Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi: A Path to Heaven
Background
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a highly revered Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. It falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (December-January). The festival is particularly significant in South India, where it is celebrated with great devotion.
The name "Vaikuntha" refers to the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, devotees who observe Vaikuntha Ekadashi with sincerity and dedication will attain liberation and entry into Vaikuntha. The festival is believed to hold immense spiritual power and offers an opportunity for individuals to cleanse their sins and seek blessings for a righteous path.
Observances
On Vaikuntha Ekadashi, devotees engage in a strict fast from all food and drinks, including water. They also observe other religious austerities such as chanting mantras, performing worship rituals, and reading scriptures. Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu, seeking his forgiveness and grace.
Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, such as the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, India, witness huge crowds during Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Devotees participate in special "darshan" (viewing) of the deity and seek divine blessings.
Significance
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is regarded as one of the most important Ekadashi days of the year. It is believed that observing this fast and pilgrimage to Vaishnava temples can bring good fortune, prosperity, and a peaceful afterlife.
The festival also reinforces the Hindu concept of "karma" and the belief that one's actions have consequences. By observing Vaikuntha Ekadashi, devotees seek to atone for their past sins and accumulate punya (merit) for a better future.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated in 2025? Answer: January 10, 2025
2. What should devotees do on Vaikuntha Ekadashi? Answer: Fast, pray, chant mantras, and visit Lord Vishnu temples for blessings.
3. What is the significance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi? Answer: It is believed to offer a path to heaven and cleanse one's sins.
4. What is unique about Vaikuntha Ekadashi in South India? Answer: It is celebrated with great devotion and involves special temple rituals.
5. How can one prepare for Vaikuntha Ekadashi? Answer: By observing the preceding Ekadashi, known as "Mokshada Ekadashi," and gradually reducing food intake before the main fast.
The Supreme Court has directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry against Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat, following allegations of non-compliance with laws and acquisition of animals. The SIT, headed by former apex court judge J Chelameswar, will also look into reports of irregularities and complaints from NGOs and wildlife organizations. Vantara has assured full cooperation to the probe and reaffirmed their commitment to animal welfare.
The ongoing family feud within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) continues to escalate as three more daughters of party patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav have left the family residence in Bihar's capital Patna. This comes just a day after another daughter, Rohini Acharya, publicly denounced the family and quit politics following the party's poor performance in the recent elections. Amidst allegations of insults and mistreatment, the saga continues to unfold within the Yadav family.
In a special lecture series in Bengaluru, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized on the Hindu identity as a responsible and proud son of Bharat Mata. He urged the Hindu society to come together and share the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' with the rest of the world. Bhagwat also recalled the RSS founder and its journey of facing opposition and growth through dedication and sacrifice of its volunteers.
As the West Bengal Assembly elections near, the political battle between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified on social media. Following the BJP's victory in Bihar, the party declared its hopes to defeat TMC in Bengal on a popular platform, while TMC leader Kunal Ghosh responded with a proverb highlighting the BJP's potential failure in Bengal. Despite BJP's confidence, TMC remains unfazed and asserts their strong hold in the state.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was criticized by BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla for going on a jungle safari in Madhya Pradesh's Satpura Tiger Reserve instead of focusing on the ongoing Bihar elections. Gandhi had earlier claimed that "vote theft" had taken place in several states, including Madhya Pradesh. BJP's Poonawalla mocked Gandhi's "priorities" and referred to him as the "Leader of Paryatan and partying."
The sudden blast in Delhi that left several people dead has shocked everyone, including Bollywood stars Raveena Tandon, Thalapathy Vijay, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. While police are investigating all possible angles, including a terrorist conspiracy, Raveena's comments on social media suggest a link to terrorist activity. The celebrities also expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.
In a historic move, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced that it will be releasing 32 prisoners, including nine from tribal communities, on November 15 to mark Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or Tribal Pride Day. This decision, initiated by Governor Mangubhai C Patel, aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of tribal communities on the birth anniversary of their icon, Birsa Munda. This is the first time in India that prisoners will be released on grounds of good conduct while serving jail terms. However, it should be noted that the release will not apply to convicts in cases of rape or the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), as well as those convicted in multiple murder cases.
Today marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a fearless leader and freedom fighter who fought against British colonial oppression and the exploitation of tribal communities. His legacy of social justice and environmental protection continues to inspire movements in India today. As Jharkhand celebrates his birth anniversary, Birsa Munda's life serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and sustainability.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on 15th November for various ceremonies and inaugurations. At a programme in Dediapada, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹9,700 crore, with a particular focus on improving infrastructure and empowering tribal communities. These include residential schools, multi-purpose centres, medical institutions, and marketing centres, among others. The projects aim to uplift marginalized communities and promote the preservation of tribal culture and heritage.
As the NDA secures a clear victory in the Bihar elections, social media has been abuzz with questions about the whereabouts of Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition and supposed face of the Congress in the state. With rumours circulating about him being in London or Muscat, there has been no official confirmation from the party or credible media outlets. This has sparked conversations about leadership and commitment within the party.