Tag: vaikunta ekadasi

Shuddha Ekadashi in Dhanurmasa is called Vaikunta Ekadasi. In the early hours of this day, the Vikuntha Dwaram (door) will be opened and again closed in the early hours of the next day, i.e. Vikuntha Dvadashi.

Mukkoti Ekadasi

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Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi

Lord Vishnu has been described as Murari (the enemy of Mura) and Murantaka (the slayer of Mura). Ekadasi is a manifestation of Vishnu’s Sakti, the female dynamic energy of Lord Vishnu who put an end to Mura the demon, who was devastating the world with demonic force.

The story of Ekadasi occurs in Padma Purana where it is narrated how the Lord was pleased with Ekadasi and wants to grant her a boon, but the merciful Goddess asks Vishnu to bless the human beings instead by granting them Moksha who might worship Lord Vishnu on that particular day for salvation from the dreaded cycle of birth and death.

Ekadasi mentioned here is the eleventh day of the waxing or bright fortnight of every month in the Lunar calendar.

All the Ekadasis, occurring in all the twelve months of the year are observed with austerities by the devotees as holy days. A fast on Ekadasi followed by breaking of the fast on Dwadasi or the twelfth day of the lunar calendar is a practice well known among the devotees. The breaking of the fast on Dwadasi is known as Dwadasiparana after Ekadasi upavasa.

The word ‘upavasa’ means more than merely a fast. It means living near or sitting at the feet of someone. In this particular context, it refers to the devotee who fasts intending to sitting near or sitting at the feet of the divine, seeking His grace.

Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi

Ekadasi Vrata

An interesting story about Ekadasi Vrata or observance of austerities connected with Ekadasi is narrated in the Mahabhagavata Purana. Ambarisha, an emperor and ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, performs the Ekadasi Vrata for several years without interruption with the result that Vishnu’s weapon Sudarsana is ready to serve him at a moment’s notice whenever the emperor is in trouble.

Durvasa, a great sage, goes to visit Ambarisha on the day of Dwadasi along with his disciples. The king was on a fast during Ekadasi and was supposed to break the fast on Dwadasi, before the onset of Triodasi.

Durvasa who wanted to test Ambarisha, goes to have a dip in the nearby river before being hosted to a lunch by Ambarisha. He lingers in the river deliberately. A worried Ambarisha can neither allow Dwadasi to pass nor take any food till Durvasa returns, the guest is an elderly sage and it is customary to offer the guest food before one can take it.

The purohits of the emperor ask him to take water with Tulasi (basil) leaves as it would amount to breaking the fast without consuming food. An angry Durvasa creates a Kritya or Mantric demon to behead Ambarisha, but Sudarsana Chakra, ever worshipped by Ambarisha, kills the demon and pursues Durvasa. A frightened sage rushes to Brahma and Siva who refuse him refuge and when the sage goes to Vishnu, the latter asks him to go to Ambarisha for forgiveness.

Ambarisha withdraws the weapon, honours the sage and his disciples with a lunch and obtains the blessings of the sage. Such is the greatness of Ekadasi Vrata.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi is said to be highly significant among all the Ekadasis as Amrita or Ambrosia is said to have been born on that day. The spiritual significance of this day consists in the known tendency of humans to aspire for immortality or Amritatwa in a world governed by mortality or Mritatwa.

When the Gods and Demons, the Suras and Asuras churned the mighty ocean for Amrita, the latter was born after great effort. The day that Amrita is born is celebrated as ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’.

Austerities

Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi as it is called is observed with fast, prayer, chants and meditation, Japa and Dhyana. The austerities in connection with Vaikunta Ekadasi start with Dasami. Its strict observance is marked by ‘Ekabhuktam’ or taking food only once on Dasami followed on Vaikunta Ekadasi by a rigorous fast or at least a partial fast for those who cannot observe a complete fast for various reasons.

It is followed by the breaking of the fast on Dwadasi or the twelfth day of the waxing or bright fortnight. Consuming water and milk is allowed during a rigorous fast or taking fruits along with these during a partial fast. Observing a fast is supposed to control the senses and purify the body. The mind in a body thus restrained, it is felt, will become pure. A purified body and mind help one to attain proximity with the divine or the Paramatman.

Uttaradwar (The Gateway to Heaven)

All the 108 Divyadesas celebrate Vaikunta Ekadasi. In Srirangam, the festival is celebrated with gaiety. The God is adorned with diamond-studded armour and the Northern gate of the temple is considered to be an entrance to ‘Vaikunta’ and is kept open on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day.

The utsava idol or the idol meant to be paraded through the streets during festivals is known as ‘Namperumal’ and it goes later through the ‘Paramapada Vasal’, the gateway to heaven. The festival is celebrated in Karnataka and Kerala also. In Kerala, the festival is called ‘Swargavatil Ekadasi’.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta Ekadasi and Vaikunta Dwadasi at Tirumala

In Andhra Pradesh, it is grandly celebrated in Tirumala and Bhadrachalam. In Tirumala, Vaikunta Ekadasi and the next day, known as Vaikunta Dwadasi are both celebrated with great fervour and gaiety. The golden thresholds are shut on the night of Dasami, a day before Vaikunta Ekadasi after Ekantaseva of Swami.

The next morning, that is on Ekadasi, the Mukkoti pradakshanamarg or doorway will be kept open till the ekanta seva of the Lord on Dwadasi. This doorway is adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord and is situated to the North, hence it is described as the ‘Uttaradwar’. It is also known as ‘Vaikuntadwar’.

Golden Chariot

Golden Chariot

In Tirumala, in the morning of Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Lord parades through the mada streets of Tirumala, accompanied by both His Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. It is a magnificent sight indeed! The next day, i.e. on Dwadasi, a utsavam called Swami pushkarini theertha Mukkoti utsava is celebrated.

It is believed that three crore sacred rivers go to have a dip in Swami Pushkarini of Tirumala. The sanctity of this event is described in the Venkatachala Mahatmyam of Skandapurana. Sudarsana, the devotee and weapon of the Lord, goes to Swami Pushkarini to have a dip. This is called ‘Chakrasnanam‘.

Swami Pushkarini - Old Image - Tirumala

It is said that three things, namely, a holy dip in Swami Pushkarini, salutations to the feet of a sadguru and the observance of Ekadasi Vrata are deemed to be three holy deeds that can bestow material as well as spiritual benefits on the devotees.

Greatness of Vaikunta Ekadasi & Dwadasi

The Markandeya Purana has a beautiful story about the holy dip in the Pushkarini. Once upon a time, Markandeya, the great sage, prayed to Brahma that he might be granted the boon of a dip in all the holy rivers or tirthas of the universe. A baffled Brahma tells Markandeya that it might not be possible, but he comes out with an easy solution to fulfil the sage’s wish.

He asks the sage to go and have a dip in Swami Pushkarini on Vaikunta Ekadasi and Vaikunta Dwadasi, as all the tirthas of the universe go to have a dip in Swami Pushkarini on these two days. Such is the greatness of Tirumala and Vaikunta Ekadasi followed by Vaikunta Dwadasi.

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

Vaikunta Dwaram at Tirumala

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Vaikunta Dwaram

Vaikunta Dwaram is located on the left side of the Main shrine and faces east. This door is opened only on the Day of Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi i.e. only on two days a year.

This Dwaram does not have any special gopuram of its own and is also devoid of any elaborate decorations etc. But the entry into the main shrine through this entry (and not the Bangaru Vakili) is considered one of the most revered and auspicious achievements for all devotees.

As legend put it entry through the door is said to bring some extraordinary blessings of the Lord Venkateswara which were normally meant for the Gods who live in Vaikuntam.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

At Tirumala, Vaikunta Ekadasi has always been a special occasion for the visiting devotees and it is a feast to the eyes and solace to the soul. In recent times, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) management decided to observe the event as a ten-day festival by throwing open the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ to the visiting pilgrims for ten days.

This is followed by a procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy’s deity on the golden chariot and the conduct of ‘Chakra Snanam’ on Vaikunta Dwadasi.

Golden Chariot - Tirumala (3)
Golden Chariot procession on Tirumala Mada Streets

Since this event is a celestial spectacle, lakhs of devotees plan to visit Tirumala on this occasion, but only some of them get the opportunity to pass through the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ on this day. Devotees who could not make it to Tirumala for the auspicious day in the past were a disappointed lot.

Now, several thousands of pilgrims get the satisfaction of walking through the ‘Uttara Dwaram’ and praying to the Lord of Seven Hills for salvation, due to the decision of the authorities to keep the northern entrance open for ten days.

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Utsavam) Inside Temple

It is a devotional bliss to enter the ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ and pass through the inner precincts around the sanctum sanctorum, which is believed to rid a person of all sins of the past and provide salvation. On this special occasion, the ‘Praakaaram’ is tastefully decorated with rare and exotic flowers of multiple colours, which look like heaven.

Devotees get the mesmerising experience of passing through the original ‘Vaikuntam’ while walking on this path.

May Lord Venkateswara grant liberation of the worldly shackles to all the devotees worshipping Him on this most auspicious occasion.

Margasira Ekadasi

Margasira Ekadasi

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Mrigasira or Mrigasirsha or Margazhi or Margasira Ekadasi

Mrigasira or Mrigasirsha or Margazhi (Tamil) is a significant month among all other months. Margasira is also called as Dhanurmasa. The sun transits through the Dhanur Rashi and the period ends with the Makara Sankranti.

Hence it is called as Dhanurmasam / Marghasirsha / Margazhi. It is the most auspicious and the favorite month for Lord Vishnu. Sri Krishna says in Srimad Bhagavadgita: “ Maasaanaam Margasirshah (10.35) i.e, I am Margashirsha month among the different months of the year.

  • The period when the sun starts moving northward from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer is called Uttarayana.
  • The opposite period when the sun moves southward is called Dakshinayana.

According to the Hindu Traditional Shastras, one human year represents one day for the celestials. Uttarayana is their daytime and Dakshinayana is the night.

And Dhanur / Margazhi Masa being the dawn of the day (Brahma Muhurtha) for the Gods, singing and chanting the glory of God is considered most auspicious and said to soon bestow the desires of the humans. Thus year of twelve months is the single Nychthemeron of the devatas.

The month ‘Margazhi’ has a unique and auspicious place, especially for the worship of Lord Vishnu. This month is considered the month of Bhakti and Saranagati.

Fasting

It is said in Padmapurana that, in the three worlds, there is no fasting which is even comparable to the Ekadasi fast. Anyone who fasts on Ekadasi day, with full devotion will be blessed by the Supreme Lord. The Padma Purana also speaks in detail about the Vratha undertaken on the Ekadasi day of each of the 12 months in the Hindu calendar.

On this Mrigasirsha Ekadasi day, one has to spend time in the thoughts of Lord Vishnu and recite stotras like Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama etc.

Dhanurmasa

Dhanurmasa is also called as Chaapamaasa, Kodanda maasa and shoonya maasa. This full month is reserved for deva puja only. We have to restrict other functions and celebrations in this month. This is because the Sun sets in Dhanurashi and it is not good to celebrate any personal events like marriages etc. That is why we must not perform any such functions in this month as this month is dedicated to Gods only and for it is a blank month, it is termed as “Shoonya maasa”.

Katyayini Vratha, Dhanurmasa Vratas are observed by ladies during Dhanurmasa. It is believed that by observing the Dhanurmasa Vrata Goda Devi was blessed with Lord Vishnu as her husband. Hence it is believed that a lady who observes Dhanurmasa Vrata would be blessed. Srimadbhagavatham says that the Gopikas offered cooked rice with Moong dal during their Katyayani vrata.

Tiruppavai

During Dhanurmasa, tributes are paid to Bhudevi (Andal) through the recitation of Tiruppavai; a composition in Tamil. Sri Andal spent her youth pursuing her goal of realizing oneness with Sri MahaVishnu. She successfully achieved her union with Sri Maha Vishnu through Bhakti or devotion.

Tiruppavai is a poem of 30 verses composed by Sri Andal. Unlike the other days when Lord Vishnu starts his day with Suprabhatam, this month he opens his eyes listening to the Tiruppavai pasurams in Tirumala. Tiruppavai means Sri Vratam – Auspicious Ritual – A giver of all prosperity. This is performed in the month of Dhanurmasa.

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Utsavam) Inside Temple

Vaikuntha Ekadasi

According to the Hindu calendar, it is the month of Margashirsha which falls between mid-December and mid-January. Ekadasi that falls on Margashira shukla paksha is called ‘Vaikuntha Ekadasi’. It is believed that fasting on this day bestows our liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Hence one becomes a liberated soul. As per Hindu scriptures, diverting actions of the ten senses and mind from worldly objects towards Mahavishnu is the true sense of observing Ekadasi.

Ekadasi signifies control over one’s senses (ten) & mind (one). One must not let vicious, unwanted thoughts of lust; anger, avarice, etc. enter the mind.

Vaikuntha is the spiritual abode of Lord Vishnu, where he resides with Mahalakshmi, His divine consort. The Vaikuntha Dwara (the gate to Vaikuntha) a special entrance on the northern side of the temple, is opened once in a year on this particular day. It is believed that anyone fasting on this day enters the temple through Vaikuntha Dwara and will attain Moksha/liberation.

On this day, Lord Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntham (God’s Abode) for demons despite they were against Him. The demons then asked Lord Vishnu for a boon that whoever hears His story, and sees Lord Vishnu entering through the north door, will reach Vaikuntham too. Fasting on this holy day is considered to help one to be blessed with purity of mind, freedom, and peace. It keeps the negative vibes and thoughts at bay.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is the day when Vishnu took the form of his female energy called ‘Ekadasi’ to slay the demon Muran who ruled Chandravati during Kritayuga and tortured the Devatas. Lord Vishnu fought with demon and wanted to take a rest in a cave. The demon, upon entering the cave, planned to kill the sleeping Vishnu, but as he came closer, a young girl armed with many powerful weapons emerged from Vishnu and killed the demon.

When Lord Vishnu woke up; he was immensely pleased with the girl who destroyed the demon. He named the beautiful girl ‘Ekadasi’.

The Bhagavad Gita conversation between Krishna and Arjuna started on this day. So Gita Jayanti is celebrated on this day. Gita Jayanti is the day when Lord Krishna instructed Arjuna about the essence of spiritual knowledge. The most widely known literature of the world, Srimadbhagavadgita which means the song of the universe was also told to Arjuna on this day.

Sri Dattatreya Jayanti

Sri Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of this month. On this day, Lord Dattatreya regarded as an incarnation of the Trinity — Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara was born to sage Atri and Anusuya: hence was named Atreya. Dattatreya Jayanti falls every year on the Purnima of the Margashirsha month.

The kick-start of music season also falls in the early Margashira itself. It is also the season of music and art. Classical music and bhajans are more prevalent during this period in temples and sabhas. The entire month is a feast for our ears.

Dhanurmasam At Tirumala

Dhanurmasam At Tirumala

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Dhanurmasam

‘Dhanurmasa’ is considered as highly auspicious for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. The beginning of Dhanurmasa is marked by the transit of the Sun into ‘Dhanur ’ rasi.

This is also called ‘Dhanus Sankramana’. According to Sanatana Dharma, Devas wake up early in the morning during this month. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of ‘Bramhi Muhurtha’, which is one and a half hours before sunrise.

Srikrishna in Bhagavad Gita says – ‘Maasaanaam Maarga Seershoham….’ – ‘I manifest more in Margashirsha Masam among the different months of the year ’.

Worshipping Lord Vishnu on a single day during Dhanurmasa is equal to worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years. Special worship is conducted in all ancient Vishnu shrines throughout South India and some parts of North India.

The holy festival ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’ is celebrated on an Ekadasi during the bright half of Dhanurmasam.

During Dhanurmasa Naivedyam, Jaggery Dosa, Mudgannam (venpongal), are offered to the Lord in Tirumala.

Importance and significance of Dhanurmasam

As per Hindu Scriptures, Dhakshinayana (the movement of the Sun towards the south) is the nighttime for Devas (demi-gods). Dhanurmasa is the last month of Dhakshinayana. Gods wake up in the early morning (Dhanurmasa) Brahma Muhurtha- about one and half hours before the Sunrise- and offer special prayers to the Lord.

Pujas offered to the Lord even on a single day during Dhanurmasa is very auspicious. Dhanurmasa is also called Margali masam.

Sri Krishna has declared that “Maasaanaam maargaseershoham” in Srimad Bhagavat Gita- “I manifest more in the month of Maargaseersham (dhanurmasa) among the different months of the year”. So Dhanurmasa gets importance. Further Andal (Goda Devi) performed Paavi Nombu- a vrata to get the Lord as her consort in this month.

In fact, her Tiruppavai prabandham describes her Vrata during Dhanurmasa in full detail. Some even call Dhanurmasa Tiruppavai month (During Dhanurmasam, lectures on Tiruppavai are arranged at many places all over South India). Dhanurmasa is said to be the most sacred one for observing worship, vratas and spiritual activities to obtain salvation.

Worship of Lord Srinivasa – Dhanurmasam

Naivedyam

During the Dhanurmasa Naivedyam, special food offerings like Jaggery Dosa, Mudgannam (Katte Pongali), Sundal, and Seera are offered every day to Lord Srinivasa.

Food Offerings or Naivedyam, Tirumala

Goda Kalyanam

The holy month of Dhanurmasa concludes with the Bhogi festival on the 30th day and the Goda Kalyanam ritual is performed in Tirupati Sri Govindaraja Swami temple Andal Sannidhi.

Also, flower garlands from Sri Andal Sannidhi are sent to Tirumala and are adorned on the Dhruva Beram of Srivaru, during Madhyamika Aradhana.

Those who worship Lord Vishnu in this holy month of Dhanurmasa will be conferred with the choicest blessings of Lord Srinivasa and by his eternal grace, devotees are blessed with health, wealth, peace and prosperity in this world and attain Vishnu Loka prapti at the end of their lives.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

During the Dhanurmasam, Margasira Sukla Ekadasi, or Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated with religious fervour.

On the Vaikunta Dwadasi, the Sacred Chakrathalwar is taken in procession to the Temple tank called Swami Pushkarini for a Holy bath-Tirumanjanam. This is performed commemorating Swami Pushkarini Theertha Mukkoti. (But at present due to COVID-19, these rituals are done in the temple only).

Swami Pushkarini - During Dhanurmasam

It is believed that on this Dwadasi day, all the Holy theerthas on earth congregate in Swami Pushkarini. Hence, devotees take a bath in Swami Pushkarini after the Chakra Snanam, to wash off their sins. It is said that after bathing in the Pushkarini, if one offers charity to the poor, he will be blessed by the Lord.

Adhyayanotsavam

The annual Adhyayanotsavam celebrations are observed for 23 days during Dhanurmasam. ‘Adhyayana’ in Sanskrit means practice and is synonymous with repetition, or recitation of any subject matter.

TTD during Dhanurmasam

Apart from making all arrangements for the smooth running of rituals, TTD takes pride in propagating Tiruppavai. Last year upanyasams (lectures) were given in Pedda Jeeyar Mutt during Dhanurmasam.

Those who worship with devotion during Dhanurmasam will get the choicest Blessings of the Lord obtaining peace and prosperity in the life after.

Namo Sri Venkatesaya