between December and January.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi Legend
As mentioned in the Padma Purana, the legend is about Lord Vishnu fighting against the demon Muran. As all the Devas were unable to defeat the demon, the matter reached the hand of Trinities, and Lord Vishnu chose to kill the demon and restore the order.
However, Muran was a powerful demon for which Lord Vishnu needed a new and powerful weapon. During the search for the weapon, Lord Vishnu was retiring one day; Muran wanted to take advantage of the situation and approached the Lord to kill him instantly.
The moment Muran was about to hit the Lord with his weapon, female energy came out of Lord Vishnu and burnt the demon into ashes in a second. Lord Vishnu then realized the power of his female form and named her Ekadashi. He also blessed her with the boon that anyone who will worship Ekadashi on this day will attain my abode and get Moksha.
People hence observe fast on this Ekadashi and visit Vishnu temples. They refrain from every prohibited activity, such as the consumption of rice. This is because the demon Muran dwells in rice to find a way to heaven via anyone who consumes rice.
Rituals of Vaikuntha Ekadashi
There is a ritual of observing fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi . It is not mandatory to observe fast; however, devotees often observe fast on the day to get the sanctification of Ekadashi and Lord Vishnu.
People start fasting from the previous night of the Ekadashi by skipping the dinner, and they prepare themselves mentally for the observation. They then continue it for the whole day while chanting Vishnu’s name, doing meditation, reciting hymns, or visiting the temple and getting Darshan of Lord Vishnu. The next day of the fast, they visit the temple in the morning and break their observance.
Foods Prohibited on Vaikuntha Ekadashi
It is always advised that only those who are healthy and are not undergoing any medical condition should observe the fast. If such people want to observe fast, they should do it partially and after consulting their doctor.
People who can’t stay hungry for longer can have Sabudana Khichdi but without any regular salt and onion, and garlic. One can also have wheat porridge with milk or water. This way, you can observe fast while consuming only Sattvic foods.
Rice is the most prohibited food on Ekadashi that one must not take even a grain of it. All other grains except wheat are also restricted. One can’t consume leafy vegetables, cream, cottage cheese, and any kind of packaged food. Pulses are prohibited as well.
One can consume milk, nuts, and fresh fruits if one observes a partial Ekadashi. You can consume spices such as black pepper, turmeric, ginger, and pure salt.
You can’t use spices like Asafoetida or hing, cumin, sesame seeds, mustard, fenugreek, tamarind, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ajwain, and fennel.
The Celestial Significance of Ekadashi
Ekadashi means the 11th day, which happens twice in a Lunar month. Two Ekadashis happen in a month, the bright one and the dark one. On this day, the Sun and Moon have a strong influence on the human soul because of their special astronomical position. Hence by observing the fast, a human can increase their frequency to a higher level and achieve spiritual growth.
This is why Yogis never miss meditating on this auspicious day because the celestial position of the Sun and Moon helps them attain higher concentration and provides them significant spiritual progress.
Whenever you observe a Vrat and especially Ekadashi Vrat, it improves your mental state and becomes one with your soul. Meditation performed on the day takes you to a deeper state of consciousness where your vibrations easily connect you to the higher realms of the Universe. Read more Vaikuntha Ekadashi The Legend and Rituals
