Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Vaikuntha Ekadashi — also called Mukkoti Ekadashi in Tamil Nadu — is celebrated as the day the northern gate (Vaikuntha Dwara) of Vishnu's heavenly abode opens for the faithful. Devotees flock to Vishnu temples (especially Srirangam and Tirupati) to pass through the "Vaikuntha Dwara" believing that darshan on this day grants liberation. Falls in the sacred Dhanurmasa (Sun in Sagittarius), the most spiritually charged month of the year.

🔔 Puja Vidhi

Wake at Brahma Muhurta, bathe, wear yellow or white cotton
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama at sunrise
Visit a Vishnu temple to pass through the ceremonial "Uttara Dwara" (northern gate) if possible
Observe complete fast, offer Tulsi to Vishnu idol
Read the Bhagavad Gita, especially chapter 8 (Akshara Brahma Yoga)
Break fast next morning during Parana with prasad from the temple

📜 Rules

Combined with Dhanur Sankranti this is a "double-power" observance
Silent puja is preferred; refrain from talk of worldly matters
Even non-Ekadashi-observers keep this one — its merit is considered incomparable

Read the full vrat katha

📖 Open the katha in the Devotional Library

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated most? +

Srirangam (Tamil Nadu), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), and every major Vishnu temple. The Uttara Dwara ceremony at Srirangam attracts over a million devotees.

Does everyone in the family need to fast? +

Traditionally the eldest observes strictly; other family members can do a fruit fast. Children and elderly are exempt.