08/01/2017
Vaikunta ekadashi wishes to all...
8th of Jan 2017, Sunday is Vaikunta Ekadashi. Vaikunta Ekadashi also known as Swargavathil Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi is one of the most important Ekadasis.Puranas predicts that "Vaikunta Dwaram" - Gates to the heaven is opened on this divine day.This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of Bhagawan Mahavishnu.
As Bhagavan said…. Just as among snakes “Sesh-Naga” is the best, among birds “Garuda” is the best, among sacrifices the “Asvamedha” is the best, among rivers “Mother Ganga” is the best…….so among all fasting days Ekadashi” is the best….
How to observe EKADASI: Ekadashi fast begins on the day before the Ekadasi, i.e., on the Dashami day(Saturday,7th Jan) ,continues on the day of Ekadasi(Sunday,08th) and ends on the Dwadasi(Monday 9th Jan), the day after Ekadasi. However, complete fast is observed only on the day of Ekadasi, irrespective of gender. On 'Dashami, devotees who observe Ekadasi fasting are advised to take only lunch. On Ekadasi, the next day, they have to maintain a complete fast and engage in prayers and meditation of Lord Narayana. But those devotees who have health problems or those who work can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice. Those taking partial fast can consume fruits and milk. Strictly avoid eating rice and grains, honey, meat etc. Do not apply oil on the day. Also the thulsi leaves(for Garland or Archana) should not be picked(from the plant) on the day of Ekadashi.The most important thing is to Spend the day in purifying the mind and body. And that can be achieved only by chanting Vishnu Ashotharam, Vishnu Sahasranamam Or Simple Chanting of – AUM Namo Narayanaya Or any prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Bhagavan Sri Krishna…... That night, usually people keep vigil the whole night . But those devotees who have health problems or those people who work can avoid keeping vigil at night. Staunch devotees who observe 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 Narayana. On Dwadasi day Parana should be done. Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is necessary to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence. Those devotees who can’t go to the temple should take bath in early morning, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then can break the fast by having the Thulase Theertham or Malar Theertham in your home itself.. .. Jay SreeKrishna…
