Vaikunta Ekadashi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu festival primarily celebrated by Vaishnavas. It falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing phase of the moon in the solar month of Dhanu, typically occurring between December 16 and January 13 in the Gregorian calendar.
On this auspicious day, it is believed that the Vaikunta Dwaram, the gate to Lord Vishnu’s divine abode, opens for devotees. Observing a fast on this day is said to bestow salvation and a place in Vaikuntha, which is regarded as heaven.
In 2025, Vaikunta Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, January 10. Devotees often visit temples such as the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam to seek blessings.

Vaikunta Ekadashi holds immense significance in Hinduism, especially among Vaishnavas.
Significance
- Spiritual Importance: Observing Vaikunta Ekadashi is believed to lead to moksha or liberation and a place in Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
- Vaikunta Dwaram: On this day, the Vaikunta Dwaram is said to open, allowing devotees to attain spiritual bliss.
- Devotional Practices: Devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and visiting temples, particularly those dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Benefits
- Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting and prayers on this day are believed to cleanse one’s soul and remove past sins.
- Mental Peace: Participating in the rituals and prayers brings mental peace and a sense of fulfillment.
- Community Bonding: The festival fosters a sense of community as devotees come together to celebrate and worship.
How to Observe Vaikunta Ekadashi
- Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast, refraining from consuming grains and certain vegetables. Some may opt for a complete fast, while others may consume fruits, milk, and nuts.
- Prayer and Worship: Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and perform prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama is a common practice.
- Temple Visits: Visiting temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an integral part of the observance. Special prayers and rituals are conducted in temples like the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
- Charity: Engaging in charitable activities and helping the needy is encouraged on this day. Acts of kindness and charity bring blessings and spiritual merit.
- Night Vigil: Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, singing hymns and chanting prayers in praise of Lord Vishnu.
Rituals
- Abhishekam: Performing Abhishekam, or the ritual bathing of Lord Vishnu’s idol with sacred substances such as milk, honey, and ghee.
- Alankaram: Decorating the deity with flowers, jewelry, and new clothes.
- Archana: Offering flowers, fruits, and other items to the deity while chanting specific mantras.
- Bhajans and Kirtans: Singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu.
- Reading Scriptures: Reading and listening to stories from sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Vishnu Purana.
As an ardent devotee of Swami Sivananda, I Pushpam Appalanaidu observe and fast on Vaikunta Ekadashi with devotion and sincerity as i believe it brings immense spiritual benefits and divine blessings.