New Delhi: One of the most sacred Hindu festivals, which is majorly celebrated across the South Indian states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, is being celebrated this year on December 30, 2025. Across the temples and homes, devotees worship, pray and fast for blessings and honouring Lord Vishnu.
Across several Vaishnavite temples, the Vaikuntha Dwaram is now open, representing the gateway to Vishnu’s heavenly realm. Worshippers are engaging in continuous chants, rituals and late-night prayers.
Considering the last Ekdashi vrat of the year, it holds immense significance and is considered to be one of the most auspicious times to seek the blessings and wish for what you really want. For many devotees, it is the last chance to pause, set focus and seek what they really want for the life ahead and the upcoming year.
Why is Vaikuntha Ekdashi fast considered equal to merit of many lifetimes
Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Margashirsha or Dhanurmasa, depending on regional calendars. Ekadashi is traditionally a day dedicated to fasting and worshipping Vishnu, but this particular Ekadashi is considered far more powerful.
Ancient scriptures, especially the Padma Purana, describe it as the “King of Ekadashis,” promising spiritual merit equal to observing all the other Ekadashis across the year combined. Many devotees also believe that the gates of Vaikuntha open on this day, symbolising the removal of karmic burdens and the granting of divine grace.
Significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi vrat
Fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is said to:
- cleanse the mind and body
- remove negative karma
- strengthen discipline and devotion
- bring inner peace
- attract the blessings of Vishnu and Lakshmi
Devotees usually observe a nirjala fast (without water), but many follow a partial fast with fruits or simple satvik food depending on health and ability. The intention and devotion matter more than the intensity of the fast.
There is a belief associated with the festival that fasting on this single day carries the merit of many lifetimes of tapasya, and also believed that cosmic energies on the high, making a deep impact on the people fasting. The nights of the occasion are considered even more auspicious and spiritually aligned, since it is believed that Lord Vishnu stays awake the whole night with people fasting to support.