Vaikunta Ekadasi 2025: History, Legends, Rituals & Pilgrimage Guide

Date & Tithi

Date: December 30, 2025
Tithi: Ekadasi falls on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha (December–January).
Parana (breaking the fast): December 31, 2025, during the prescribed time after sunrise.

Significance

Known as Moksha Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi, it is considered the most auspicious of all Ekadasis.
Observing this vrat is said to absolve sins, remove obstacles, and grant liberation.
It symbolizes the opening of the Vaikuntha Dwaram (Swarga Vasal) in Vishnu temples, allowing devotees to symbolically enter the divine realm.

Legends

Padma Purana narrates that Lord Vishnu defeated the demon Muran on this day and granted liberation to devotees.
It is believed that Vishnu opened the gates of Vaikuntha for the first time on this day, allowing devotees entry.
The day is also associated with the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and Vishnu’s role as the preserver.

Rules & Rituals

Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, often nirjala (without food and water), or with fruits and milk.
Puja: Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita recitation, and offering tulsi leaves are common.
Temple rituals: Special Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam is arranged in temples, symbolizing entry into Vaikuntha.
Charity: Donating food, clothes, and helping the needy is considered highly meritorious.

Scriptural References

Mentioned in Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Bhagavata Purana as one of the most powerful Ekadasis.
Scriptures emphasize that even listening to the glories of Vaikunta Ekadasi grants punya (spiritual merit).

Temples & Regional Observance

Tirumala Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh): Grand celebrations with Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan.
Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple (Tamil Nadu): Famous for Swarga Vasal opening.
Bhadrachalam (Telangana), Udupi Krishna Temple (Karnataka), Guruvayur (Kerala): Major observances.
In Kerala, it is called Swargavathil Ekadasi.
In Tamil Nadu & Andhra, it is Mukkoti Ekadasi.
Devotees throng Vishnu temples across South India, with special darshan queues and elaborate rituals.