Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023 is one of the most important and auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm in India. On the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margazhi, the pious festival of Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in South India. This day is observed to revere Maha Vishnu, the all–pervading, omnipresent and omniscient supreme being.
As per the Vaishnava tradition, on this day the doors of Vaikunta, the abode of Maha Vishnu, are opened. Special rituals are performed in the Vishnu temples and devotees sing hymns in praise of Bhagawan Vishnu. Srirangam and Tirupati Temples are known for their grand celebrations of Vaikunta Ekadasi. Devotees observe a day–long fast and chant ‘Om Namo Narayanaya‘ to seek the blessings of the Vishnu Bhagawan.
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023
Ekadasi Tithi Begins – 07:11 PM on Jan 01, 2023
Ekadasi Tithi Ends – 08:23 PM on Jan 02, 2023
On January 2, 2023, millions of devotees will gather to celebrate the auspicious day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, or Mukkoti Ekadasi or in Kerala it is known as Swargavathil Ekadasi. It is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, and marks the opening of Swarga Vaasal, or Paramapada, at 3:00 AM. Devotees from all over the world will visit temples and perform special pujas to seek the blessings of Maha Vishnu. Many will fast for the entire day and night, and some will even keep a vigil till the break of dawn. This day is believed to be very auspicious and will bring about immense spiritual and material benefits.
It is said that –
Na Gaayatraya para mantra; na Mathru para dhaivatham,
Na Gangasya: paramam theertham Na Ekadasya: samam vratham.
ந காயத்ரீயா பர மந்த்ர: ந மாத்ரூணாம் பர தைவதம் |
ந் கங்காஸ்ய: பரமம் தீர்த்தம், ந ஏகாதஸ்யா: சமம் வ்ரதம் !!
There is no mantra superior to the Gayatri mantra,
There is no god superior to the Mother,
There is no water more purifying or superior than River Ganges.
And finally, there is no fast (vratam) more sacred or superior than the Ekadasi.
Vaikunta is the abode of Lord Vishnu, where He resides with Lakshmi Devi on Adisesha. It is known as Paramapadam and is the most coveted place. Nearest reference to Vaikunta we find in Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram – sloka # 44 …
Vaikuntah Purushah Praanah Praanadah Pranavah Prithuh
Hiranyagarbhah Shatrughno Vyaapto VaayurAdhokshajah
On the sacred day of Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahma and the other Gods will have darshan of Maha Vishnu at His abode Vaikunta during Arunodaya kaala. This is known as Uttara Dwaara Darshanam, Uttara means North and dwaara means door (here it is doors of Vaikunta).
There are fourteen lokas, seven above including the Earth and seven below. The seven above the Earth are referred to as the Uurdhwa Lokas which are in the Northern direction and of these, Vaikunta is located in the North too. It is believed that on the blessed day of Mukkoti Ekadasi, the Maha Vishnu should be viewed through the northern entrance, known as Uttara dwaara darsanam, as it is the most auspicious time to do so. It is for this reason that temples offer a special darshan of the Deity on this day.
What can be done on this Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023?
1. Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important festival celebrated by devotees of Maha Vishnu.
2. Worshiping Vishnu Bhagawan and Maa Lakshmi Devi during the Arunodaya Kaala (4–6 am) is prescribed.
3. Total fasting (nirjala upavasa) is prescribed on this day.
4. Those who cannot undertake total fasting may resort to partial fasting with fruits or milk.
5. Fasting should be accompanied with sincere prayer and meditation.
6. One can chant Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram.
7. You can also chant Narayana Ashtakashari, Dwadasakshari, or Om Namo Venkatesaaya, Sri Raama Naama, Hare Raama-Hare Krishna mantra as many number of times as possible.
