Mukkoti Ekadasi Date 2024: Thursday Dec 26th, 2024
Vaikuntha Ekadasi is the most important of all the ekadasis. It is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi and is important for the followers of Lord Vishnu (Vaishnavites). The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is celebrated in a grand way in all the Vishnu temples in the South and in the ISKCON temples across the world. The festival is not celebrated much in North India.
'Margasira Suddha Ekadasi is celebrated as Mukkoti Ekadasi. It is the 11th day in the 'sukla paksha' i.e the brighter half of the moon, in the auspicious Hindu month of 'Margasira'. It is Dhanur Masam during this time which is highly important for the Vaishnavites.
However, it is the detachment from materialistic pleasures / world is the way to attain salvation.
Vaikuntha Ekadasi is the most important of all the ekadasis. It is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi and is important for the followers of Lord Vishnu (Vaishnavites). The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is celebrated in a grand way in all the Vishnu temples in the South and in the ISKCON temples across the world. The festival is not celebrated much in North India.
'Margasira Suddha Ekadasi is celebrated as Mukkoti Ekadasi. It is the 11th day in the 'sukla paksha' i.e the brighter half of the moon, in the auspicious Hindu month of 'Margasira'. It is Dhanur Masam during this time which is highly important for the Vaishnavites.
Religious Significance
It is believed that the 'Vaikuntha Dwaram' i.e the Main Gate of Vaikuntham (the Abode of Lord Vishnu) opens on this auspicious day. It is because of this reason, devotees are allowed to have a 'Uttara (Vaikuntha) dwara darshanam' of Lord Vishnu in the Vishnu temples in South India. 'Uttara Dwara darshanam' means entering the temple through the North gate, only on this auspicious day. It is believed that those who have the darshan of the Lord from 'Vaikuntha Dwaram' will attain moksha / salvation and reach Vaikuntham - the Abode of Sri Maha Vishnu.However, it is the detachment from materialistic pleasures / world is the way to attain salvation.
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Religious Observances
Most of the Vishnu devotees practice the following things:- Observe fasting the whole day. Some staunch believers even observe 'nirjal upvash' i.e. fasting without even drinking water.
- Visit a Vishnu temple and get themselves involved in various religious activities and perform special poojas.
- Involve in Vishnu bhajans / sankeertans
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranamam and other Vishnu slokas / stotrams.
- Read Srimad Bhagawad Geeta.