Today is the most auspicious day . This year the holy Vaikunda Ekadasi is on the 2nd day of Margazhi ie Friday, 17th Dec 2010. (today). Margazhi month is significant for Srivaishnavaites. The shukla paksha Ekadasi i.e., 11th day (the ascending one after Amasvaya or the New moon) is hailed as “Vaikunda Ekadasi”.
On most Srivaishanva Divyadesams, the Paramapada vassal also known as “Swarga vassal” (the gate to heaven) is opened today. 10 days from today are celebrated as “Iraapathu uthsavam” in which the hymns of Sri Nammazhwar (Thiruvoimozhi) are chanted. This religious system is believed to have been started by Thirumangai Azhwar.
Later Acharyan Nathamuni introduced festival of 10 days preceding the Vaikunda Ekadasi, known as Pagal pathu when Nalayira divyaprabandham (pasurams of Muthalayiram and Thirumangai mannanin Thirumozhi) is recited.
Today the temple rituals started early morning at Sri Parthasarathi Swami temple, Thiruvallikkeni. Moolavar Sri Venkata Krishnan in his resplendent splendor blessed the devotees. Purappadu of Sri Parthasarathi Swami beautifully adorned with jewels took place inside the temple. With Swami Nammazhwar welcoming him, Sri Parthasarathi came through the Paramapada vassal around 0430am . Thousands of devotees had the fortune of having the wonderful darshan on this holy day. Devotees can have darshan of Sri Parthasarathi perumal in Punyakoti vimanam at Thiruvoimozhi mantapam.
Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan
Here are a some of photos of the Uthsavam.
The paramapada vassal at Triplicane
Sri Parthasarathi at Thiruvoimozhi mandapam after crossing
Uthsavar Sri Parthasarathi
Sri Nammazhwar
Thanks for the speedy info and for taking us closer to God - manivannan
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