Christmas is Vaikunta Ekadashi

*VAIKUNTA EKADASHI 2018*

Vaikunta Ekadashi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi, is one of the most important Ekadasis. Ekadashi is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu and falls on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. *In 2018, the date of Vaikunta Ekadasi is Tuesday, December 18. Swarga Vaasal or or Paramapada opening is from 3:00 AM on December 18, 2018*. Please note that in United States and UK it is marked on December 18, 2018. In Australia and New Zealand it is marked on December 19, 2018. Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed in the Margali Month (Margazhi Masam) as per Tamil Calendar and in Dhanurmasam as per Telugu Calendar.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi and in Kerala it is known as Swargavathil Ekadasi.

Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is more elaborately celebrated by Vaishnavites. It is more prominent for Tamil and Telugu speaking people. Fasting, keep vigil at night and passing through the Vaikunta Dwaram are the important auspicious activities on the day.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with great importance in Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, and Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple. Apart from these temples, all the temples dedicated to Bhagvan Vishnu and his incarnations in South India celebrate Vaikunta Ekadasi.

The most important ritual on the day in temples is the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram or Paramapada Vasal door in Vishnu Temples. This door is only opened on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day and devotees are allowed to pass through it. 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. Symbolically the door leads to the Vaikunta - abode of Vishnu.

*A SHORT IDEA ON VAIKUNTA EKADASI FASTING AND ITS BENEFITS*
Vaikunta Ekadasi, or Mukkoti Ekadasi, is observed with fast, prayer, chants and meditation, Japa and Dhyana. The austerities in connection with Vaikunta Ekadasi start with Dasami. Its strict observance is marked by ‘Ekabhuktam’ or taking food only once on Dashami followed on Vaikunta Ekadasi by a rigorous fast or at least a partial fast for those who cannot observe a complete fast for various reasons. It is followed by breaking of the fast on Dwadasi or the twelfth day of the waxing or bright fortnight. Consuming water and milk is allowed during a rigorous fast or taking fruits along with these during a partial fast. Observing a fast is supposed to control senses and purify the body. The mind in a body thus restrained, it is felt, will become pure. A purified body and mind help one to attain proximity with the divine or the Paramatman.

*VAIKUNTA EKADASI IN VISHNU TEMPLES*
All the 108 Divya Desam celebrate Vaikunta Ekadasi. Lord Vishnu is adorned with a diamond studded armour and the Northern gate of the temple that is considered to be an entrance to 'Vaikunta' is kept open on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. The utsava idol or the idol meant to be paraded through the streets during festivals is known as 'Namperumal' and it goes later through the 'Paramapada Vasal', the gateway to heaven.

Taking holy dip in the ponds in Vishnu temples on Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi (the next day) is equal to taking holy dip in all the holy rivers or tirthas of the universe.