Spiritual Significance Of Vaikunta Ekadasi

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India is a country of unity with diversity. Whether it is the dressing style of each state or the spiritual beliefs, they have their unique features and style.

And when you think of religious occasions and festivals, there are so many of them that you can't imagine. "Vaikunta Ekadasi" is famous in the Vishnavites, and they are the followers of Lord Vishnu.

It is the auspicious day that falls on the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) during the Dhanur Marghazi Month, according to the Hindu calendar.

Also Read: Lord Vishnu: The Preserver Of Universe

Basically, it falls in between December and January. This day is so pious that Hindus around the country observe a fast on this day and worship Lord Vishnu. According to spiritual beliefs, keeping a fast on this Ekadasi is equivalent to keeping a fast of 23 Ekadasis in a month.

Read further to know why the day is considered so holy as per the Hindus and also why it is called Vaikunta Ekadasi. Here is the spiritual significance of celebrating Vaikunta Ekadasi.

1. 'Mukkoti Ekadasi': This is the other name of 'Vaikunta Ekadasi'. It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day brings liberation from the painful cycle of birth and death. A soul, free from this cycle, can attain peace at the feet of Lord Vishnu. That's why people keep a fast on this holy day.

2. The Story Of Vaikunta Ekadasi: The interesting story behind this auspicious day is really significant. Once, the Devas got so irritated with the attacks of the demon Muran that they appealed to Lord Shiva; but he directed them to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu got a new weapon that was needed to kill Muran and that's why he came to be known as Badrikashram.

One day, when he was taking rest, Muran tried to kill him, a female energy emerged from Vishnu's body and destroyed Muran into ashes. Then, Lord Vishnu named her Ekadasi and wanted to bless her with a boon. It is also believed that Ekadasi later told Lord Vishnu that whoever keeps a fast on that day will reach Vaikunta.

3. Significance of Vaikunta: According to the religious belief, Vaikunta is the dwelling place of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Actually, 'Vaikunta' means there is no deficiency. When your heart sheds all egos and is devoted completely to Lord Vishnu, you get to reach Vaikunta after life. While keeping a fast on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day, people prepare themselves to attain salvation at Lord Vishnu's feet.

4. Opening The Gate Of Vaikunta: According to spiritual belief, if one reads the Bhagavadgita and practices its teachings, the gate of Vaikunta opens for him. When one attains gyan, bhakti and karma, opening of the Vaikunta gate becomes easier. And when you perform Vaikunta Ekadasi with total dedication, the gate of Vaikunta opens for you, is what the Hindus believe.

5. Freedom From Negative Thoughts: On the Vaikunta Ekadasi day, the Samudra Manthan was done by the devas and asuras. The devas are the symbol of positive energy and the Asuras stand for negative energy. Through the churning, halahal (poison) comes out, which represents the negative thoughts of the human mind. When all such negativities are removed, human beings attain the blessings of Lord Vishnu and reach Vaikunta.

So, this is the spiritual significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi. If you perform it with belief and devotion, you will get the blessings of Lord Vishnu and go ahead in your life with sheer positivism.