Vaikunta Ekadashi

Vaikunta Ekadashi falls  every year in the Krishna Paksha  Ekadashi that occurs during the Dhanurmasa period in the Hindu calendar in the month December-January. Ekadasi is the eleventh day in both the halves of the lunar month – Shukla Paksha(brighter half) and Krishna Paksha(darker half). Approximately there are as many as 24 Ekadasis in a year. The Ekadasi in Mrugasira Shukla Paksha is known as Vaikunta Ekadasi. Vaikunta is the abode of Lord Vishnu. On this day, thousands of devotees perform special poojas in Vishnu Temples.This year it falls on January 4th or 5th 2012. This is observed with all solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. Please check your local calendars to see if it falls on 4th or 5th 2012.

Vaikunta Ekadashi is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple and also all other Vishnu temples around the world. The devotees firmly believe that whoever dies on this auspicious day directly goes to the Vaikuntam. They believe that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘The Gate to the Heaven‘ gets opened on this day.

During this month Sun transits through Dhannus Rasi. Ancient texts recommend that the mornings in this month are ideal for worship of the Lord Vishnu. People fast during the entire day and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. Gifting a copy of Bhagavad Gita to a deserving person on this day is bestowed profuse blessings by Lord Vishnu.

Orthodox Madhwas in Southern India observe complete fasting on ordinary Ekadashi day. For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day. They do not eat any food item prepared out of rice on Ekadashi days.Those who are unable to observe complete fast may take some  fruit and milk. So one may ask why we shouldn’t eat rice, so the story for the same is illustrated below.

One day the sweat  fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and told the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.” Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.” For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi.

It’s okay even If one does not believe this story, just think of all the benefits one can get from fasting.

Fasting makes a man strong, both spiritually and mentally. Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also. It is good to fast once in a while as it recuperates the body. Ekadashi observance cleans our body and the digestive organs get much needed rest.

Those people suffering from ailments and on medications should take the advice of a doctor before fasting. Never torture your body in the name of religion. There is nothing wrong in having fruits and or milk. One can always bring in a certain amount of flexibility in the way fasting is observed.

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