May Lord Vishnu bless us all with purity, devotion, and liberation.
Jambunathan Iyer
Dear Friends,
On 30th December 2025 (Vaikuntha Ekadashi), devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate this sacred day with fasting, prayers, and crossing the Vaikuntha Dvaram (Sorkavasal) – the symbolic gateway to liberation.
· Significance:
o Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of the Dhanu month.
o It coincides with Mokshada / Putrada Ekadashi, believed to grant liberation from sins.
o Legends from the Padma Purana narrate how Lord Vishnu destroyed the demon Murāsura through Goddess Ekadashi, who was empowered to absolve humanity’s sins.
o The story of King Ambarisha and Sage Durvasa highlights the power of devotion and fasting on this day.
Expanded Legends
·
Murāsura Legend (Padma Purana):
Once, the demon Murāsura tormented the devas with a boon from Brahma. Lord
Vishnu fought him but could not defeat him directly. Retreating to Simhavati
cave near Badarikashrama, Vishnu invoked Yogamaya, born of his divine
energy. She slew Murāsura, and Vishnu named her Ekadashi, granting her
the power to absolve humanity’s sins
·
Ambarisha & Durvasa:
King Ambarisha, a devout Vaishnava, observed Ekadashi fasting with utmost
sincerity. When Sage Durvasa delayed his meal beyond the auspicious time,
Ambarisha broke his fast with water to uphold the vow. Durvasa, enraged, cursed
him, but Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra protected Ambarisha. The sage
realized his mistake and sought forgiveness. This story highlights the supremacy
of devotion and the sanctity of Ekadashi vows
·
Vaikuntha Dvaram:
Another legend narrates that Vishnu opened the gates of Vaikuntha even for two
demons, granting the boon that anyone who hears their story and crosses the Vaikuntha
Dvaram would attain liberation
Famous Temples Celebrating Vaikuntha Ekadashi
This festival is observed with grandeur in several Vishnu temples across India:
· Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh): The most famous, where lakhs of devotees gather for Mukkoti Ekadashi darshan
· Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple (Tamil Nadu): Known for the majestic Swargavasal opening and elaborate rituals
· Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu): Celebrated with Divya Prabandham recitations and Vaikuntha Dvaram darshan
· Melkote Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple (Karnataka): A major center for Vaishnava traditions
· Other temples: Paramapada Ekadashi at Vishnu shrines in Kerala, and nationwide celebrations in Vishnu temples during Margazhi
· Traditions:
o Temples across India open the Vaikuntha Dvaram (Sorkavasal) for devotees to pass through, symbolizing entry into Vishnu’s abode.
o Special recitations include Vedas, Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Vaikuntha Gadyam, and services like Prakarotsavam, Oonjal Seva, Yagnas, and discourses.
o Vaishnavas observe fasting and Margazhi (Dhanurmasam) austerities with devotion.
On this auspicious day, I will be visiting the Old Adikesava Perumal Temple, Govindan Road, West Mambalam, to cross the Sorkavasal and offer prayers.
May Lord Vishnu bless us all with purity, devotion, and liberation.
" What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things "