🙏 Lord Vishnu

Vaikuntha Ekadashi

🗓️ Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi (Nov–Dec)

The story behind Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Vaikuntha Ekadashi, observed on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi (also known as Mokshada Ekadashi), is among the most sacred days for Vaishnavas, especially in South India. Temples such as Srirangam and Tirumala open their Vaikuntha Dwaram (Gateway to Heaven) on this day, and devotees who pass through it are believed to receive Lord Vishnu's grace toward moksha (liberation). The day is marked by a strict fast, a night-long vigil, and devotional singing.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

  1. 1

    Nirjala or Phalahar Vrat

    Observe a strict fast — many devotees take no water (nirjala) or fruits only (phalahar) — from the previous evening until the next sunrise.

  2. 2

    Vishnu Puja

    Worship Lord Vishnu or Krishna with tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and a lit ghee lamp.

  3. 3

    Vaikuntha Dwaram Darshan

    Where observed at a temple, pass through the ceremonial Vaikuntha Dwaram (gateway) opened only on this day.

  4. 4

    Jagran

    Keep a night vigil (jagran), reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama or singing bhajans until the following sunrise.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi Mantra

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय॥

Meaning

Salutations to Lord Vasudeva, the all-pervading Supreme Being.

How to chant

Chant 108 times on a tulsi mala during the fast and while keeping the night vigil.

When is Vaikuntha Ekadashi?

YearDate
2026Sunday, 20 December 2026
2027Thursday, 9 December 2027
2028Monday, 27 November 2028
2029Sunday, 16 December 2029

Dates are computed with the Drik (observational) method from real solar and lunar positions, using sunrise-to-sunrise Tithi assignment for New Delhi.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi's date is calculated from the Sun's position rather than from local sunrise or sunset, and this calculation does not yet adjust for your location. Some communities observe it a day earlier or later depending on local convention — check with your local temple or community for the date observed where you are.

These dates follow the panchang convention computed for each city's own coordinates — they are not a universal verdict. Some temples and communities shift observance to a weekend regardless of the computed date, and published panchang authorities recommend using your own city's panchang rather than a single worldwide date. Confirm with your local temple or community before treating a date as final.

Festivals around Vaikuntha Ekadashi

All Hindu festivals →See the full Vedic calendar →Today's Panchang & muhurtas →

Vaikuntha Ekadashi FAQs

Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls on 20 December 2026, based on Kaala's Drik Panchang calculation for the corresponding Tithi.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is dated according to the lunar Tithi, not the fixed Gregorian calendar, so its Gregorian date shifts from year to year while its position in the lunar calendar stays consistent.

The astronomical event Vaikuntha Ekadashi marks happens at the same instant everywhere in the world, but which calendar day that instant falls on locally depends on each city's own timing — so cities in different countries can observe Vaikuntha Ekadashi a day apart.