Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023

Date, timing and tithi of Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023

All devotees of Lord Vishnu recognize the religious significance of Ekadashi. Every Ekadashi, people fast sincerely and pray to Lord Shri Hari. This Ekadashi is also referred to as Mukkoti Ekadashi. According to the Tamil calendar, Vaikunta Ekadashi will be celebrated on January 2, 2023, on the eleventh day of Shukla Paksha in Margazhi.

Tithi: Ekadashi

Ekadashi Tithi Begins – January 1, 2023 – 07:11 PM

Ekadashi Tithi Ends – January 2, 2023 – 08:23 PM

Ekadashi Tithi Begins- December 22, 2023- 08:15 PM

Ekadashi Tithi Ends- December 23, 2023- 07:10 PM

Overview

• Vishnu is the subject of the festival known as Vaikunta Ekadasi. It also goes by the name Mokshada Ekadasi.
• It is grandly celebrated at many Vishnu temples. The dates of January 2 (Monday) and December 23 (Saturday) are Vaikunta Ekadasi in 2023.

It is a significant day for Vishnu worshippers. They pass by Vaikunta Dwara and throng to Vishnu shrines. On this day, a gate-like structure is built at the Vishnu temples. It represents a devotee’s entrance into Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu in heaven, as they pass through it. Tamil speakers also refer to the gateway as Paramapada Vaasal. It also goes by the name Gita Jayanthi. Krishna also spoke to Arjuna on the battlefield at Kurukshetra on Vaikunta Ekadasi. The Milky Ocean’s Samudra Manthan and the day Amrit, the nectar of immortality, erupted from the water are both mentioned in the Puranas.

Significance

The Padma Purana describes Vaikunta Ekadasi’s significance. According to the myth, the Devas gravitated toward Shiva for guidance before being led to Vishnu since they were deemed unfit to bear the oppression of “Muran,” an evil spirit. After a conflict between Vishnu and the devil, Vishnu realized that a different weapon would likely kill Muran. Vishnu agreed to a concession for the goddess Haimavati in Bhadrikashrama, keeping in mind the eventual goal to rest and craft another weapon. When Muran tried to slay the sleeping Vishnu, the female power that emerged from Vishnu turned Muran into cinders with her gaze. Satisfied, Vishnu gave the goddess the name “Ekadashi” and asked her to make a plea for assistance. Instead, Ekadasi pleaded with Vishnu that all who viewed a quick on that day should be held accountable for their sins. In light of this, Vishnu said that everyone who observed Ekadashi on that day and revered it would reach Vaikunta. The main Ekadasi, a Dhanurmasa Shukla Paksha Ekadasi, appeared in this way.

History behind the festival

A boon once granted to a demon named Muran gave him great power. He went on a rampage and pestered the gods while stoned on power. Vishnu was asked for assistance by the gods, and he agreed to battle the monster. Though they fought for many days, Vishnu could not vanquish the demon. Exhausted, Vishnu sought refuge in a cave. The demon entered the cave as he was dozing off. Vishnu was sound asleep when the demon decided to murder him. But then, unexpectedly, Vishnu’s body gave way to a female form. A goddess, she represented Shakthi in Vishnu. With one glance, she reduced the demon to ashes.

She had delighted Vishnu, so he decided to grant her a boon. She retorted, saying that she merely wished for him to absolve the sins of those who had honoured her by fasting that day. Ekadasi, the day of the event, was the 11th day of Shukla Paksha (the waxing lunar fortnight) in the Dhanur/Margazhi month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It corresponds to the Gregorian calendar months of December and January. She got her wish, and Vishnu gave her the name Ekadasi. According to him, individuals who observed vrat on Ekadasi would be absolved of all their sins and achieve Moksha. Additionally, they would be fortunate enough to enter Vaikunta, Vishnu’s heavenly residence.

Beliefs

People who observe the Ekadashi fast are said to achieve salvation (Moksha) and enter the heavenly realm. The fast makes life more optimistic, and Lord Vishnu bestows material joys to his followers.

Rituals Conducted

One day before Vaikuntha Ekadashi, on Dashmi, when the devotees observe a Nahaye-khaye, the Vaikuntha Ekadashi vrat begins. After having a bath, they eat their one meal, which is made without any onion or garlic.

On Ekadashi Day, worshippers rise early and take a sacred bath. They pray to Lord Vishnu and worship Him, asking for His blessings to bring them salvation. To appease Lord Vishnu, devotees recite mantras, do jaaps, and present Him with treats and fruits.

Even if someone is unable to keep a fast on this day, they should nonetheless avoid eating rice. On the day of Ekadashi, giving charity to the needy is another well-known custom that is thought to appease Lord Vishnu.

Vaikunta Ekadasi Vrat Katha

The narrative of Vaikuntha Ekadashi centres on the feminine force of Lord Vishnu, which slew the demon Muran and set the devas free from their suffering. This is how the tale unfolds:

A strong demon named Muran once wreaked devastation on both the earth and heaven. All the devas met Lord Vishnu and pleaded for His assistance in exterminating the demon since they were sick of his oppression. After engaging the demon in combat, Lord Vishnu understood that a unique weapon would be required to exterminate the creature. Muran attempted to attack and kill Lord Vishnu when he was preparing weapons and taking a nap.

Lord Vishnu gave the female spirit Ekadashi because it was the eleventh nightly day. Additionally, he assured her that anyone who fasts on this day will be saved and forgiven of their sins (Moksha). However, the demon was slain before this could occur when female energy arose from the body of Lord Vishnu.

In this instance, Muran is analogous to the evil that resides within a human body. Keeping fast on Vaikuntha Ekadashi destroys the demon and frees us from all evil. Vaikuntha Ekadashi fasting is essential for those who are looking for salvation.

Vaikunta Ekadashi Fasting Procedure

For those who observe Vaikunta Ekadashi, fasting is particularly essential. Everyone who chooses to fast does so, except the nearby elderly.

• Like all other Ekadashi, the Vaikunta Ekadashi fasting ritual entails a complex process.
• On the tenth day, individuals are only permitted to eat lunch (Dashami).
• On this night, all you need are some fruits and cool milk.
• On this day, we must reflect and worship Lord Vishnu.
• Rice, anything made from rice, grains include wheat, cereals, vegetables, and fruits with seeds are all forbidden.
• Keep an eye out the entire night to avoid dozing off.
• Visit a Vishnu temple as early in the day as possible.
• On this day, read the Bhagwad Gita, Bhagwad Purana, Vishnu Purana, and many Upanishads.
• This fast cannot be broken, so keep in mind that if you do, you must follow the Bhim Nirjal Ekadashi fast, which is observed on the eleventh day of the Moon in June (Jyestha).

Therefore, you must make up for this fast if you broke it because of unjustified circumstances by celebrating Bhim Nirjal Ekadashi. You must refrain from consuming any liquids, including water, on this day.

On the 11th day, the Vaikunta Ekadashi appears when the Moon makes a trine with the Earth and the Sun.

Items that you need for the Pooja you want to put during Vaikunta Ekadashi:

Flowers

A photo or idol of Lord Vishnu

Fruits

Betel leaves and betel nuts

Bananas

Lamp, oil, and the wick.

Coconut

Incense

Even though they are vegetarian in nature, some veggies & foods are forbidden; let’s remember that list.

Tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, brinjal, other green vegetables, buttermilk, yogurt, tea, and coffee are all prohibited.

Traditional foods consumed

1. Sabudana khichdi – This is one of the most famous recipes for fasting. An easy meal to prepare on fasting days, like Ekadasi, Navratri, etc., is sabudana khichdi. Sabudana pearls, cooked potatoes, roasted peanuts, and a few spices are used to make this dish.
2. Rajgira paratha – are nutritious flatbreads cooked from rajgira or amaranth flour, mashed potatoes, and seasonings.
3. Sama rice khichdi, also known as barnyard millet, is used to make the simple, convenient, and wholesome khichdi known as sama rice. During fasting days, sama ke chawal is frequently consumed and is highly healthful.
4. Aloo tamatar curry –This delectable potato-tomato curry is made without onion, garlic, or other heavy ingredients or spices. You may prepare this simple aloo tamatar sabzi on fasting days. With Vrat ki roti, Rajgira paratha, Rajgire ki poori, or kuttu ki poori, you can serve the aloo tamatar dish.
5. Kuttu ki khichdi – This is a simple-to-make khichdi type made with potatoes, peanuts, and buckwheat groats (sabut kuttu) for fasting. Buckwheat khichdi can be served with a cup of yogurt (curd or dahi) or with vrat ki kadhi. Wholesome superfoods with a delicious flavour.
6. Khatta meetha kaddu – a dry curry made with a pumpkin that has a little spice flavour. Serving options for khatta meetha kaddu include singhare ki poori, amaranth pooris, and Kuttu ki roti. For fasting, you can also prepare Kaddu ka halwa or Kaddu ke pakoras in addition to this cuisine.
7. Singhare ki poori is a delicious poori type made with mashed potatoes, rock salt that can be eaten, and a few other seasonings. These pooris have a singhara or water chestnut flavour, but that doesn’t really matter because they taste just as nice as ordinary pooris prepared with whole wheat flour.
8. Farali patties are crisp potato patties that are filled with a stuffing of sweet, tangy coconut and dry fruits. A typical Gujarati food is prepared for fasting. Farali batata vada, raw banana kofta, vrat ke pakore, roasted makhana, fruit chaat, and sweet potato tikki are a few other snacks you can prepare when fasting.
9. Makhane ki kheer is a delectable North Indian delicacy prepared with foxnuts, also known as phool makhana, which are nutritious—also known as phool makhane ki kheer, this dessert.

10. The pulao recipe for Vrat ka chawal ka pulao is straightforward and uncomplicated. This sama rice pulao is prepared during the Ekadashi or Navratri fast. When fasting, sama rice is a healthy and gluten-free alternative. They are available both straightforwardly and with Vrat ki kadhi.

FAQS

1. When should we be awake for Vaikunta Ekadasi?

On Vaikuntha Ekadashi, one should get up before dawn and take a bath. Beginning your fast, lighting a ghee lamp, and meditating in front of an image or idol of Lord Vishnu in your home’s pooja mandir are all good ideas.

2. Why does Vaikunta Ekadashi observe fasting?

On Vaikunta (Mukkoti) Ekadasi, worshippers who follow fast are said to find salvation. Therefore, to receive special blessings from Lord Vishnu, one should keep the fast of Vaikunta Ekadasi with complete devotion and adhere to all puja vidhi.

3. What other names are used for Vaikunta Ekadasi?

According to the English calendar, Vaikuntha Ekadashi often occurs in late December or early January and is observed during the Hindu month of Margasisa or Margazhi. As a result, it is also known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi and Mukkoti Ekadashi. The date for Vaikuntha Ekadasi in 2023 is January 2.

4. Can we drink water on Vaikunta Ekadasi?

Milk, almonds, fresh fruits, and vegetables are permitted for those who observe partial Ekadashi, but not onion or garlic. You can chug water at a rapid rate.

5. Who is born on Ekadashi?

Jupiter’s birth is commemorated on the Ekadashi Tithi. A year has 24 Ekadashi tithis; if one falls on Adhik Maas, there are 26 Ekadashi in total. A person born on Ekadashi tithi is compassionate, lovable, and helpful. He is shrewd and has good finances.

6.Why does Vaikunta Ekadashi observe fasting?

On Vaikunta (Mukkoti) Ekadasi, worshippers who follow fast are said to find salvation. Therefore, in order to receive special blessings from Lord Vishnu, one should keep the fast of Vaikunta Ekadasi with complete devotion and adhere to all puja vidhi.

7. Why is Vaikuntha important for Hindus?

The term “bestowing liberation” is Mokshada. On this day, everyone seeking redemption, or moksha, is welcome to enter Vishnu’s heavenly residence, known as Vaikunta. This occurs during the brilliant fortnight of Mrigashira, the Hindu month, in December or January.