VAIKUNTA EKADASI ON 11TH JANUARY 2014
Ekadasi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar.It has a great spirutual significance for increasing concentration on God. Fasting from grains on that day is beneficial for health, mostly for spiritual development and purification.
Vaikunta Ekadashi is one of the most important Ekadasi's and will be observed in the Margazi Month as per Tamil Calendar, Poushya month as per Telugu Calendar and Dhanumasam as per kerala calender.It is popularly known as Mukkoti Ekadasi/ Vaikunta Ekadashi in Tamil nadu and Andhra Pradesh and swargavadhil Ekadasi in kerala. Swarga Vathil means the doors of heaven and Vaikuntha Dwaram' or 'the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum' is opened on this day.According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the year.However according to Vaishnava tradition fasting is mandatory on all Ekadashi of bothShukla pakshaandKrishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered holier than any other religious observation.
Significance:-
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The legend says that the Devas were unable to bear the tyranny of 'Muran', a demon, approached Shiva, who directed them to Vishnu. A battle ensued between Vishnu and the demon finally Vishnu realized that a new weapon has to be needed to slay Muran.
In order to take rest and create a new weapon, Vishnu retired to a cavein Bhadrikashrama. When Muran tried to slay Vishnu, who was sleeping, thefemale powerthat emerged from Vishnu burned Muran to ashes with her glance.
Vishnu, who was pleased, named thegoddess'Ekadashi' and asked her to claim a boon. Ekadashi, instead, beseeched Vishnu that people who observed a fast on that day should be redeemed of their sins. Vishnu thus declared that people who observed a fast on that day and worshipped Ekadashi, would attain Vaikuntha. Thus came into being the first Ekadashi, which was a Dhanurmasa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi.
How to follow Observe Ekadasi:
Fast has to begin on the previous day i.e on Dasami restrict to one meal and milk fruits at night. On Ekadasi, wake up early and after bath, and daily pujas etc, visit the temple to see Swarga Vathal. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.Avoid rice urad dhal that day in the lunch (if at all you cannot manage without eating anything, have milk, fruits, coconut water etc.
It is widely believed that the gates to the heaven open - the Gate of Vaikuntha - on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. It is one of the most auspicious days in Lord Vishnu Temples in south India. On this day, the Vaikuntha Dwaram or the Swarga Vaasal, 'The Gates of Heaven' are believed to be kept open. The area encircling the sanctum is referred to Swarga Vaasal and devotees throng to gain entry into the temple, to seek Vishnu.
Hindus believe that those who die on this day are freed from the cycle of birth and death and that they would directly reach Vaikunta.
The 'Vaikunta Dwaram' or 'the gate to the heaven' is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. cores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.
On this auspicious day let us pray Vishnu He who pervades every thing , for whom the sacrificial versus are uttered in the yagyas, the one who is the master and beyond the past, present and the future.The creator and destroyer of all existences in the universe.One who supports or sustains or governs the universe.The essence of all beings he who originates and develops all Elements.
Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"
REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran
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