Vaikuntha Ekadashi 2023: Date, Significance And All You Need To Know

According to Hindu mythology, Sagar Manthan -- churning of sea -- was performed on Vaikuntha Ekadashi day and that's the reason being it a sacred day

The word 'Ekadashi', which is originated from Sanskrit, means 'eleven' and therefore Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of every fortnight in Hindu Lunar calendar. Ekadashi fasting is one of the most significant rituals as per the calendar and 'Vaikuntha Ekadashi' is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margazhi (January 2).

There are 27 Ekadashis this year and especially Lord Vishnu followers offer prayers on these days to their deity.

Significance Of Vaikuntha Ekadashi

According to Hindu mythology, Sagar Manthan -- churning of sea -- was performed on Vaikuntha Ekadashi day and that's the reason being it a sacred day. During the churning of the milky ocean, a divine nectar emerged and was distriubuted amonf the gods. It is believed that Vaikuntha Ekadashi is so powerful that it cleanses spiritually, mentally and physically. Lord Vishnu devotees also believe that celebrating Vaikuntha Ekadashi and fasting on the sacred day brings immense peace to one's life.

Date And Time

Ekadashi tithi began on January 1 at 7:11 PM

Ekadashi tithi ends on January 2 at 8:26 PM.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi 2023 celebration

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is popularly celebrated in the southern part of India in Tamil Nadu's Srirangam and Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati. The celebration in renowned Tirumala's Balaji temple is well known across the globe as the footfall of thousands of people from across the world can be witnessed on this day.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu in several temples Paramapada Vasal (the 7th gate of heaven) is opened on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Also Sri Ranganatha Swamy in Srirangam witnesses lakhs of devotees every year. The deity in the temple is decorated lavishly with precious stones on this day.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi Fasting

The significance of Ekadashi fasting finds mentioned in sacred texts of Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. Devotees who fast on this day generally don't consume cereals, wheat, spices and many vegetables. Generally, Lord Vishnu devotees offer to fast in two ways -- nirahar (Without consuming anything) and phalahar (By only consuming fruits), throughout the day. The fasting is broken on the next day after the sun rises on Dwadashi.