Gyaraspur: The Sacred Village Born from Ekadashi Devotion The Historical and Spiritual Significance of Gyaraspur Nestled in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, Gyaraspur stands as a testament to the profound spiritual power of Ekadashi observance. This ancient village, whose very name derives from "gyaras" meaning the eleventh day, carries within its soil the sacred legacy of devotion, sacrifice, and divine grace. According to Hindu tradition, this settlement was established by the celestial beings themselves, making it a place where the earthly and divine realms intersect. The Story of King Rukangada's Unwavering Devotion The village's origin traces back to King Rukangada of Vidisha, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu whose commitment to Ekadashi vrata was absolute and uncompromising. His devotion was not merely personal but extended throughout his entire kingdom. On every Ekadashi, the king observed a complete fast, and remarkably, his entire household follow...

Climbing the Path to Liberation: The Symbolism of Playing Snakes and Ladders on Vaikunta Ekadasi Each year on Vaikunta Ekadasi, devotees of Lord Vishnu observe a sacred fast and engage in devotional practices to attain spiritual merit. Among these traditions, playing the board game of Snakes and Ladders (also known by its Sanskrit name, Moksha Patam) holds special significance. Far more than simple entertainment, the game offers a profound lesson about life’s journey toward liberation. Through its depiction of snakes and ladders, it illustrates the interplay of devotion, virtue, ego, and attachment in the seeker’s spiritual quest. The Importance of Vaikunta Ekadasi Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on the eleventh lunar day (Ekadasi) of the waxing moon in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) - holy Dhanu Masa or Month, depending on regional calendars. It is believed that on this day the gate to Vaikunta, the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu, remains open for devotees who fast, pray, and...

Vaikunta Ekadashi: Gateway to the Divine Vaikunta Ekadashi stands apart among the twenty-five Ekadashi observances in a year. On this sacred day, Lord Vishnu himself is believed to open the gates of Vaikunta (heaven) for sincere devotees. The ancient texts recount how a demon named Muran, inflated by his own power, drove the gods from their celestial abode. When Vishnu confronted him, the divine energy Ekadasi emerged from Vishnu’s chest, vanquished Muran, and restored balance. To honor her, Vishnu granted that those who keep vigil, fast, and chant his names on this day will attain a direct path to heaven. How is Vaikunta Ekadashi different from other Ekadasis in a year? Vaikunta Ekadashi is considered the most sacred of the 25 annual Ekadasis because, according to the Padma Purana and Uttara Kanda (chapters 36, 40), it is on this day that Maha Vishnu himself opens the gates of heaven for devotees who followed dharma on earth. They symbolically realize that Earth is also Vaikunta when...

Sri Lakshmi Adi Narayanaswamy Temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu and is located at Yellodu near Chikkaballapur in Karnataka. The annual Vaikunta Ekadashi festival is of great importance in the temple. The Vaikuntha Dwara of the temple opens from 5:00 AM and remains open until evening on the day. Yellodu Sri Lakshmi Adi Narayanaswamy Temple Vaikunta Ekadasi festival 2026 date is December 20. Sri Lakshmi Adinarayana Swamy Temple is located on the foothills. One has to climb 618 steps to reach the temple. Special food donations are done on Sunday in the temple. The surrounding scenic beauty, the lake, and the lush greenery are truly a feast for the eyes.      

The Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple, also known as Thirukolur, is a revered temple dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu. Located in the quaint village of Thirukkolur in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, this temple holds a significant place in the hearts of devotees. As one of the 108 Divya Desams, it is celebrated for its association with Vaithamanidhi Perumal (Vishnu) and his consort Kolurvalli (Lakshmi). Among the numerous festivals held at the temple, the Vaikunta Ekadashi festival is the most prominent, drawing thousands of devotees each year. This article delves into the intricate details of the festival, the temple’s history, architecture, and its spiritual significance.  Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple Vaikunta Ekadashi festival 2026 date is December 20. Historical and Spiritual Importance of the Temple The Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple is one of the Nava Tirupathis, a group of nine Vishnu temples located along the banks of the River Thamirabarani in Tamil Nadu. These temples a...

Srimushnam Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple and Vaikunta Ekadashi Festival: A Divine Celebration The Srimushnam Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, situated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his boar incarnation, Varaha, also known as Bhu Varaha Swamy. Accompanying him is his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, worshipped here as Ambujavalli Thayar. The temple holds a unique position in Vaishnavite tradition, classified among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams (special temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Srimushnam Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple Vaikunta Ekadashi festival 2026 date is December 20. This temple, renowned for its exquisite South Indian style of architecture, plays a central role in the spiritual life of the region. One of the most anticipated events in the temple’s calendar is the Vaikunta Ekadashi festival , which draws thousands of devotees from across the country. Highlight - The five-tiered one on the eastern side is opened only during Vaikunth...

Mukkoti Ekadasi, also known as Vaikunta Ekadasi, is a revered Hindu festival observed with immense devotion and grandeur at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh. Celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi during the Pushya Masam (December-January), this festival holds immense spiritual significance for devotees, who believe it offers a pathway to moksha (liberation). Mukkoti Ekadasi at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in 2026 date is December 20. The special darshan tickets for ‘Uttara Dwara Darshan’, costing ₹500, would be sold through special ticket counters on the hilltop from 5 a.m. to 10.30 a.m Significance of Mukkoti Ekadasi Mukkoti Ekadasi is rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition, which venerates Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity. According to Hindu scriptures, Ekadasi is the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight and is considered an auspicious day for fasting and prayer. Among the 24 Ekadasis observed annually, Vaikunta Ekadasi is...

Mukkoti Ekadasi, dedicated to Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu, is popularly known as Vaikunta Ekadashi in South India . In 2026, the date of Mukkoti Ekadasi is December 20. Mukkoti Ekadashi is celebrated during Dhanur Masam on the day of either Pushya or Margasira Suddha Ekadasi (December – January) as per Telugu Calendar and is a major event in Bhadrachalam Temple in Telangana. Teppotsavam will be held on December 19, 2026 on Godavari River. The main event on Mukkoti Ekadasi is the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam – the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day in Vishnu Temples in South India . This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Vishnu Temple . Thousands of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta on this day. Vishnu devotees also fast on the day and keep vigil all night. They avoid all sort of food made of rice. This Ekadasi is of great importance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple and   Srirangam Sr...

Ekadashi Tithi is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Below you can read Ekadashi 2026 dates based on Hindu Lunar Calendar with the timing of paran or fast ending time. Vaikunta Ekadashi in 2026 is on December 20. The famous Devshayani - Ashadi Ekadashi is on July 25, 2026. Nirjala Ekadasi is on June 25, 2026. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and is believed to help in redemption of sins and in attaining Moksha. The Ekadashi tithi dates are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Paran ritual should be performed before Dwadashi tithi ends. Dwadasi is the day after Ekadasi - the 12th day of a lunar fortnight. Ekadashi 2026 Ekadashi September 2026 September 22, 2026 –  Parivartini Ekadashi  - Jal Jhulni Ekadashi   Ekadashi October 2026 October 6, 2026 – Indira Ekadasi October 22, 2026 - Pasankusa Ekadas...

Vaikunta Ekadashi Festival at Karamadai Ranganathaswamy Temple The Karamadai Ranganathaswamy Temple , located in Karamadai near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, holds immense significance in the Vaishnavite tradition. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity here is worshipped as Ranganathaswamy , while his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, is revered as Ranganayaki . Among the many festivals celebrated in the temple, the Vaikunta Ekadashi holds special prominence. This auspicious occasion, observed during the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in the Tamil month of Margazhi Masam (December-January), attracts thousands of devotees from far and wide. Karamadai Ranganathaswamy Temple Vaikunta Ekadashi festival 2026 date is December 20. Significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi Vaikunta Ekadashi is considered one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Vishnu. The day signifies the opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram or the "Gate to Vaikunta" (heaven). It is believed that o...

  Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple: Vaikunta Ekadashi Festival The Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, nestled in the serene hamlet of Thirupparkadal, Tamil Nadu, is a beacon of spiritual devotion and architectural marvel. Located approximately 30 kilometers from Kanchipuram in the Ranipet district, this temple is a vital part of Vaishnavite tradition. It is revered as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams , which are special places of worship for Lord Vishnu outside the Divya Desams.  Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple Vaikunta Ekadashi festival 2026 date is December 20. Among the various festivals celebrated here, the Vaikunta Ekadashi holds the most significance. This grand festival draws thousands of devotees to the temple to partake in its unique spiritual and cultural offerings. Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Temple The temple’s origin is steeped in local legend and devotion. It is believed that a great Vaishnava Maharishi named ...

Vaikunta Ekadashi at Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple: A Spiritual Festivity in Thiruvidandai Vaikunta Ekadashi is one of the most auspicious and revered festivals in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated with great fervor across Vishnu temples in India, the festival marks a significant day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, particularly his aspect as the savior of souls. Among the numerous temples that host grand celebrations, the Nithya Kalyana  Perumal Temple in Thiruvidandai, a serene village in Chennai's Chengalpattu district in Tamilnadu, stands out for its deep spiritual and architectural significance. Nithyakalyana Perumal temple Vaikunta Ekadashi 2026 date is December 20. This article delves into the various aspects of the Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations at this iconic temple, shedding light on the festivities, temple traditions, rituals, and the cultural richness that makes this occasion special for devotees. Historical and Mythological Significance of Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple T...

The Sri Talpagiri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, is an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple's annual celebration of Vaikunta Ekadashi , also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi , is one of the most significant and awaited festivals for devotees. Celebrated during the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of the Pushya Masam , this festival attracts thousands of devotees from across the country. The festival marks a spiritually uplifting occasion filled with special rituals, devotion, and grandeur. Nellore Sri Talpagiri Ranganathaswamy temple Vaikunta Ekadashi festival 2026 date is December 20. The Significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi Vaikunta Ekadashi is considered one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar. According to Hindu mythology, this day is when Lord Vishnu opens the gates of Vaikunta (his divine abode) to grant liberation (moksha) to his devotees. It is believed that those who worship Lord Vishnu with unwavering devotion on this day and enter the...

Vaikunta Ekadashi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi, is one of the most important Ekadasis.  Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 date is December 20, 2026. Swarga Vaasal or or Paramapada opening is from 3:00 AM on December 20. Please note that in United States and UK it is marked on December 20. In Australia and New Zealand it is marked on December 20. Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed in the Margali Month (Margazhi Masam) as per Tamil Calendar and in Dhanurmasam as per Telugu Calendar.  Ekadashi  is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu and falls on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Vaikunta Ekadashi Fasting Rules 1. Preparation for the Fast: Cleanse the Body and Mind: On the previous day (Dashami), devotees take a bath and cleanse themselves. Mental and physical purity is emphasized. Avoid Certain Foods: Begin avoiding grains, pulses, and other non-vegetarian foods from the day before Ekadashi. 2. Types of Fasting: Nirjala F...