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Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival for year 2009 is on December 28, 2009. Ekadashi is observed on 11th day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Vaikuntha Ekadasi is observed in the Margali Month (Margazhi Masam) as per Tamil Calendar and in Pushya month as per Telugu Calendar. Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi and Swargavathil Ekadasi. This Ekadasi is also important as there is no Vaikunta Ekadasi in 2010.
In Triputai Balaji Temple Vaikunta Ekadasi is being celebrated.
Why Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated ? – The Lord Vishnu ( as per purana) transformed into form of ‘Eikadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This event was held in month of Margazhi. The Lord Vishnu said that if someone worship him on this day will attain ‘Vaikunta’ (heaven).
How to Observe ? – People fast on this day. Some people do special pooja of lord vishnu , do meditation, japa and kirtan. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.
It is said that gates of heaven are open on Vaikunta Ekadasi day.
Things needed for Puja and Prayer
A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu
Fruits
Tulsi leaves
Betel leaves (optional)
Betel nuts (optional)
Yellow bananas
Unbroken coconut (optional)
Observance
Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
You can perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
You can just light the lamp and prayer or meditate for few minutes – or the normal ritual you do daily. Only difference is that today it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
Complete fast or upavasam on the day is the main observance.
Fasting
Fasting for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.
If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.
Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.
Evening Prayers
Take a bath in the evening.
Repeat the morning puja to Vishnu
Visit Vishnu temple and witness the evening puja and rituals.
Prayers for Vaikunta Ekadasi
Vishnu Ashotharam
Vishnu Sahasranamam
Or Simple Chanting of – Om Namo Narayana
No Sleep
Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Next Day Morning
The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.
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