New Delhi: Vaikuntha Ekadashi 2025 is among the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and observed with deep faith across India. Falling during the Margashira month, this Ekadashi is believed to be the one day when the gates of Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s celestial abode, open for devotees. Fasting, prayer and night-long worship on this day are said to bring spiritual purification and divine grace. Devotees observe strict rituals, chant Vishnu mantras and visit temples to seek liberation from worldly cycles.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is known by different names in various regions. Vaikuntha Ekadashi holds special importance in major Vishnu temples and is closely associated with the idea of moksha and eternal peace. Here are the timings, rituals and spiritual significance of this sacred Ekadashi.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi 2025: Everything devotees need to know Vaikuntha Ekadashi date

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Ekadashi tithi

The Ekadashi tithi begins at 07:50 am on December 30, 2025, and ends at 05 am on December 31, 2025.

Parana time

The fast is broken on Dwadashi, January 1, 2026, between 07:14 am and 09:18 am.

Smartha Vaikuntha Ekadashi details Smartha Ekadashi date

Smartha Vaikuntha Ekadashi will be observed on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Parana timing

Parana for Smartha Ekadashi is observed on December 31 between 01:26 pm and 03:31 pm. The Hari Vasara end moment is at 10:12 am.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi significance 1. Vaikuntha Dwar belief

It is believed that on this Ekadashi, the gates of Vaikuntha open, allowing sincere devotees to attain heaven directly. Worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day is said to free devotees from the influence of Yama, the god of death.

2. Moksha and liberation

Observing the fast with devotion is believed to destroy accumulated sins, purify karma and help devotees progress towards moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

3. Mukkoti Ekadashi tradition

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi. According to belief, 30 million deities descend to Earth on this day to witness the devotion of Vishnu’s followers.

4. Spiritual and physical cleansing

Fasting on this day is believed to purify both mind and body, helping devotees deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Vishnu.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi rituals that devotees follow 1. Preparation for Dashami

Devotees eat only one light meal, usually lunch, on the day before Ekadashi to prepare the body and mind for fasting.

2. Observing the fast

A strict fast is observed on Ekadashi, with many devotees avoiding food and water for the entire day.

3. Avoiding rice

Rice is strictly avoided as tradition believes the demon Muran resides in grains during Ekadashi.

4. Prayer and chanting

Devotees chant Vishnu mantras such as the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and Vishnu Sahasranama, read the Bhagavad Gita and participate in bhajans.

5. Night-long vigil

Staying awake through the night in prayer, known as Jagran, is an important ritual, especially in Vishnu temples.

6. Temple visits

Devotees visit major Vishnu temples like Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam to pass through the symbolic Vaikuntha Dwar. In Kerala, the day is observed as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi with similar customs.

7. Parana and charity

The fast is broken on Dwadashi morning after sunrise, following prescribed timings. Donating food, clothes and essentials to the needy is considered highly auspicious.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a reminder of devotion, discipline and spiritual surrender. By observing its rituals with sincerity, devotees believe they move one step closer to inner peace and divine liberation.