Vaikunth Ekadashi (Image Source: X)
Srirangam, the temple town, experienced a surge of spiritual fervour as thousands of devotees congregated at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple to observe Vaikunta Ekadasi. The occasion, celebrated in the Tamil month of Marghazhi, is significant for its unique rituals and the opening of the Paramapada Vasal.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi 2023: Date and Timings
Vaikuntha Ekadashi Begins: 08:16 AM on December 22, 2023
Vaikuntha Ekadashi Ends: 07:11 AM on December 23, 2023
Puja Time: 06:18 AM to 06:24 AM on December 24, 2023
Vaikuntha Ekadashi End Moment: 06:24 AM on December 24, 2023
Significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi: A Spiritual Sojourn
Vaikuntha Ekadashi holds profound religious and spiritual significance in Hinduism, dedicated exclusively to the worship of Bhagwan Vishnu. Devotees observe fasts, engage in prayers, and visit temples, seeking the divine blessings of the preserver of the universe. The festival is a poignant expression of devotion and faith, as it is believed that on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, the gates of Vaikuntha, the celestial abode of Bhagwan Vishnu, swing open for the devotees. Those who observe the fast with unwavering dedication are believed to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Celebrations Of Vaikuth Ekadashi Across South India
In Tamil Nadu, the celebration of Vaikuntha Ekadashi includes the opening of the Parampada Vasal, the seventh gate symbolising the gateway to heaven in temples. The festival transcends religious boundaries, fostering cultural richness and community unity. It is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration that brings people together in the spirit of devotion and spirituality.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi unfolds in grandeur, especially in the sacred precincts of Tirumala Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Devotees from far and wide flock to these revered temples to participate in vibrant festivities and offer their prayers. The celebration extends beyond the temple walls, encompassing the entire community.
In Tamil Nadu, the Parampada Vasal, the seventh gate symbolising the gateway to heaven in temples, swings open on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, allowing devotees to embark on a spiritual journey. The festival is not merely a religious event but also a cultural celebration that unites communities in the shared spirit of devotion and spirituality.
A majestic abhisheka ceremony with sacred articles was offered to Sri Srinivasa Govinda at Hare Krishna Hill in Bengaluru, invoking divine blessings on the auspicious occasion of Sri Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Witness the glimpses of the grand abhisheka in this video and share it with others.
Srirangam, the temple town, experienced a surge of spiritual fervour as thousands of devotees congregated at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple to observe Vaikunta Ekadasi. The occasion, celebrated in the Tamil month of Marghazhi, is significant for its unique rituals and the opening of the Paramapada Vasal.
Vaikunta Ekadasi Traditions at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the 108 Vaishava Divya Shetrams, stands as the first in the order. During Vaikunta Ekadasi, a special significance is attributed to the opening of the temple door in the southern side. The main deity, Bhagwan Ranganatha, comes out to bless devotees who chant ‘ranga ranga,’ with the belief that those who witness the Bhagwan at the southern entrance will attain moksha or a place in Vaikuntam at the feet of the Bhagwan.
Devotional Atmosphere: Chants of ‘Ranga, Ranga, Govinda, Govinda’ Fill the Air
The entire temple complex resonated with the devout chants of ‘ranga, ranga, and govinda, govinda’ as devotees from near and far gathered to have a darshan of Sri Namperumal. Clad in ‘Ratnangi,’ Sri Namperumal embarked on a procession through the Paramapada Vasal, which opened at 4 am.
Procession Highlights: Spiritual Hymns and Devotee-Lined Praharams
The processional deity left the ‘Moolasthanam’ at 3 a.m., initiating a grand procession that traversed Raja Mahendran Tiruchutru and Kulasekaran Tiruchutru. Thousands of devotees lined up in the praharams, accompanying the procession with their heartfelt chants. Upon reaching the ‘Vraja Nadhi Mandapam,’ the deity paused, allowing scholars and priests to render hymns from the Vedas in a spiritually charged ambiance adorned with flowers.
Recommended Fasting Practices: A Nuanced Approach
The observance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi involves a nuanced approach to fasting. The first day of fasting is typically observed by family-oriented devotees, while the second day’s fasting is reserved for sanyasis, widows, and those seeking liberation (moksha). The fast symbolizes a purification of the mind, body, and soul, as devotees seek the divine grace of Bhagwan Vishnu.
Cultural Richness and Community Unity
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, fostering cultural richness and community unity. The festival brings people together, reinforcing the values of devotion, compassion, and spiritual connectedness.
On this auspicious occasion approaches, devotees eagerly seek the divine blessings that Vaikuntha Ekadashi promises, reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual significance of this joyous festival.
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