MUKKOTI EKADASHI

Vaikuntha Ekadasi is one the important and auspicious days to the Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It occurs in the Hindu calendar, in the month of Margashirsha (Between December and January). Also called the 'Mukkoti Ekadasi', when observed, it bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and death.  Devotees believe that ‘Vaikuntha Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day.

Devotees observe ekadashi fasting and rush to vishnu temples on this day, They believe that gates of heaven are opened.In Mahabarata, Bhagavad Gita - the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna at the beginning of Kurukshetra War is said to have occurred on this day.

How To Observe :

•  Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers. 
•  You can perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by offering fruits and Tulsi leaves. 
•  You can just light the lamp and prayer or meditate for few minutes – or the normal ritual you do daily. Only difference is that today it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 
•  If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals. 
•  Complete fast or upavasam on the day is the main observance.

Fasting :

Fasting for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice

Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi. 

Evening Prayers :

•  Take a bath in the evening. 
•  Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu 
•  Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals. 

Prayers for Vaikunta Ekadasi 

•  Vishnu Ashotharam 
•  Vishnu Sahasranamam 
•  Or Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana 

Devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

Next Day Morning 

The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast. 

Vaikunta Ekadashi is very important day and celebrated with utmost fervour and devotion in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam and in Trivandrum Padmanabha Swamy temple.

There is no mukkoti ekadasi in 2016.

2017 Dates : 9th January, Monday.

                   29th December, Friday.