Regional Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Vaikunta Ekadashi
Vaikunta Ekadashi (also called Mukkoti Ekadashi) is the most sacred Ekadashi of the year, observed on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the bright fortnight of Margazhi (Dhanu). It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu opens the Vaikunta Dwaram (gates of heaven) and devotees who fast and worship on this day attain moksha. At the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, millions of pilgrims throng to pass through the special Paramapada Vasal (gateway to Vaikunta) opened only on this day.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
The most auspicious Ekadashi for Vaishnava devotees — fasting on this day is said to be equivalent to the merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis of the year. The opening of Vaikunta Dwaram symbolizes the soul's liberation from the cycle of rebirth and entry into eternal bliss.
Rituals & Traditions
Complete fast (nirjala — without water) or partial fast from sunrise to next day sunrise. Night-long vigil (jaagran) at Vishnu temples. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and Divya Prabandham. Pass through the Paramapada Vasal at Srirangam and Tirupati. Offer tulsi leaves, lotus flowers, and yellow flowers to Vishnu. Break fast (parana) next morning at specific time.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Vaikunta Ekadashi?
Vaikunta Ekadashi (also called Mukkoti Ekadashi) is the most sacred Ekadashi of the year, observed on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the bright fortnight of Margazhi (Dhanu). It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu opens the Vaikunta Dwaram (gates o...
Q.What is the significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi?
The most auspicious Ekadashi for Vaishnava devotees — fasting on this day is said to be equivalent to the merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis of the year. The opening of Vaikunta Dwaram symbolizes the soul's liberation from the cycle of rebirth and entry into eternal bliss.
Q.What are the rituals of Vaikunta Ekadashi?
Complete fast (nirjala — without water) or partial fast from sunrise to next day sunrise. Night-long vigil (jaagran) at Vishnu temples. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and Divya Prabandham. Pass through the Paramapada Vasal at Srirangam and Tirupati. Offer tulsi leaves, lotus flowers, and yellow flowers to Vishnu. Break fast (parana) next morning at specific time.
Q.What foods are made during Vaikunta Ekadashi?
Tulsi water (holy basil water), Fruits (ekadashi fast fruits), Milk and curd, Sabudana khichdi, Sweet pongal (sakkarai pongal), Panakam (jaggery-pepper drink)