t He was dependent on His devotees and that He would not tolerate any injustice towards them.
The fifth legend is associated with King Suketu, who is the ruler of the city of Bhadravati. Shaivya is his wife. The couple are childless. Unhappy and sad with this, the couple decided to leave their kingdom and go into the forests. The royal couple hands over the affairs of the kingdom to a trusted minister and leaves to the forest. At one point of time, they even consider committing suicide but they withdraws back thinking it to be a cowardice act. One day, the couple hears vedic chants and moves towards the direction. They see few sages praying to Lord Vishnu on the bank of a lotus pond. After the recital, the couple gets to know about the Putrada Ekadashi fast and upon observing it with utmost devotion, they are blessed with a son.
How is Vaikunta Ekadasi Celebrated?
Ekadasi Fasting is an important aspect of this day. People fast the whole day and keep vigil. Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and devotees engage in Japa (Chanting of the Lord’s name) and Dhyana (Meditation). On ‘Dasami’, the previous day of the observance, devotees who take up Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting are to take only lunch. On Ekadasi, the next day, they have to maintain a complete fast and engage in prayers and meditation of the Lord. They are strictly prohibited from taking rice. That night, people keep vigil the whole night and visit the temple of Lord Vishnu, mostly in the wee hours of the morning. On this day, the Vaikunta Dwaram or the Swarga Vaasal, ‘The Gates of Heaven’ are believed to be kept open. The area encircling the sanctum is referred to Swarga Vaasal and devotees throng to gain entry into the temple, to seek the Lord. In all Vaishnava temples, the northern doors remains open on this day and it is on this day, devotees visit the Lord through this northern entrance.
Ekadasi is celebrated at Srirangam for 21 days. Ten Days before Ekadasi is called Pagal Patthu (festival day time) and Ten Days after are called Ira Patthu (festival in nights). On Vaikuntha Ekadasi day Lord Ranganatha Moolavar is clothed in armour of pearls and Tiruvaranga Utsavar wearing a diamond coat will be taken to 1000 pillar hall through northern gate. This gate is believed as gate to Vaikuntham and opens only on Vaikuntha Ekadasi. Lord Vishnu holds divine darbar along with all Alwars and Nalayaram Divya Prabandham is recited. While the deity goes on procession each Alwar accompanies him. First Nammalwar is called, followed by Thirumangai Alwar, Ramanuja and so on.. All these procedures followed here are introduced from time of saint Ramanuja and followed even today.
In Tirupathi, Lord Venkateswara Temple this day is celebrated with pomp and devotees visit to see Lords divine blessings though entering Vaikunta Dwaram.