Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most auspicious and sacred festivals for Hindus, especially for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha, which falls in December or January. On this day, devotees observe a fast and worship Lord Vishnu, who is believed to grant salvation to his devotees.

What is Uttara Dwara Darshanam?

One of the highlights of Vaikunta Ekadasi is the Uttara Dwara Darshanam, which means the darshan of the Lord through the northern gate of the temple. This gate is also known as the Vaikunta Dwaram or the gate of heaven, and it is opened only once a year on this day. Devotees believe that entering the temple through this gate will free them from the cycle of birth and death, and grant them moksha, or liberation.

How Devotees Celebrated Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023?

In 2023, Vaikunta Ekadasi was celebrated on December 23, and thousands of devotees thronged to various temples of Lord Vishnu across Andhra Pradesh. The most famous temple, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, witnessed a huge rush of devotees, who queued up for hours to get the Uttara Dwara Darshanam. The temple authorities made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees, who followed the COVID-19 protocols and wore masks and gloves.

Other temples, such as Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Nellore, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Mangalagiri, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Dwaraka Tirumala, and Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, also saw a large number of devotees, who offered prayers and performed rituals to Lord Vishnu. The devotees also donated generously to the temples, and received prasadam, or sacred food, as a blessing from the Lord.

Why Vaikunta Ekadasi is Important for Hindus?

Vaikunta Ekadasi is important for Hindus because it is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu descended to earth in the form of Sri Rama, and also opened the gates of Vaikunta, his abode, for his devotees. According to the legend, a demon king named Mura was terrorizing the gods and sages, and Lord Vishnu fought with him for a thousand years. During the battle, Lord Vishnu felt tired and rested for a while under a banyan tree. The demon king tried to attack him, but a female power emerged from the Lord’s body and killed the demon. The Lord named her Ekadasi, and granted her a boon that whoever worships him on the 11th day of the lunar cycle will be protected by her. He also declared that whoever observes a fast and performs a puja on this day will attain Vaikunta after death.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is also a day of charity and compassion, as devotees feed the poor and needy, and donate clothes, money, and other items to them. It is also a day of devotion and gratitude, as devotees chant the names and glories of Lord Vishnu, and thank him for his blessings and grace.