“Vaikuntha Ekadashi” occurs during the Dhanur solar month in the Hindu calendar. It corresponds to the Margazhi month in the Tamil calendar. We observe this sacred day on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day of the waxing moon. Depending on the solar calendar, “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” comes in either the Margashirsha or Pausha month of the Hindu lunar calendar.
According to the Gregorian calendar, there are variations on the occurrence of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” based on the alignment of lunar cycles with the solar calendar. There may be none, one, or even two “Vaikuntha Ekadashis” in a single year.
In 2025, the date of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi”: 30th December.
“Tithi” for “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” in 2025 (Source: Drik Panchang ):
The holy Vedas mention that “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” is also known as “Mukkoti Ekadashi”. It is a day of immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu as they believe that it opens the gates of Vaikuntha (the celestial abode of Vishnu). That’s why the devotees fast and offer prayers to the Almighty to attain salvation (moksha) and divine blessings.
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Many prominent Vishnu temples like the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam celebrate this occasion with immense fervour. In Kerala, the people observe “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” as “Swarga Vathil Ekadashi.”
Fasting on “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” is considered equivalent to fasting on all 23 other Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. Devotees fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise on Dwadashi (the following day). They do not consume rice. Many devotees engage in prayers, chanting (japa), and meditation (dhyana) throughout the day and night. These practices cleanse known and unknown sins and bring devotees closer to the divine grace of Shri Hari.
Then, the devotees break the fast during an auspicious duration, known as Parana. It comes after sunrise in Dwadashi.
(Important: Do not break your Ekadashi fast during Hari Vasara, the first quarter of Dwadashi.)
As per “Drik Panchang”, the “Parana” timings for “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” in 2025 are as follows:
The Padma Purana mentions the following stories related to Vaikuntha Ekadashi:
Once there was a demon whose name was Murāsura. With his immense power, he used to threaten the devas (Gods). When they got into so much trouble because of the demon, they approached Vishnu to seek help. Then, a fierce battle took place between Shri Hari and Murāsura.
Lord Vishnu went into the Simhavati cave near Badarikashrama, and the demon followed him there. From his divine energy, Shri Hari manifested Yogamaya, a goddess who destroyed Murāsura. Vishnu named her Ekadashi and decreed that those who fast and worship on this day would be freed from their sins and attain Vaikuntha.
Once there lived a King Ambarisha. He was a devout follower of Vishnu and used to observe all the Ekadashi fasts very dedicatedly. One day, Sage Durvasa visited him on Ekadashi day. Then, the king got into a dilemma. If he were to break his fast, it would insult the sage. But delaying it would nullify its spiritual merit.
During this situation, Ambarisha chose to sip only water. Symbolically, he broke his fast. This made Rishi Durvasa very angry, and he was going to curse the King. But at that time, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra protected the king. Eventually, the sage realised his folly and sought forgiveness.
There is one more legend related to this auspicious day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. According to this, Lord Vishnu allowed two asuras to enter Vaikuntha, granting them a boon that whoever observed “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” and passed through the symbolic gate (Vaikuntha Dvaram) would also attain his celestial abode. To honour this, many temples related to Shri Hari Vishnu construct a temporary Vaikuntha Dvaram for devotees to walk through as part of the celebrations of Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
The devotees celebrate “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” with grandeur in many Vishnu temples. Some of the prominent names include Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati.
In Srirangam, the celebrations span 20 days and are divided into two parts: Pagal Pathu (10 days of daytime festivities) and Ira Pathu (10 days of nighttime festivities). On “Vaikuntha Ekadashi", the processional idol Namperumal is adorned with a diamond armour and brought through the Paramapada Vasal (the Vaikuntha gate), which is opened only on this day. Devotees believe that walking through this gate leads to Vaikuntha.
The Vaikuntha Dvaram at Tirumala encircles the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). This temple is open exclusively on this occasion. During this auspicious time, pilgrims from all over the world visit this holy place. They are engaged in devotional hymns, prayers, and special pujas.
Devotees observe complete fasting on this day. They do not consume rice and certain non- Sattvic foods. Many stay awake throughout the night and chant Vishnu’s names and participate in temple rituals. The following day, they consume a nutritious meal prepared to replenish their energy.
Vaishnavas also recite sacred texts like the Vaikuntha Gadyam and engage in Naalayira Divya Prabandham hymns. Traditional events such as Oonjal Seva (swing pooja) and yagnas are also organised.
For Vaishnavites, the devotees of Lord Vishnu, the occasion of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” is not only about fasting. But they also consider this day as an opportunity to slow down, reflect on themselves, and seek inner clarity.
When you fast on this Ekadashi, consider it a spiritual practice that will help you elevate your consciousness. As a result, it will cultivate inner discipline and deepen your love and devotion to God.
Regardless of how you choose to observe the fast (either with strict adherence or flexible adjustments), this day is a sacred time for prayer, introspection, and reconnecting with the divine for everyone.
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Drawing from her years of study, reflection, and lived spiritual practice, Ekktaa shares an important observance that holds special significance on Vaikuntha Ekadashi. This insight highlights the sanctity of time and awareness during the concluding phase of the vrat.
Why does one need to consider Hari Vasara while breaking the fast of Ekadashi?
Hari Vasara refers to the first one-fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi and is considered an extension of Ekadashi’s spiritual observance. Parana should never be performed during Hari Vasara, even though Dwadashi has begun. Devotees must wait until this period ends before breaking the fast, as observing restraint during Hari Vasara preserves the full spiritual merit of the Ekadashi vrat.
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1. When does Vaikuntha Ekadashi occur?
The occasion of “Vaikuntha Ekadashi” falls on Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in either the Margashirsha or Pausha month.
2. When is Vaikuntha Ekadashi in 2025?
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed twice a year due to the alignment of the lunar and solar calendars, with one of the observances falling on 30th December 2025.
3. How important is Vaikuntha Ekadashi for the devotees of Lord Vishnu?
For Vaishnavites, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a very significant occasion because they believe that on this sacred day, the gates of Vaikuntha open. They observe fasting, offer prayers, and perform rituals with devotion to seek Vishnu’s blessings.
4. Where can I get the best online astrology consultation?
Smt. Ekktaa is the best astrologer for online horoscope consultation. You may connect with her for a Vedic astrology reading to gain clarity, direction, and confidence in your life.
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