Vaikunta Ekadashi December 20 (Thursday)
Morning Program:
10 AM to 12 Noon
Suprabhata, Abhisheka for Utsava Moorthi, Dwara Pooja, Vishnu Sahasranama, Tirupavai, Mangalarathi, Dwara (Temple Sanctum Door)Pravesha and Theertha Prasada
Evening Program:
7 PM to 9 PM
Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana, Shodasha Upachara Pooja, Dwara (Temple Sanctum Door)Aradhana/ Dwara Pravesha, Mangalarathi and Theertha Prasada
The Temple Sanctum Door decorations will remain through Sunday Dec 23.
Significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi
Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’ (heaven).
Like all Ekadasi days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil the whole night. Some people indulge in meditation, Japa and singing of Hari Kirtan. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.
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.
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. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples
