Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Vaikunda Ekadashi

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala – Vaikunda Ekadashi

Vaikunta Ekadashi is the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi that occurs during the Dhanu / Margazhi month in the Hindu calendar (corresponding to late December - early January in English calendar). The Vaishnava (Worship of Vishnu) sect believes that ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. The Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in the Lunar calendar is known as a 'Mokshada Ekadashi.' Special prayers, yagnas, discourses and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples across the world on this auspicious day. The Shaiva sect observes the day as Trikoti Ekadashi, a religious observance where all the deities in the Hindu pantheon pay obeisance to Lord Sri Shiva at once.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple also has a similar concept to celebrate Mukkoti Ekadashi, as it is known in the Telugu-speaking regions. Tirumala has a special entrance called Vaikuntha Dwaram that encircles the sanctum sanctorum. The Dwaram (passage) is opened only on Vaikuntha Ekadashi and it is believed that any person who passes through this `Vaikuntha Dwaram' on this particular day attains salvation. The temple witnesses heavy inflow of pilgrims and dignitaries for Vaikuntha Ekadashi. All Arjitha Sevas are cancelled on this day, including VIP darshan and only Sarva Darshanam is allowed on Vaikunta Ekadashi except VVIP's. No Online Bookings are permitted on this day. Privileged darshan formats are stopped during this period.