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Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is majorly celebrated in the Southern parts of India. The day is also known as “Mukkoti Ekadashi,” which, as per the Tamil calendar, arrives in Margazhi month. In Kerala, it is “Swargavathil Ekadashi” devotees in South India who rejoice in it with grand majesty and dedication.
It is believed that on this day, the gates of Vaikuntha, or the heaven that lead to Lord Vishnu, open up. Those who observe fast on this day are believed to attain heaven without facing Yama Raja, the God of Death.
Here are some most significant things that, if done on this day, make the deities receive the immense blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Chant the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra
Hare Krishna is the Maha Mantra that has the power to brush off all your negative karma. Chanting of the mantra blesses you with the grace of Krishna, the avatar of Lord Vishnu. It takes the deity on the path of self-realization, where he becomes able to distinguish that he is a soul rather than a body.
In Kaliyuga, where no one has the time to meditate for hours, this Hare Krishna Mantra, if chanted 108 times on the Japa mala on the day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, leads you to the spiritual path easily.
It is not just about the Ekadashi, but chanting this Maha Mantra relieves you from all hardships of life.
Read the Bhagavad-gita
Bhagavad-gita is said a book that has all the answers to rational questions a human can ever think of in his lifetime. Reading Gita on Vaikuntha Ekadashi doubles the benefits since the book contains all the teachings that Lord Krishna gave to Arjuna during Mahabharata.
It is said that Gita is all about Krishna; the Supreme power himself stated everything written in Gita. Thus, recite the book and understand the meaning to attain great mental peace and the sanctification of the Lord.
Observe a Fast
Observing fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi helps to increase your good karma. As per the beliefs, this Vrat has the power to make the devotee free from the death and birth cycle. In today’s age, keeping fast on this Ekadashi is the easiest way to seek Moksha and go to the dwelling of Lord Vishnu.
Additionally, observing fast also benefits one’s physical and mental health in several ways. Your digestive system finds some free time, and your immune system then makes necessary repairs in your body. When you engage your mind in spirituality, it creates a divine surrounding of positivity where your stress level declines significantly.
Visit the Temple of Lord Vishnu
Visiting Vishnu or Krishna’s temple on this day is considered very significant. In many temples, a Vaikuntha gate is created on this day. It is said that devotees who pass this gate also reach Vaikuntha once they leave this world. You can also worship Lord Vishnu or any of his avatars in your home with your family members.
You can decorate the altar of God and worship it with complete devotion. Say your prayers and seek blessings.
Legend
According to a legend, once there was a battle took place between Lord Vishnu and the demon Muran. The battle was not easy to win, and that is when Vishnu realized that only a new powerful weapon would take down the demon. Vishnu went on to a cave for the goddess named Haimavati to create the weapon. When Lord Vishnu was sleeping, the demon arrived and tried to kill God. Meanwhile, the female energy of Vishnu appeared and slain the demon Muran.
This was the eleventh day of the lunar month when the sun was in Dhanu Rashi. Vishnu got pleased by the act of his female energy. He then named her Ekadashi and gave her the boon that whoever will worship Vishnu on this day will signify her victory over the demon Muran. The devotee would also reach the abode of Vishnu, he said further.
As per the belief, those who fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi receive benefits equivalent to the remaining 23 Ekadashi as per the Hindu calendar. Hence fasting on this Ekadashi is more noteworthy than any other Ekadashi. However, in the Vaishnava tradition, it is mandatory to observe fast on all Shukla and Krishna paksha Ekadashis. The devotee should observe a complete fast. And he can break the Vrat on the 12th day by having nutritious and filling food. Those who have any health ailments may consume a one-time meal or foods that are appropriate for fasting.