Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival – Legends, Rituals & Celebrations Across Vishnu Temples

Spiritual Importance of Ekadasi

Ekadasi vrata is one of the most revered observances in Hindu tradition, mentioned in the Padma Purana.
The Sanskrit word Upa-vaasa means “remaining beside the Lord,” signifying fasting as a way of staying in divine contemplation.
Devotees spend the day in meditation, reciting stotras like Vishnu Sahasranama, and listening to scriptures.
The most auspicious time is Harivasaram – the last quarter of Ekadasi tithi and the first quarter of Dwadasi tithi.

Legends

Stories of kings like Rukmangada and Ambarisha highlight the power of Ekadasi observance.
Emperor Krishnadevaraya immortalized the legend of Maladasari in his Telugu epic Amukta Malyada.
These legends emphasize that fasting and devotion on Ekadasi lead to liberation and divine grace.

Vaikunta Ekadasi – The Festival

Known also as Paramapada Ekadasi, Swargavaasal, and Adhyayanotsavam, it is the most important festival in Vishnu temples.
Srirangam Ranganatha Temple is the epicenter, celebrated over 20 days in Margazhi (Dec–Jan).

Origin traced to Thirumangai Alwar (9th century), who initiated recitation of Thiruvaimozhi.
Nathamuni and later Ramanuja expanded the recitations to include the entire Divya Prabandham.

Pagal Pathu (Daytime recitations) – 10 days of hymns and Mohini Alankaram.
Raa Pathu (Night recitations) – 10 days of Thiruvaimozhi in the Tirumamani Mandapam.

On Ekadasi day, devotees cross the Paramapada Vaasal (Vaikunta Dwaram), symbolizing entry into Vishnu’s abode.

Celebrations Across Temples

Tirumala: Known as Mukkoti Ekadasi, with massive crowds and Divya Prabandha recitations.
Kanchipuram (Varadaraja Perumal Temple): Lord Varadaraja descends from Hastigiri Hill in Ratnangi armour; nearby Vaikunta Perumal Temple also celebrates with grandeur.
Melkote (Tirunarayanapuram): Linked to Ramanuja, who rediscovered the Cheluva Narayana idol. The festival includes Kotarotsava and honors Alwars and Acharyas.
Other Vishnu temples: Even smaller shrines open a symbolic Vaikunta Dwaram only on this day.

Beliefs

Crossing the Vaikunta Dwaram is believed to grant liberation (moksha) and divine blessings.
Devotees see Vaikunta Ekadasi as a unifying festival, where Sanskrit and Tamil scriptures are recited together, embodying the Ubhaya Vedanta tradition.
It is a reminder of India’s spiritual unity, celebrated across regions with variations but the same essence of devotion to Vishnu.