Vaikunta Ekadashi, which is also known as Mokshada Ekadashi and Mukkoti Ekadashi, occurs during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of Margashira month.
This year (2010) Vaikunta Ekadashi is to be observed on December 17.
The interesting background to this event is described in two puranas: the Padma Purana and Brahmanda Purana.
In Padma Purana, it is stated that the female energy of lord Vishnu killed the demon Muran by taking on the form of a woman named ‘Ekadashi’ for protecting the Devas (the female energy is a true destroyer of evil, swift and efficient, in the Hindu puranas). Ekadashi performed this act during the month of Margazhi (Margashira or Margashirsha – mid-December to mid-January). Lord Vishnu declared that anyone who worships Him on this day would reach his holy abode, Vaikunta.
The legend behind this is that lord Vishnu opened the gates of his abode, Vaikunta to two demons despite the fact that they were anti-Vishnu. They also demanded a boon that whoever heard about them would also reach Vaikunta. This would be possible when they saw the image of lord Vishnu emerging from the Vaikunta dwar (door to Vaikunta).
The Brahmanda Purana states the importance of this Ekadashi through Lord Krishna who narrated it to Yudhishthira.
This day is also called Gita Jayanti, the day lord Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna just before the great Kurukshetra war.
Also, the Hindu puranas talk about the churning of the ocean on this very day and the emergence of amrita. It is believed that those who die on this day are liberated from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
There are 24 Ekadashis, but Vaikunta Ekadashi is the most important. Observing a fast is of prime importance during Ekadashi but if you fast during Vaikunta Ekadashi, it is equivalent to fasting for all the 24 Ekadashis. This fast is to be observed for 24 hours and broken only the next day.
The other important thing to be observed during Vaikunta Ekadashi is chanting. You can chant either all or any of the following during Vaikunta Ekadashi:
* Vishnu Ashtothram
* Vishnu Sahasranamam
* Vishnu Gayatri
* Purusha Sooktham
Or just ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’
On a final note, the observance of fast on this day will grant a place in heaven for the departed souls of the fasting person’s ancestors.
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