December 18th 2018 Tuesday
P.S: Please check your local calendars and temples to see the exact date for Vaikunta Ekadashi.
Vaikunta Ekadashi falls in the month December-January. This year it falls on December 18th 2018. This is observed with all solemnity in the temples of Lord Vishnu. Please check your local calendars to see when it falls.
Vaikunta Ekadashi is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, and also all Balaji temples. They prepare what is called a “Swargada Bagilu” also called as ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven‘ This gate is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.
For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day No rice should be eaten on Ekadashi days. This is very important.
Those who are unable to fast completely can take some light fruit and milk. So you may ask why we shouldn’t eat rice, so here comes the story for the same.
The sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and said to the Lord, “O Lord! now give me an abode to dwell.” Brahma replied, “O demon! go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach.” For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi.
If you don’t believe in this story, just think of all the benefits you can get from fasting.
Fasting makes a man strong, both spiritually and mentally.Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also. It is good to fast once in a while as it recuperates the body. Ekadashi observance cleans our body and the digestive organs get much needed rest.
Those people suffering from ailments and on medications should take the advice of a doctor before fasting. Never torture your body in the name of religion. There is nothing wrong in having fruits or milk. And you can bring a certain amount of flexibility in the way it is observed.
Kalpavriksha Kamadhenu 
Posted by Padma Rao on December 16, 2018 at 1:40 pm
Thank you for the post Meera. I heard Vaikunta Ekadashi is also the day Krishna preached Bhagvadgita to Arjuna. I’m listening to the discourse by Vid. Srihariachar Walvekar on youtube. If anyone is interested here is the first pravachana and there are 9 or 10 videos
Thanks
Padma
Posted by meeraghu on December 16, 2018 at 2:34 pm
Super, listening now. Thanks for sharing Padma.
Posted by Cherren on March 28, 2017 at 6:26 am
Hari Om,
I would like to share my story and ask for advice?
Married with a Hindu Girl for 5 years, From that union had a son who was born and died the same day. After that did all my best in saving our couple to get back to a normal life. But didn’t work out, so we divorced
Married to a Catholic lady who had a son of 3 years old from someone after few years. You can say that this boy has been able to make me forget about things that has happened before. Wife wished to have a kid from our union. We tried, but with time I was convinced that it was not meant to be, as she was not being pregnant. Explained my wife about that and she agreed. Was convinced that had once experienced child death from previous marriage, my chances of being potent was questioned at the end. The idea of having another kid was lost as my son was giving me all the love and affection a child could give to me his father. To tell you the truth he is such a kid who would pray to god to bring back his dad, if ever something bad happens to me.
Having a nice social and work life. I started to read about Ekadashi. Heard once that my grand mother used to stay this Vrat. Enquired more about it on the web. Read all about it and discussed with my other half about what I was planning to do.
I wished to fast for Ekadashi and using the Nirjala fasting method for all Ekadashi for the year 2016 till 2017. So I started on Uttpatti Ekadasi,
occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December
2016 till date. Emotionally and Spiritually it is sure that once is
awakened for sure.
Within the coming month we had the surprise wife was pregnant end of December – You can say coincidence or luck, but the truth is for sure once can feel that the body is being reset after each Ekadashi.
Spiritually charged up, body heats up by end of the day, and all senses alert. Concentration and Emotion is amplified really getting used to the fasting. Wife and son do not fast, they eat and live normally. My son whose 8 years old now, knows well about my fast and he appreciate my efforts and he understands me more that my wife.
The issue is during the day I fast, my wife is very nervous. That’s an observation, she tend to be more picky and sometimes very angry. Out of the past 12 Ekadashi’s – 5 Ekadashi she was very angry and nervous.
The question is:
Doing Ekadashi is great no question about it
Why does my wife tend to be very angry and is in a fighting mood always when I do fasting for Ekadashi, I am not a fighter type
Truly I tend to keep my mind and concentration on the Lord Vishnu more than my family on that day.
Repeating the OM NAMO NARAYANAYA mantra in my head
This situation is very confusing, maybe is it a test as The Lord always tend to play with?
What should I do? How to deal with wife anger specially she is pregnant?
Thanks
Posted by Padma Rao on January 8, 2017 at 11:30 am
Dear Meera, my cousin had sent me this video of Sri Bananje Govindarcharya which says the importance of Ekadashi both from Scientific and religious perspective.Thought of sharing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_jAhNpqYTw
Posted by Jaya on January 7, 2017 at 10:56 am
Ok mam thanks
Posted by Jaya on January 5, 2017 at 3:27 pm
hi meeraji,
I m from UK. If vaikunda ekadesi falls on 8th jan 2017 when should we start fasting and when should we end ?? Plz let me know in IST .
Posted by meeraghu on January 6, 2017 at 7:57 am
entire day on 8th. End next day morning after doing pooje and taking Thirtha.
Posted by Kavita on January 2, 2017 at 10:55 pm
Wish you and your family also a very Happy and Prosperous New Year Meeraji!!!
Posted by meeraghu on January 3, 2017 at 8:55 am
Thanks, Kavita. Same to you and your family.
Posted by shanthisethuraman on January 12, 2015 at 11:58 am
Wish you all for a “Happy Pongal”. Hope the pongal festival brings you happiness to all
and enjoy tasting SWEET PONGAL” after offering to “The Sun”.
Posted by shanthisethuraman on January 2, 2015 at 2:00 am
Thank you for your brief explanation about Ekadashi Fasting. I follow every Vaikunda Ekadashi fasting and visiting Vishunu Temples near to place and get the blessings from God.
In our Rayuru Mutt, during Ekadashi, there will not be any Archanai to Rayuru, because he himself on fasting and worshiping his Guru, so we cannot make Archanai to Ragavendra, the next day onwards Duvathasi we can do pooja to our Rayuru. Chanting Vishu Sakasranam on that whole day (vaikunda Ekadashi)
Posted by Ravi G on June 22, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Your efforts for sharing aspects of Madhva traditions is commendable.
That said I would like to bring to your attention inorder for you to get your facts straight and change the following line in you article:
“Orthodox Madhwa people in South India observe complete fasting on ordinary Ekadashi day.”
to
“Staunch followers of Madhva all over the world observe complete fasting (involving No partake food or water of any kind) on the most revered and auspicious day of Ekadashi. This strict adherence roots out of the fact from commandment given by Madhva himself in the work Krishnamruta Maharanva XVI Sloka 156 :
“Sloka 156: Suta said:: Brahmins must learn about the day when Ekadashi occurs from astrologers who discuss and determine the same. Having determined the same, fasting must be done on that day, else one will attain hell!”
Readers may refer to following section of Madhva’s work Krishnamruta Maharanava for more details on ekadashi vix :
Part XVII – Viddhi Ekadashi
Part XVIII – Viddhi Ekadashi
Part XIX – Applicability of Ekadashi
Part XX – Atirikta Dwadashi, Parana rules
Part XXI – Benefits of Ekadashi
Part XXII – Violating Ekadashi and its effects”
Courtesy : http://anandatirtha.wordpress.com/parampare/krishnamruta-maharnava/
”
Thank you.
Posted by madhavi on February 7, 2013 at 9:46 am
thanks a lot for your response.i fasted yesterday.
Posted by madhavi on February 6, 2013 at 12:21 pm
meera if you think the question i asked is not an appropriate one,please dont post it.
thank you
Posted by meeraghu on February 6, 2013 at 7:25 pm
The answer to your question was yes, we do fast on those days as well.
Posted by xyz on December 22, 2012 at 1:48 am
please display prayer or removal from debts in kannada “saala parihara mantra”
Posted by ranjan on December 21, 2012 at 9:49 am
ok fine what is the daru masa for madhwas/hindus pls reply as this year as it from 16th Dec 2012 to 15th Jan 2013 pls reply to id ie jayaranjansrilak@gmail.com.
if you know.
Reply
Posted by meeraghu on December 21, 2012 at 10:13 am
I don’t understand your question.
Posted by ranjan on December 21, 2012 at 9:47 am
ok fine what is the daru masa for in the madhwas pls reply as this year as from 16th Dec 2012 to 15th Jan 2013
Posted by madhavi on December 10, 2012 at 10:53 am
sabudana is not a good option for me because i suffer with cold most of the times and i am pre-diabetic too. i like eating avalakki .
madhavi
Posted by madhavi on December 10, 2012 at 10:36 am
thanks a lot meera .even these little suggession from experienced people like you will help us a lot.
thanks
Posted by meeraghu on December 10, 2012 at 10:52 am
Madhavi,
I am just like anyone else. Not really experienced at all. I am glad this blog is helping you, worth all my efforts. May Lord bless you and your family.
Posted by vidyavenu on December 9, 2012 at 9:43 pm
When is next vaikunta ekadashi and what mantra you should chant or even a ekadashi song if you have please post it
Thankyou
Posted by meeraghu on December 10, 2012 at 8:27 am
It is on 23rd and 24th based on the mutt you follow. No special mantra I know of.
Posted by madhavi on December 9, 2012 at 4:13 pm
i am sorry meera,actually my parents and in -laws dont have much knowledge about this. even they started learning about this now,we are non-brahmins after knowing about ekadasi we all feel guilty that we were not following this all these days,atleast now we want to give up some of the foods.
sorry and thanks
Posted by meeraghu on December 9, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Madhavi,
Why are you being sorry. I was just suggesting talking to elders in the family. Now that I know some background about you, if you feel you don’t want to eat Avalakki, than you can have sabhudana Khichadi. It is commonly eaten during fasting.
For me, health is most important. If you can’t maintain your health and work after fasting, there is no point in doing.
I myself eat something light, I have suffered a lot because of fasting. And I have a full time Job, and family to take care of. So, even though I am a brahmin, I can’t fast completely. I eat fruits, milk shake, and many time Avalakki, Khichadi also.
Posted by madhavi on December 9, 2012 at 2:36 pm
hi meera,
avallakki is flattened rice right,but on ekadasi we should not eat any grains is what i read can you please clear this to me and can i eat root vegetables like carrots ,beetroots and any other vegetables which you can suggest that i can cook for my family on this auspicios occassion.
thank you
Posted by meeraghu on December 9, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Madhavi,
I am not an expert, so please consult your parents, elders or in-laws. Without knowing anything much, it is hard to come up with any suggestions.
Posted by madhavi on December 9, 2012 at 1:02 pm
hi meera,
i am reading a lot about ekadasi fasting and being a devote of lord balaji i want to do this fasting ,actually i fast on every friday for goddess mahalakshmi and sometimes ekadasi falls on thursday and saturday, so fasting two days continuosly is not possible for me.can you please suggest me something we can eat apart from milk and fruits.
thank you
Posted by meeraghu on December 9, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Madhavi,
You can eat Avalakki, sabhudana Khichadi.
Posted by anandsp1 on January 9, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Good post once again. Thanks! For Madhwas, every ekadashi is same and we need to do complete fasting as said in our Acharya’s Sri Krishnamrutha Maharnava on all Ekadasi days. This grantha is the last word on Ekadasi as Madhwaru has dedicated around 60+ shlokas on Ekadasi mahime and its significance.
And one thing is sure, we need to account for each and every grain of food taken on ekadasi days in the court of Yama Dharma Raja later on. Those who take anything on this sacred Haridina will not be spared.
Posted by Usha on January 5, 2012 at 3:36 am
Thanks for the information.
Adding more to the benefits of fast, it is believed that the cosmic energy that enters the human body is more on some special days like Karhika purnima, Vaikunta ekadashi, etc. The food that we take on these days obstructs this energy decreasing its intake. Hence it is good to fast on these days, also besides fast it is good to be calm and pleasant specially on these days thereby opening many ways for the energy.
I heard this from a friend of mine.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Posted by vidyavenugopal puttaparti on January 4, 2012 at 8:08 pm
thank you so much for a very useful information wish you all a very happy new year
Posted by Kanchi N. Gandhi on January 4, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Besides getting all the benefits one can get from fasting, I mention the following in the in my botany class: grains, millets, and seeds contain plant embryos (needed for the next generation), whereas fruit pulps do not contain any embryo. I also mention that either knowingly or unknowingly the Hindus avoid eating plant embryos at least once a month.
Posted by Preeti on January 4, 2012 at 11:56 am
Thank you so much for the detailed information on ekadashi. Wish you & your family a Happy New Year !!!
Posted by Menaka on January 4, 2012 at 6:50 am
If I have to keep awake, should it be on 4th night to 5th morning or
5th night to 6th morning?
Posted by meeraghu on January 4, 2012 at 8:11 am
There is no need to stay awake, Menaka.
Posted by Menaka on January 5, 2012 at 8:01 am
Thank you Meera.
Also, please let me know, at what I should end fasting on 6th.
What is one supposed to eat after one ends fasting.
Posted by meeraghu on January 5, 2012 at 8:40 am
Menaka,
Fasting is ended early on 6th morning. A full meal is prepared like Rice, rasam, payasa, chitranna, and so on. No food with onion and garlic. Hope this helps.
Posted by priya on January 3, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Hare Srinivasa. Can you please tell me when is Vaikuntha ekadashi according to US timings. 4th or 5th?
Posted by meeraghu on January 4, 2012 at 8:13 am
Depends on which Matha you follow. SSVT temple and Krishna Vrindavana has it on 4th. However, we are doing it on 5th.
Posted by Menaka on January 5, 2012 at 7:59 am
Thank you Meera.
Also, Please let me know at what time on 6th can I end the
fasting and what is that I am supposed to eat.
Posted by Ram on January 3, 2012 at 12:15 pm
According to the Panchangam Ekadasi time begins on 04 January 2012 at 06:14 and ends on 05 January 2012 at 08:37. I don’t know what to do, any help appreciated, please, please.
Jay Panduranga.
Posted by meeraghu on January 3, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Just fast.
Posted by Venkat on January 3, 2012 at 10:55 pm
What timezone is this for?
Posted by meeraghu on January 4, 2012 at 8:13 am
US and India.
Posted by meeraghu on January 3, 2012 at 8:46 am
Let me check.
Posted by KARTHIK BALRAM RAO on January 3, 2012 at 6:59 am
HI. i’m looking for a song by shri purandara dasa that is sung daily during pooja. the lyrics go something like this ” shri madhwa matada sidhanta bidabye re bidabya bittu kedabya “..the total song is around 4 or 5 paragraphs i think. if you can provide the lyrics of the song and the name of the song, it would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Bharath M R on January 3, 2012 at 5:52 am
Hey Meera,
Thanks for the useful information.
This is the first time where i had interest to know about Vaikunda Ekadasi.
Hope i will try to be on fast and go to any Perumal temple on that day morning.
Just a small clarification,If i celebrate on 5th jan 2012,then i should be on fast on 5th from morning till night or from 4th morning till 5th morning?
Can you clarify the same.
Thanks,
bharath
Posted by meeraghu on January 3, 2012 at 8:46 am
5th morning until night. Have food on 6th morning.
Posted by Venkat on January 3, 2012 at 3:53 am
Another reason for observing Ekadasi is as a practice. Our next life depends on what we remember before we leave our body. If you remember your family/relatives, you will be reborn in the same family; may be in the next generation. If you remember Lord Narayana, you will be given Moksha. So if you try to remember god with fasting, you are reharsing, the physical and mental state you will be, near the end of your life. Most of the time you will not be given food and you will be weak on your death bed. It becomes really hard to concentrate on God. By observing Ekadasi fasting you are essentially preparing yourself.
Posted by Viswanath S on January 2, 2012 at 4:26 am
Wish you a very happy new year 2012.
Why is that Vaikunt Ekadashi is on 4th or 5th? Could you please tell me the exact day instead of being ambiguous.
Posted by meeraghu on January 2, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Viswanath,
each and every matha in our Madhwa community celebrates Ekadashi based on their dates. In Uttaradhi Mattha it is celebrated on 5th. However, Raraya Matha, Puttige Matha and others are performing the same on 4th.
Posted by Srinivasa on January 1, 2012 at 9:53 am
Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2012
Posted by DR. CVc on December 31, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Scientifically also, on the day of Ekadashi (There is definite relative position of earth with moon – controller of mind and thoughts, eating rice give rise to disturbance in the digestive system
Posted by Usha Nayak on December 31, 2011 at 11:53 am
This is a very informative post, thank you so much. Happy New Year to you too, Meera!
Posted by meeraghu on December 31, 2011 at 11:57 am
Happy New Year 2012, Usha.
Posted by ARUN on January 5, 2012 at 4:50 am
WISH U THE SAME.. ARUN