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Vaikuntha Ekadashi Vrat Katha
- Ekadashi Vrat Kathas

Vaikuntha Ekadashi Vrat Katha!

**Om Namo Narayanaya**

**Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya**

Once, King Yudhishthira approached Lord Krishna and said:

**Yudhishthira said:**

“O Lord Krishna, O Lord of the universe, O protector of Your devotees! Please tell me about the sacred Ekadashi that occurs during the bright fortnight of the month of Dhanurmasa. Why is it known as **Vaikuntha Ekadashi**? What is its significance, how should it be observed, and what spiritual benefit does a devotee receive by observing this sacred fast?”

Lord Krishna replied:

“O Yudhishthira, your question is most auspicious. Among all the sacred days, Ekadashi is especially dear to Lord Vishnu. One who observes Ekadashi with faith and devotion, remembers the Supreme Lord, chants His holy names, and spends the day in devotional activities receives the special mercy of Sri Hari.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is regarded as an especially sacred day for worshipping Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees rise early, take a bath, worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, offer prayers to Tulasi Devi, and spend the day remembering the Lord's holy name, form, qualities and pastimes.

According to one's ability, a devotee observes a fast and abstains from grains and other prohibited foods. One should hear or recite the glories of Lord Vishnu, chant His holy names, read scriptures, perform devotional service and, whenever possible, remain awake during the night in remembrance of the Lord.

The devotee may chant:

**Om Namo Narayanaya**

**Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya**

with faith and devotion.

### The Story of Ekadashi

O Yudhishthira, listen now to the ancient story connected with Ekadashi.

Once, during Satya-yuga, there lived a mighty and terrible demon named **Mura**. He defeated the devas and brought great fear and suffering upon them. The devas therefore approached Lord Vishnu and sought His protection.

Lord Vishnu fought a fierce battle with Mura. The battle continued for a long time. Eventually, Lord Vishnu entered a cave and rested there.

When the demon Mura saw the Lord resting, he decided to attack Him.

At that moment, a radiant and powerful Goddess manifested from the divine energy of Lord Vishnu. She confronted the demon and fought him. In the ensuing battle, she defeated and killed Mura.

When Lord Vishnu awoke and saw that the demon had been destroyed, He was greatly pleased with the Goddess.

The Lord said:

“O Divine Goddess, who are you? You have rendered great service by destroying this powerful demon. I am pleased with you. Ask Me for a boon.”

The Goddess replied:

“O Lord, please grant that the day on which I have manifested from Your divine energy shall become sacred throughout the world. Let this day be known as **Ekadashi**. May those who faithfully fast on this day and worship You with devotion become free from their sins and ultimately attain Your eternal abode.”

Lord Vishnu granted her this boon and declared:

“From this day onward, you shall be celebrated throughout the world as **Ekadashi**. Those who observe the Ekadashi fast with faith, devotion and self-control, and who remember Me and engage in devotional service, will receive great spiritual benefit and, ultimately, attain My eternal abode.”

Thus, Ekadashi became one of the most sacred observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

### The Glory of Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Lord Krishna continued:

“O Yudhishthira, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is especially cherished by devotees who aspire to attain the eternal service of Lord Narayana.

On this sacred day, a devotee should rise early in the morning and remember the Lord. After bathing, the devotee should put on clean clothes and worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, incense, lamps, Tulasi leaves and sincere prayers.

The devotee should avoid sinful activities, worldly indulgence and unnecessary distractions. Instead, the mind should be engaged in chanting the holy names of the Lord, hearing His glories, reading sacred scriptures and serving devotees.

One should especially cultivate the understanding that this human life is temporary, while the service of the Supreme Lord is eternal.

The devotee may chant:

**Hare Krishna Hare Krishna**
**Krishna Krishna Hare Hare**
**Hare Rama Hare Rama**
**Rama Rama Hare Hare**

with faith and devotion.

Those who observe Vaikuntha Ekadashi sincerely, according to their ability and tradition, purify their hearts and progress toward devotional service to Lord Vishnu.

### The Significance of the Vaikuntha Gates

In many Vaishnava temples, especially in the South Indian tradition, a special entrance known as the **Vaikuntha Dvara** or **Paramapada Vasal** is opened on Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

Devotees pass through this sacred gateway while remembering Lord Vishnu and praying for liberation from material bondage and eternal service to Him.

The gateway symbolizes the devotee's aspiration to leave behind the temporary material world and enter the eternal spiritual abode of the Supreme Lord.

Therefore, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is not merely a day of fasting. It is a day for **remembering God, surrendering to Him, chanting His holy names and deepening one's devotion**.

One who spends this sacred day in sincere remembrance of Lord Narayana, avoids sinful activities, serves devotees, hears the Lord's glories and chants His holy names receives great spiritual benefit.

At the conclusion of the fast, the devotee should offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and break the fast at the proper Ekadashi **parana** time on Dvadashi, according to the prescribed tradition.

May Lord Sri Hari bless all devotees with pure devotion, freedom from material bondage and eternal service at His lotus feet.

**Sri Vishnu Bhagavan ki Jai!**
**Vaikuntha Ekadashi ki Jai!**
**Sri Lakshmi-Narayana ki Jai!**
**Hare Krishna!**

Advaita

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