The Celebration Of Vaikunta Ekadashi In Srirangam

Faith Mysticism

oi-Staff

By Staff

Friday, January 9, 2009, 16:48

A wave of devotion swept the thousands thronged from different parts of the country at the Srirangam, Ranganatha shrine in Tamil Nadu for the Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival. Devotees converged at the temple premises to offer worship to Lord Vishnu addressed as Lord Ranganatha.

In accordance with the Vaishnavism cult (the worship of Lord Vishnu) it is believed that the Vaikunth Dwaram, the gate to the Lord's innner sanctum is kept open on this day. As per the legend the mercy of Lord Vishnu had the gates of His abode, Vaikuntam open for two demons despite the fact that they were against Him.

At Srirangam, Ranganathaswami temple, the Lord wearing a Rathnaangi, an armour of diamonds moves from the sanctum to the Thirumamani Mandapam (thousand pillared hall) via the northern gate, the Paramapada Vaasal or the gate to heaven.

It is to be noted that this gate is kept open only once a year on Vaikuntha Ekadashi day. This reason hence is suffice for the devotees to get a glimpse of their Lord studded with diamonds, who makes Himself present for the eyes and hearts to feast in the open mandap.

Kavita, the Joint Commissioner of Ranganatha shrine said "The Vaikuntha Ekadesi festival is celebrated for 20 days and the Tamil devotional prayers in praise of the Lord are sung by the Arayar in special dance format in all these 20 days. People from all over the world come to visit this temple on this day and for their benefit we have also given direct relay, live relay in our website plus other organization has also made efforts to see that this festival is a grand success," The performance of Arayar Natanam, a dance, in the temples of Lord Vishnu in Tamil Nadu.

Pilgrims give vent to their devotional fervor by singing devotional songs and chanting religious hymns all through the day in Lord's praise. The popular belief is that those who get to see the Lord on this day are liable to gain entry into His abode.

Being the most splendid part of the Srirangam temple, the thousand pillar hall proudly holds the beautiful form of the formless Lord Ranganatha on this special day. He makes Himself easily accessible to the eyes of those yearning hearts who seek to assuage their devotional urges at the very sight of Him AGENCIES