ஸ்ரீ வைஷ்ணவர்களுக்கு சீரிய நாள் - வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசி திருநாள்

  

For Srivaishnavaties, this day is of very great significance – Vaikunda Ekadasi.

Ekadasi (eleven in Sanskrit) is the eleventh lunar day of the Shukla (bright) or Krishna (dark) fortnight of every month. The Hindu scriptures prescribe fasting on this holy day. Vaikunda Ekadasi is the ekadasi that occurs in the month of Marghazhi / Dhanur masam (corresponding to Dec – Jan of English calendar). This day marks the opening of vaikunta dwaram or the gate to Lord’s inner sanctum. This year Vaikunda Ekadasi falls on 28th Dec 2009.

""na Gaayathrya  para manthra: na Maathu para dhaivatham 
na Kaasya: paramam theertham na Ekadasya : samam vratham""

(Meaning ) : There is no manthram that is superior to  Gaayathri manthram ; there is no dhaivam superior to one's mother; there is no sanctifying theertham better than Kaasi and there is no vratham that is more sacred  than Ekadasi Vratham.

From puranic times, King Rukmangatha, Nampaduvan, our Acharyas have demonstrated the greatness and power of observance of ekadasi vratham. The exaltation of this great day is associated with :

1) the churning of the milky ocean for nectar on this day

2) the appearance of Goddess Mahalakshmi

3) Dhanvanthri bhagwan appearing with amrutha kalasam

4) Some scriptures do associate this day to be day on which Bhagwat Gita was rendered to Arjuna

It is believed that even those who are not able to comprehend the doctrines of Vedas, Upanishads or able to practice anushtanams can wake up in brahma muhurtham on the holy month, recite Thirupalliyezhuchi, Thiruppavai, participate in Thiruvadhyayana utsavam and on Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi day travel with the Lord through Paramapada vassal and get moksha sidhi.

In most of the famous vaishnavaite shrines, the gateway of salvation, ‘Paramapada vaasal’ will be opened in the morning – the most important being the one at Kovil “Sri Rangam” – the Bhooloka Vaikuntam.

In Divya desams – 10 days prior to Vaikunda Ekadasi is observed as ‘Pagal pathu’ or Thirumozhi thirunal wherein azhwar pasurams from the Mudalayiaram and Thirumozhi are recited. The ten days that follows the Vaikunta Ekadasi are known as “Raapathu” when Nammalwar’s Thiruvoimozhi is recited. In all these ten days, Perumal Purappadu through Paramapada vaasal occurs and all devotees would get benefit of passing through the golden gate. The next day is ‘Iyarpa Sartumurai’ when the moondravathu ayiram is recited in one stretch.

This structure is attributed to Acharyan Nathamuni who compiled the Divya prabandham.

Collated and placed before you all in all humbleness by this man with little or no knowledge. If there are any mistakes, request you to forbear

Adiyen Siriya gnanathan – S Sampathkumar.