Vaikuntha Ekadashi is the most auspicious Ekadashi observed by Hindus. It is considered the most auspicious as it is believed that on this day, the Vaikuntha Dwar, or the gates of heaven, will open, so people keeping this fast will attain moksha and go straight to heaven. Hence, it is also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi and Swarga Vathil Ekadashi. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated in the Margasisa or Margazhi month of the Hindu calendar and mainly falls in late December or early January, as per the English calendar. Vaikuntha Ekadasi 2025 date is 10th January 2025. Find the detailed information on Vaikuntha Ekadashi below:

Origin, History, and Significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Vaikunta Ekadashi is the most auspicious of all the Ekadashi. It is believed keeping fast on this day is equivalent to keeping fast on 23 Ekadashi. According to Hindu mythology, the word 'Vaikuntha' means the abode of Lord Vishnu, where there is no scarcity of anything, only abundance. The word 'Ekadashi' is a Sanskrit word meaning the Shukla paksha or the 11th lunar day, the day between the New Moon and Full moon days.

According to the Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu fought a Demon called Muran and, in between the fight, went to a cave to rest and to create a new weapon to kill the demon. While Lord Vishnu was resting, Demon Muran tried to kill him in the cave. However, his attempts were ruined, like the energy in a female form emanated from Lord Vishnu's body and killed him instead. Lord Vishnu was impressed by that female energy and called her Ekadashi. He also gave her a boon, and as her boon, she asked that anyone who observes fast on that day be granted moksha. Lord Vishnu blessed her with that boon. Since then, it is believed anyone is keeping fast on Ekadashi, or the 11th lunar day of the Hindu calendar month of Margashirsha or Margazhi, will attain moksha and reach heaven.

Since that day, Hindus, especially Vaishnavites, observe fast on this day to reach Lord Vishnu's abode or heaven. Lord Vishnu's abode, or Vaikuntha's door, is closed throughout the year to outsiders. Only on Vaikuntha Ekadashi the 'Vaikunta dwara' or Vaikuntha door is open for everyone. So solemnly, they think that by observing fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi they will reach there (Vaikunta dwara) without encountering the Yama or the God of Death. Hindus also don't eat rice on any of the Ekadashi as it is believed the Demon Muran dwells in rice grains.

Another legend regarding the history of Vaikuntha is that on this day, 'Sagar Mathana' was performed. During this Sagar Manthan, divine nectar emerged from the milk ocean, distributed among the gods. So Hindu devotees believe people who die on this auspicious day attain freedom from the cycle of life and death and reach heaven or Vaikuntha. Supporting this legend is the tale from Mahabharata of Lord Bheeshma waiting until Ekadashi dies. In some places, it is also known as "Bheeshma Ekadashi" for this reason.

When is Vaikuntha Ekadashi Celebrated

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated yearly on the Shukla paksha or the eleventh lunar day of Margasira or Margazhi month of the Hindu calendar. For example, the 10th of January 2025 is the Vaikuntha Ekadasi 2025 date.

How is Vaikuntha Ekadashi Celebrated and Where to Go

Across India, Vaikuntha Ekadashi has celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Vaishnava temples or Lord Vishnu Temples. Devotees pray to Lord Vishnu, worship with tulsi leaves, and offer Prasad fruits and sweets. They also fast for the entire day and recite Vishnu Puranam, Shri Vishnu Sahasranamam, and Narayan Kavacham. Devotees sing bhajans and stay awake during the night to listen to Lord Vishnu's stories. They also visit Lord Vishnu temples and give Bhagwad Gita to Brahmins or any deserving person.

Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023 festivities can be seen across India, specifically in the southern states. Srirangam and Tirupati Temple celebrations are primarily known for their Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations. In addition, the following places are worth visiting during Vaikuntha Ekadashi:

1. Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most famous temples in India. It witnesses lakhs of devotees every year for this auspicious day celebration. In addition, the recessional deity known as NamPerumal is lavishly adorned with precious stones.
2. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh—also known as Tirupati Tirumala—is one of the wealthiest temples in the world. The Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebration in Tirumala is famous around the globe, and many devotees come to celebrate it.
3. Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam, Andhra Pradesh- celebrates this day pompously. Lord Ram and Lakshmana's idols are taken out in a procession on this day.
4. Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple Triplicane, Chennai, Tamilnadu- is a famous Lord Vishnu Temple. So this day is celebrated with many festivities and attended by lakhs of devotees.
5. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna, Karnataka- is the first of five abodes of Lord Ranganathaswamy or Panchranga Kshetra. The temple is known for its Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations.

Suppose you are interested in enjoying the Vaikuntha Ekadasi 2025 festivities and would love to travel to any of these places' temples for this auspicious occasion. In that case, redBus can take you to your desired destination. Booking your bus ticket online via redBus is quick and convenient. Download the redBus mobile app or visit the redBus India website to book your bus tickets and participate in Vaikuntha Ekadashi festivities.