Curious About Vaikunta Samaradhane? Here’s What to Know

Vaikunta Ekadasi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi, is a significant celebration in Hinduism that is praised to pay tribute to Master Vishnu. This celebration is particularly significant for Vaishnavites or fans of Vishnu. If you are curious to learn more about the significance and rituals associated with Vaikunta Ekadasi, commonly known as Vaikunta Samaradhane, here are some key details to know.

What is the significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi?

Vaikunta Samaradhane or Ekadasi is celebrated on the 11th lunar day of the bright half of the Margashirsha month, according to the Hindu calendar. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu awakens from his yogic slumber. Devotees believe that observing a fast and performing puja on this day helps one attain salvation or moksha. 

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that those who observe the Vaikunta Ekadasi vrat and perform puja are guaranteed a place in Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s abode, after death.

What is the story behind Vaikunta Ekadasi?

According to Hindu mythology, there is an interesting legend associated with the origins of Vaikunta Ekadasi. It is believed that once, the demon Muran troubled the demigods and sages in Brahmaloka. To get rid of Muran, the demigods and sages approached Lord Vishnu for help. Pleased with their devotion and prayers, Lord Vishnu killed Muran. 

However, in the battle, a small drop of perspiration fell from Lord Vishnu’s forehead on earth. From this drop arose a terrible demon named Mura, who was even more powerful than his father Muran. Mura caused enormous experiences on the planet and in different universes. He even crushed Ruler Shiva in a fight. Seeing people’s plight, the demigods again prayed to Lord Vishnu for help.

On an Ekadasi tithi day in the Margashirsha month, Lord Vishnu killed the demon Mura. He assured the demigods that whoever observed fast and worshipped him with devotion on Ekadasi in Margashirsha would attain Vaikuntha, his supreme abode. Since then, this Ekadasi came to be known as Mokshada Ekadasi or Vaikunta Ekadasi, the day when one can attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death.   

What are the rituals associated with Vaikunta Samaradhane?

On the day prior to Vaikunta Samaradhane or you call it as Ekadasi, devotees perform rituals like cleansing or decorating Vishnu temples with flowers, fruits, and other offerings. On Vaikunta Ekadasi day, devotees observe a full day fast without consuming any food or water. Special pujas are performed to idols of Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. 

Devotees chant Vishnu sahasranama stotram and sing devotional songs or bhajans in praise of the lord. Special offerings of fruits, sweets, and coconut are made to the deity. At some temples, elaborate rituals depicting Vishnu’s divine pastimes are also enacted. In the evening, devotees break their fast by receiving prasad only after seeing the moon.

What is the meaning of breaking the fast?

Breaking the fast after sighting the moon has special significance. It is believed that Lord Vishnu wakes up from his yogic slumber at this time. By receiving prasad after seeing the moon, devotees symbolically partake in Vishnu’s divine awakening. The prasad is usually a sweet pudding made of rice flakes, jaggery, and nuts known as payasam or kheer. 

Eating this is said to cleanse the body and mind of all sins committed during the year. It is considered highly auspicious and is distributed freely at the temples. Some temples also enact a symbolic scene of Vishnu’s gates of Vaikuntha opening on this day after sighting the moon.

How is Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrated in different regions?

The celebration and rituals pertaining to Vaikunta Samaradhane (Ekadasi) may vary slightly across different regions in India. In South Indian temples dedicated to Vishnu like Tirupati, Srirangam or Melkote, the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan ritual is performed with great fervor. In Mathura and Vrindavan associated with Krishna worship, special kirtans and plays are held depicting the divine pastimes of Krishna and his consort Rukmini. 

In North Indian states like Punjab and Haryana, devotees visit nearby gurdwaras after fasting and breaking it at the gurdwara langar hall. Overall, the spirit remains the same – to seek the blessings of Vishnu through observance of the vrat and gain salvation.

How do people fast during Vaikunta Ekadasi?

The fasting observed on Vaikunta Ekadasi is known as nirjala vrat, which means without water. Devotees refrain from consuming any type of food, water or even brushing their teeth for the entire duration of the fast. The fast usually begins in the evening of the previous day after rituals and continues until sighting the moon on Ekadasi evening. 

Some may even continue the fast until the next morning before breaking it. While consuming only a single drop of water accidentally does not break the fast, devotees try their best not to intake any fluids. The idea is to remain fully focused on prayers and devotion to Lord Vishnu in a spirit of complete sacrifice and austerity. Elderly or sick people may observe a modified version of the fast.   

What type of food is prohibited during this fast?

Since the Vaikunta Samaradhane (Ekadasi) vrat involves a full day nirjala (waterless) fast, consumption of any type of solid or liquid food is strictly prohibited. This includes grains, lentils, fruits, vegetables, dairy products etc. Even consumption of water is not allowed. Intake of any type of drink, including water, fruit juices, tender coconut water would break the sanctity of the fast. 

Strict abstinence from oral hygiene rituals like brushing, rinsing the mouth is also advised. Some people may extend the fast period and avoid certain foods like onions and garlic in the meals eaten before and after the fast as well. The idea is to undertake the fast with complete dedication and refrain from anything that may satisfy hunger or thirst.

By following these prohibitions, devotees try to keep their body and mind focused solely on worshipping Lord Vishnu and seeking his blessings.

Vaikunta Ekadasi holds special significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu as it offers a chance to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death. Observing the nirjala fast with utmost devotion, performing rituals like Vaikunta Dwara Darshan puja, chanting Vishnu sahasranama and partaking prasad given as Lord’s blessings are believed to cleanse sins and pave the way to Vaikuntha after death. 

While the exact day of celebration may differ yearly according to the lunar calendar, the spirit of seeking closeness to the supreme deity through sacrifice, prayers and acts of worship remains the same. Vaikunta Ekadasi is an update for enthusiasts to have temperate existences devoted to profound upliftment.

 It encourages reflecting upon one’s mortality and working towards the ultimate goal of moksha from samsara. Whether you are an enthusiastic supporter of Vishnu or essentially inquisitive about strict customs, finding out about Vaikunta Samaradhane or Ekadasi can offer new viewpoints on Hindu methods of reasoning and values. The message of feasible salvation keeps on rousing millions across ages. 

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