Vaikunta Ekadashi: Gateway to the Divine Vaikunta Ekadashi stands apart among the twenty-five Ekadashi observances in a year. On this sacred day, Lord Vishnu himself is believed to open the gates of Vaikunta (heaven) for sincere devotees. The ancient texts recount how a demon named Muran, inflated by his own power, drove the gods from their celestial abode. When Vishnu confronted him, the divine energy Ekadasi emerged from Vishnu’s chest, vanquished Muran, and restored balance. To honor her, Vishnu granted that those who keep vigil, fast, and chant his names on this day will attain a direct path to heaven. How is Vaikunta Ekadashi different from other Ekadasis in a year? Vaikunta Ekadashi is considered the most sacred of the 25 annual Ekadasis because, according to the Padma Purana and Uttara Kanda (chapters 36, 40), it is on this day that Maha Vishnu himself opens the gates of heaven for devotees who followed dharma on earth. They symbolically realize that Earth is also Vaikunta when...