Murudeshwaram Temple - Second Highest Statue in the World

Murudeshwara Temple:-

Murudeshwara is a town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. “Murudeshwara” is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue, Murudeshwara beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwara Temple.
 it is designed in such way that it gets sunlight directly and thus appears sparkling.The temple which embodies a Shiva Linga is believed to have erupted when Ravana (Demon King of Lanka) flung the cloth covering the Atmalinga at Gokarna while lifting it. Lord Shiva, following a complicated sequence of events, declared that Murudeshwara should be one of his five holy places.
This place is also famous for wonderful beaches. The sea on three sides surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset.

The two inscriptions found in the ancient temple paves way for the reasons behind the construction of Nandi Mantapa, assumed to be in 1542 AD by the Devaraya II Raj of Vijayanagar. The temple depicts the Chalukyas and Kadambaas sculptures in the Dravidian style and is believed to be located on the spot where Ravana flung the cloth covering the Atma Linga at Gokarana while lifting it.

Surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea, the Murudeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with a 20-storied Raja Gopura on the temple. As one ascends the hillock, there is a shrine of Jattiga seated on a horse and two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple.

When Vishnu withdrew his Sudharshan chakra, Ravana saw bright sunlight and understood that he was tricked by the Gods. He became furious. He came to the Linga and tried to uproot it with all his might. But the idol did not budge even a liitle. The idol's shape now looked like a cow's ear. Hence, the place is known as Gokarna. [Go means Cow and karna means Ear in sanskrit.] The crest fallen Ravana was deeply upset and beat the boy on his head. In anger he pulled and threw the case of linga, which fell 23 miles away at Sajjeshwar. He threw the lid to the south 27 miles away at Guneshwara in the form of “Vamdev Linga”. He threw the cloth wrapped to the idol to south, 32 miles away at Kanduka hills on shore of sea. It took the form of “Aghora”at Murudeshwar. The thread winding the idol was flung to south at Dhareshwara, came to known as “Tathpurusha Linga”.

Shiva learnt all this from wind god Vayu. He came on earth along with Parvathi and Ganesha and visited all these five places and worshipped the linga. He declared that these would be his Panchakshetras and those who worshipped lingas at those places would be free from all sins and their wishes would be fulfilled and ultimately reach the abode of Shiva.

Statue of Lord Shiva:-

A huge towering statue of Lord Shiva, visible from great distances, is present in the temple complex. It is the third highest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. The Tallest Lord shiva statue is in Nepal known as the(Kailashnath Mahadev Statue). The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height and took about two years to build. The statue was built by Shivamogga’s Kashinath and several other sculptors, financed by businessman and philanthropist R.N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately 50 million Rs. The idol is designed such that it gets the sunlight directly and thus appears sparkling. Originally, the statue had four arms and was adorned in gold paint. However, large wind gusts blew the arm off  (the one that held a small drum), and rain dissolved the paint.

Story of Murudeshwara:-

Ravana (King of Lanka) prayed and worshiped Lord Shiva to attain immortality by getting the ‘Atma Linga’ Pleased by his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. By this time Narada had asked Lord Vishnu to change Ravana’s mind. As a result of this plot, Ravana asks for Goddess Parvati instead of atma linga and lord Shiva offers Parvati to Ravana. On the way back to Lanka Narada showing the Kali avatar of Parvati tells Ravana that Shiva has not given him the real Parvathi and that the real Parvathi was in Pathala. Ravana frees Kali and went to Pathala and married Mandodari assuming her to be real Parvati. He then returns to Lanka, where his mother asks him for the Linga. Ravana then realizes that he was tricked started worshiping lord Shiva with much more strong devotion. Lord Shiva appears again and this time, Ravana requests theAtmaLinga as his boon. Lord Shiva agrees to give him the boon with the condition that it should never be placed on the ground. If the AtmaLinga was ever placed on the ground, all the powers would return to Lord Shiva again. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.

Sage Narada, who came to know of this incident, realised that with the AtmaLinga, Ravana may obtain immortality and create havoc on earth. He approached the Lord Ganesh and requested him to prevent the AtmaLinga from reaching Lanka. Lord Ganesh knew that Ravana was a very devoted person who used to perform prayer ritual in the evening every day without fail. He decided to make use of this fact and came up with a plan to take possession of the AtmaLinga from Ravana.

As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted out the sun to give the appearance of dusk. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the AtmaLinga in his hands, he would not be able to do his rituals. At this time, Lord Ganesh in the disguise of a Brahmin boy accosted him. Ravana requested him to hold the AtmaLinga until he performed his rituals, and asked him not to place it on the ground. Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he would call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana did not return within that time, he would place the AtmaLinga on the ground.

As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesh had already placed the AtmaLinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again. Ravana, realising that he had been tricked,tried to uproot and destroy it; Due to the force exerted by Ravana, some pieces were scattered. One such piece from the head of the linga is said to have fallen in present day Surathkal .The famous Sadashiva temple is said to be built around that piece of linga. Then he decided to destroy the covering of the AtmaLinga, and threw the case covering it to a place called Sajjeshwara, 23 miles away. Then he threw the lid of the case to a placed called Guneshwara (now Gunavanthe) and Dhareshwara, 10–12 miles away. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the AtmaLinga to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara by the sea on three sides, is the ideal destination for the seeker.

Architecture of Murudeshwara Temple:-

The Statue of Lord Shiva is near the Murudeshwara Temple, which is on top of a small hill called Kanduka Giri. The temple complex is of very recent construction, with a tall 20 storied Gopuram. This temple complex encloses the Murudeshwara shrine which houses the ancient Murudeshwara or Mridesa Linga. Two large, life-size concrete elephants flank the steps leading up to the temple. Near this temple is the Huge Statue of Lord Shiva, 130 ft high. The statue at Murudeshwara was commissioned by businessman and philanthropist Mr. R.N.Shetty. The statue was sculpted by a team of sculptors led by Shivamogga’s Kashinath. The statue has been placed such that it gets direct sunlight.

 Murudeshwara Temple and Raja Gopuram:-

The Rajagopura at the entrance of the Temple is the world's tallest, standing at 249 feet. Inaugurated in May 2008, this mammoth structure is the latest addition to the Temple. The Gopura has 22 floors and is the only Gopura to be fitted with elevators.

Besides the temple, the pilgrim finds himself in the midst of numerous sculptures on the Kanduka hill. The Geetopadesha, Sun chariot, the sculpture of Lord Ganesh receiving the Atmalinga from Ravana in the form of a young boy, and others dot the landscape of the hill. On the very top is the Shiva statue. Beneath the statue is a cavern with impressive life-size sculptures depicting the story of Murudeshwar narrated through an impressive sound and light show.

Not to be missed out are the Thirthas (water streams) like Bheema thirtha and Agni thirtha which originate on the hillock.raja-gopura-murdeshwara.

This tranquil temple town surrounded by the sea on three sides, is the ideal destination for the seeker.

Pooja  (Seva) :-

Nanda Deep Seva:-

permanently every year on the day of devotees desire, Nandadeep Seva will be performed and prasadam will be sent to him.

NityaSeva:-

 Permanently every year on the day of devotees desire, Lord Murdeshwar will be worshipped on donors behalf and prasadam will be sent to him.

Festivals:-

Maha Shivaratri is the major festival celebrated at Murudeshwar Temple in a grand scale, attracting thousands of people from Karnataka and the near by states.

Other Places around Murudeshwara:-

Murudeshwara Beach:-

Murudeshwar Beach, with the Arabian sea roaring on the west and a serene river on the east, is a secluded beach and a popular attraction. Visitors can enjoy a pretty good bath in the Arabian sea here.

A marvellous chance of getting the photographs with the huge statue in the background is in offing for nature beauty lovers. Murudeshwar offers you the magnificent natural views, sun, sand, diving and a secular beach and calm private village! One can come down to Murudeshwar beach for a great view of the sunset.

Netrani Island (Pigeon Island):-

Locally known as Netragudo, the Netrani Island is an excellent picnic spot off Bhaktal coast. The Indian navy often uses this island for target practices. Besides them, the only inhabitants of the island are wild goats.

The lee of the Island, a seamount supporting a soil layer overgrown with trees and plants, looks like a cake with its vertical sides topped by a gentle sloping plateau. There exists a subterranean cave with openings in the south and north above the high water mark.

The Island is enveloped by untamed growth of trees and climbing the step hill is not that easy. The ruins of a temple, a Roman catholic church and a mosque show the ancient past of the island. The place looks like a botanist's paradise and at night, it is a still world from a city dweller's point of view. Really a remarkable place to visit!

Murudeshwar Fort:-

Murudeshwar Fort generally goes unnoticed by the tourists and so is not very popular. The Murudeshwar Fort is present behind the Murudeshwar temple and historians believe that it may have been built during the Vijayanagar kings. The fort is believed to have been renovated by Tipu Sultan, the leader of Mysore.

Idagunji Shri Ganapathi Temple:-

Idagunji, a distace of 22 kms from Murdeshwar is famous for its Ganapathi Temple. It is an ancient temple, with a history dating back 1500 years. This temple is very famous and receives around one million pilgrims every year. The Ganapathi idol in this temple is a tall standing figure with two hands. One hand is holding a Modaka while the other hand is holding a Padma (Lotus).

Kolluru Mookambika Temple:-

Mookambika temple is an ancient temple located at Kollur in Karnataka. Kollur is about 60km away from Murdeshwar. It is the only temple that is dedicated to goddess Parvathi and believed to be created by Parashurama. This temple is very well known among the people of Tamilnadu and the goddess Parvathi is called in Tamil as Thai Mookambika.

Bhatkal:-

Bhatkal also known as Batecala in some Portuguese historical texts is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India 15 km from Murdeshwar. Once ruled by Jain King Bhattakalanka and thus the name, Bhatkal town lies on NH-17 running between Mumbai and Kochi and is one of the major stations along the Konkan Railway line running between Mumbai and Mangalore. The place has been attracting a wide range of tourists to this place. As far as cuisine is concerned its widely large because of amalgamation of different cultures.

Apsarkonda Honnavar (Bhima Thirth):-

Apsara konda(Apsarakonda) is a small village near Honnavar, town in North Kanara district. Falls is reffered by the name "Bhima Thirth". Set against the beautiful scenery of the surrounding hills and green fields, Apsarakonda Falls is an ideal weekend hideout, 30 km from Honnavar. Legends say that the apsaras came down from heaven to bathe in the pond here. People bathe here as it is said to possess therapeutic value, as well as holiness attached to it. The caves in this place house idols of Lord Narasimha and Umamba as the presiding deities.

Gokarna Temple:-

A small town on banks of Arabian sea, Gokarna, literally meaning Cow's Ear, is a temple town in the Uttara Kannada district of the Karnataka. As per Hindu mythology, Cow has a special religious place as Mother Earth. Gokarna is town of contrasts as it is a temple town and also a holiday destination. Gokarana is a famous pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist attraction for those who want to explore the cultural heritage and beauty of India. Gokarna finds its reference in a number of Hindu historical literatures.

Gokarna Om Beach:-

Around the town lie a number of beaches sefving as a major attraction for travelers. This coastline is surrounded by natural beauty of five beaches (Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half moon beach and Paradise beach) and hills alongside, the traveler can choose his favorites for himself. This is not a place to hurry. One should just drift up the coast, enjoying the scenic beauty of this coastal area and marvelous cultural heritage of India.

Yana:-

Yana is a village in the district of Uttara Kannada in the state of Karnataka, which is surrounded by unusual rock formations. The destination is situated in the Sahyadri mountain ranges in the Western Ghats. Yana is located 78 km from Murdeshwar near Chandrika River.

Yana also has religious importance as mentioned in an event of Hindu mythology. It is believed that the demon king Bhasmasura performed penance to acquire a boon from Lord Shiva. As per the boon, whatever he touched burnt into ashes. Bhasmasura chased Lord Shiva in order to destroy him, who found refuge in the Bhairaweshwara peak at Yana.

Sirsi Marikamba Temple:-

"Goddess Shri Marikamba" is well known as the highly awakened, vigilant deity of SIRSI,an important township in the district of Uttara Kannada. Shri Marikamba of SIRSI is also a sacred foundation of goddess among many such others in the state of Karnataka. Innumerable devotees of Goddess Marikamba of SIRSI are spread over in the neighbouring states of kerala, Tamilnadu and Andra Pradesh.Shri Marikamba as she is believed has become the chief goddess of worship,a family deity of the people of Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts.


Jog Falls:-

Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Located near Sagara, Karnataka, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. It is a sizzling waterfalls cascading from the height of 253 meters. The Jog Falls is one of the most well-known tourist sites in the state of Karnataka. The segmented waterfall comprises of four distinct falls named Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket, each merging together to form the huge waterfalls and presenting a picture of grandeur. The uniqueness of Jog Falls lies in the fact that the water does not flow down in a tiered fashion.

How to reach:-

By Air:-
Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport which is 165 km away from Murudeshwar. It is well connected to other Indian cities and abroad.

By Train:-
Nearest railway station is Murudehwara. Only some trains from Mangalore and Mumbai stops Murudeshwara. Mangalore is a major railway junction, which is connected to all major cities in India.

By Bus:-
Murudeshwar is well connected with bus services from other cities. Private deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Murudeshwar (500 km) up to Honnavar, which is nearly 20 km away from Murudeshar.

Vaikunta Ekadasi (or) Swarga Vathil Ekadashi (or) Mukkoti Ekadashi

Vaikunta Ekadasi:-

Vaikunta Ekadasi, , is considered to be the most important Ekadasi in the Sri Vaishnava tradition.According to one Vishnu Purana, observing the
Ekadasi Vrata on Vaikunta Ekadasi day confers the benefit equivalent to observing all the Ekadasis during the year. Fasting (according to one's
capacity), chanting the names of the Lord, visiting Vishnu temples are some of the ways this festival is observed.
Vaikunta Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi- dedicated to Lord Vishnu-is the Krishna Paksha Ekadasi that occurs during the Dhanurmasa period in the Hindu calendar. “Vaikunta Dwaram” or “The Gateto Lord's inner Sanctum" is opened between 4 to 6 am.The sanctum’s northern gate is opened during this time (i.e. Bramha muhurtham). This time is very auspicious because God accepts all types of people with Bhagavath Smarana(chant : Om namo narayana) and takes them to Vaikuntam, whether he be a sinner or non-sinner. Vaikunta Ekadasi gives the sinner a chance to become a non-sinner from that day, only if his prayers are perfect i.e completely dedicated.Changes in his character will definitely appear for the good.  Even a crow bathes knowing the significance of this day.

It is said that the Vaikunta Dwara[Heavenly door] opens on this day. Basically it means that on this day a door opens to reach the gates of Vaikunta. In all Vishnu temples the Utsava Murthi is brought out early in the morning and people go early in the morning to have a darshan of the Lord. Even if a person does not observe Ekadasi through out the year, but observes fast on Vaikunta Ekadasi day, one can attain salvation.

Legend:-

The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi is mentioned in the 'Padma Purana'. During the Krita Yuga, also termed the golden age, an asura called Muran harassed both devas and mortals. Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought refuge in Shiva, who directed them to Lord Vishnu. A battle which lasted one thousand celestial years,ensued between Lord Vishnu and the demon and the Lord realised that a new weapon was needed to slay Muran.In order to rest and create a new weapon, the Lord retired to a cave called 'Himavati' in Badrikashrama. When Muran tried to slay the Lord in his sleep, the female energy that emerged from the Lord burnt him to ashes.Lord Vishnu who was pleased, named the female energy 'Ekadasi' and asked her to claim a boon. Ekadasi, instead beseeched the Lord saying "O Lord, if you are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to deliver people from the greatest sins if they fast of this day". The Lord thus declared that people who observed a fast on that day and worshiped Ekadasi, would attain Vaikunta. Thus came into being the first Ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha ekadasi.

It is also said that on this day the ksheerasagara manthana (churning of the ocean) took place and the nectar of immortality (amritha) was distributed to the gods. This divine event is interpreted in the following manner. The ocean of milk is the human heart filled with satvic tendencies (kindness, purity and goodness). However, in all of us there exist both types of inclinations, good (devas) and bad (asuras). Only Sadhana or the churning process will throw out the poison in us and we can procure the sweet nectar, which will liberate us from the cycle of birth and death. Shaivaites call this day as Nanjunda Ekadasi, as it was on this day Shiva consumed nanju, the poison that emanated from the churning of the ocean. Some schools of thought believe that Sri Krishna gave the Gitopadesam to Arjuna on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Vaikunta (or Vaikuntam as it is spelt in Telugu), is the abode of the Lord Vishnu. The Lord sleeps on a three-folded serpent called Sesha Nagu. Many Indian Mythological pictures and paintings depict Vaikunta with the picture of the Lord on Sesha Nagu in the Kshira Sagar (the Ocean of Milk), his consort Lakshmi at his feet and Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus that emerges from the navel of the Lord. One of the main doors i.e., Vaikunta dwara which is normally kept closed throughout the year is thrown open only on the day. Devotees believe that taking the darshan of the Lord on this day would pass through the door of the Lord to reach the Vaikunta

Story behind Ekadasi:-

The austerity is associated with much deeper aspects. This is explained in the Padma Puranam (the second amongst the eighteen puranas), which tells us about the beginnings of Ekadasi with this legend.
The Padma Purana says: “ekadasi vrata samam vrata nasti jagattrayeanicchaya’pi yat krtva gatir evam vidha’vayoh ekadasi vratam ye tu bhakti bhavena kurvate na jane kim bhavet tesam vasudeva anukampaya” , which translates as:
In the three worlds, there is no kind of fasting which is even comparable to the Ekadasi fast. Even if one performs this fast without a proper attitude, he achieves the Supreme Abode. If one fasts on Ekadasi day, with full devotion, what happens to him by the mercy of the Supreme Lord, I cannot say (the merit he achieves cannot be described).
During the Krita Yuga, also termed the golden age, an asura called Muran harassed both devas and mortals. Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought refuge in Shiva. He directed them to approach Vishnu. Vishnu agreed to help the devas and went out to battle with Muran.
During the long battle, which lasted one thousand celestial years, Vishnu needed to rest for a while. He entered a beautiful cave called Himavati in Badarikashrama to sleep in. Muran wanted to strike Vishnu while he was sleeping. However, Shakti – Vishnu’s female energy – emerged out of his body and assumed the form of a beautiful damsel who fought Muran and vanquished him. When Vishnu awoke he was very pleased and named this maiden as Ekadasi and granted her a boon. The maiden said, “O Lord, if You are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to save people from the greatest sins if they fast on this day”. Vishnu granted her the boon and declared that people worshipping her would reach Vaikunta. Thus, was born the first ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha ekadasi. Sages and devout people have been since, observing the ekadasi vrata regularly. Here, the demon Muran represents the tamasic and rajasic qualities in us. The import of the ekadasi vrata is that one can conquer rajasic and tamasic tendencies in us through fasting. This helps us reach our ultimate destination, Vaikuntha, which is the place or stage of no ‘kuntitha’ or dullness, stupidity and misery.
It is also said that the cave where Sri Vishnu took rest is Badri Kashramam. Vadhari means dates (Elandhai) in Sanskrit. And as the years passed on, Vadhari became known as Badri.

A Belief:-

No rice should be taken on Ekadashi days and this is very important. It is said that the sweat that fell down from the head of Brahma assumed the form of a demon and he asked the Lord to provide him an abode to dwell. Brahma said to the demon to go and dwell in the rice particles eaten by men on Ekadashi day and become worms in their stomach. For this reason rice is prohibited on Ekadashi.
If one observes the Ekadashi fast regularly, Lord Hari is propitiated. All sins are destroyed and the mind is purified. Devotion gradually develops and love for God becomes intense. Orthodox people in South India observe complete fasting and vigil even on ordinary Ekadashi days. For the devotees of Lord Vishnu, every Ekadashi is a very sacred day.

Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi:-

Of all Ekadasis , The one connected with Dhanur Maasa Sukla Paksha Ekadasi is the most exalted and is known as Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi .There are number of reasons Assoicated with the special significance of this Ekadasi:

According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Lord Vishnu killed demon Muran in the form of a damsel named “Ekadashi” to protect Devas. This occurred during the month of Marghazhi (Margashira or Margashirsha) (mid December – mid January). Hence anyone who worships Lord Vishnu on this Ekadasi day would reach Vaikunth.

Hindu Puranas say that it was on this day that the churning of the ocean occurred and the Amrit (nectar of immortality) emerged out of the ocean and Bhagavan Dhanvanthri appeared thereafter with the Amrutha Kalasam (Nectar Pot) and Was distributed to the Gods. Hindus believe that those who die on this day are freed from the cycle of birth and death and that they would directly reach Vaikunta.

The most exalted of auspiciousness that happened on this day is the appearance of Maha Lakshmi.She appeared with the golden color.

Another importance of Vaikunta Ekadasi is that the Bhagavad Gita Upadesh of Lord Krishna to Arjuna during Kurukshetra War is said to have done on this day.

This day is also observed as “The Bhagavad Gita” Jayanthi. The Bhagavad Gita (in Sanskrit, "Song of the Lord") is the most famous poem in all of Hindu literature and part of the Mahabharata, the Indian epic masterpeice. The Gita consists of a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna on the morning of a climactic battle. The main teachings of Bhagavad Gita are it teaches us the theory and values of path towards God. The Bhagavadgita teaches how to escape from this predicament, not by escaping from the burdens of the worldly life, or avoidance of responsibilities.

It is also said that on this day the ksheerasagara manthana (churning of the ocean) took place and the nectar of immortality (amritha) was distributed to the gods.
This divine event is interpreted in the following manner.
The ocean of milk is the human heart filled with satvic tendencies (kindness, purity and goodness).
However, in all of us there exist both types of inclinations, good (devas) and bad (asuras).
Only Sadhana or the churning process will throw out the poison in us and we can procure the sweet nectar, which will liberate us from the cycle of birth and death.
Shaivaites call this day as Nanjunda Ekadasi, as it was on this day Shiva consumed nanju, the poison that emanated from the churning of the ocean.

Significance of Uttara Dwara Darshana:-

On this day 33 crores of devathas (Muppattu Mukkoti) will have darshana of Maha Vishnu. There is also another spiritual and yogic significance for the meaning of Mukkoti Ekadashi. Like we have geographical directions (North, South, East, & West) to the world, we also have similar directions to our body. North is towards our Head, South is towards our Feet, Front portion is East and back portion is West. We have on the top of the head (skull) a hole called Brahma Randhra (door) that is towards the Northern Direction which is not visible. Since it is on the northern direction it is called Northern door of the human body.

It is said that one should visualize the image of Sriman Narayana through the route of Ida, Pingala Naadi (left and right nostril) concentrated at the centre of the eyebrows called Sushumna Naadi (Gnana Nethra) and take it further upwards to the centre of the head where we have Brahma Randhra and have darshana of the Sriman Narayana through the door that gets opened. This is how one should have darshana of Sriman Narayana in daily prayers (dhyana) or whenever visits a temple. Since it is through the route of confluence of three naadis (Ida, Pingala and Sushumna) taken further northwards it is called Mukkoti and Northern Entrance darshana.

On this most auspicious day of Mukkoti Ekadashi one should have darshana of the Lord in this form and to give a meaning to this concept probably all the temples provide darshana of the Lord on this day through the Northern entrance.

There are 14 lokas in this Universe seven above the earth and seven below the earth. Seven above the Earth are called Uurdhwa Lokas in the Northern direction and Vaikunta is in the Northern direction. Darshana of the lord of Vaikunta Sri Maha Vishnu on this day which is very nearer to the Uttarayana the most auspicious time also catches significance for Uttara dwara darshana.

Prayer & Paarayana:-

Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Ashtothara, Purusha Sooktha, Vishnu Sooktha, Narayana Upanishad, Sree Sooktha, Lakshmi Ashtothhara can be recited on this day. Those who cannot read them can chant at least, Om! Namo! Narayanaya, Om! Namo! Bhagavathe Vasudevaya as many number of times as possible

It is said that “na Gaayathraya para manthra, na Mathru para dhaivatham, na Kaasya param theertham, na Ekadasya samam vratham”

That means there is no Manthra that is superior to Gaayathri Manthra, there is no dhaiva superior to Mother, there is no celestial and sacred Theertha better than Kaasi, and there is no vratha that is more sacred than Ekadashi vratha. Hence, so much of significance for Ekadashi and it is related to Maha Vishnu.

Special festivals are celebrated on this occasion in all the temples especially at Tirumala which is called Bhooloka Vaikunta. Lord Sri Maha Vishnu stays in Ananda Nilaya at Tirumala by name Srinivasa during this Kaliyuga. Hence, lot of significance for this festival at Tirumala Hills.

Vaikunda Ekadashi fasting:-

Vaikunta Ekadashi, or Mukkoti Ekadasi, is the most important of the twenty four hour Ekadashi observances in South India. Fasting and all night prayer dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the main observance of the day. It is believed that venerating Lord Vishnu on Vaikunda Ekadasi will help to free soul from cycles of rebirth and grant moksha. Another important belief is that Vaikunta Dwara, the doors of heaven, will open on this day and give easy access to Lord Vishnu.
Those visiting Vishnu Temples like Tirupati or Srirangam on Vaikunta Ekadashi can pass through the Vaikunta Dwara, the door through the inner most sanctum sanctorum. In South India, Vaikunta Ekadashi is also known as Mokshada Ekadasi.

Things to do:-

Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.
You can perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.
You can just light the lamp and prayer or meditate for few minutes – or the normal ritual you do daily. Only difference is that today it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.
Complete fast or upavasam on the day is the main observance.

Fasting follows:-

Fasting for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.
If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.
Do not eat food made from rice on Ekadashi.

Staunch devotees who observe Vaikunta Ekadasi fasting do not sleep on the day. They spend the whole night at Vishnu temples or by singing prayers or listening stories dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The fast is broken on the next day (Dwadashi) after taking bath. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu by lighting a lamp and then you can break the fast.

History of Fasting:-

Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. The traditional approach is to abstain from food completely on the day. But nowadays a complete fast is not possible for many people. Such people consume certain food items on the Ekadasi day and observe only a partial fast.

It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains.
Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice.

Viradham is said to be a Sanskrit word and this viradham means what we get (or) what we expect. There are three types of viradhams and they are :-
 Vasika – This kind of viradham is followed by chanting slokams and doing Parayanams (explaining the slokas and the greatness of Sriman Narayanan).
 Dhyanam – This is another kind of viradham and it should be done without Speaking (Mounam) to anyone and expressing our Bhakti in terms of slokams in our mind and heart itself.
 Kaayika – This is yet another kind of Viradham and should be done without even taking water.

Vaikunta Ekadasi in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple:-

In the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, the Vaikunta Ekadashi celebrations last for 21 days. The festivities are divided into two main parts, the pagal pathu or morning part and the Ira pathu or night part. The deity Vishnu, in the form of Ranganatha, is decorated with an armor of diamonds called rathnaangi. The northern gate called Paramapada Vasal is opened and the deity is brought from the sanctum to the Thousand-Pillared Hall.


Vaikunta Ekadasi in  Tirumala:-

The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple also hosts grand ceremonies and festivities during Vaikunta Ekadasi. The Vaikunta Dwaram is a special entrance encircling the sanctum. This passage is opened only during this festival and it is believed that devotees passing through the Dwaram attain salvation. The Tirumala temple is flooded with devotees, pilgrims and dignitaries from all over India during the Vaikunta Ekadashi festival.


Vaikunta Ekadasi in Bhadrachalam:-

Mukkoti Ekadasi, also known as Mukkoti Festival or Vaikunta Ekadashi, is observed on Dhanurmasa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi day in Andhra Pradesh. Teppotsavam 2012 date during Mukkoti Festival is January 4. Mukkoti Ekadasi is celebrated in a grand manner at Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh.

Teppotsavam is the major event along with Dashavatara Alankaram rituals. During Vykunta Ekadasi which is celebrated for 10 days during December-January, Teppotsavam attracts a large number of devotees from all over India, mainly from surrounding states like Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

During Teppotsavam, the presiding deities of Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra swamy temple are decorated with jewelries and flower garlands and taken on Hamsa Vahanam or a boat designed like swan. Teppotsavam is a float festival or celestial cruise of the presiding deities in Godavari waters. Temple priests recite vedic hymns during Teppotsavam festival.

Vaikunta Ekadasi in Guruvayur:-

The most important festival during the Mandalam period, lasting for a month. It was on the Guruvayur Ekadasi day that Lord Krishna revealed the Gita to Arjuna.

Chembai Sangeetholsavam

This carnatic music festival is held for 11 days in the memory of Sri Chembai Vaidyanadha Bhagavathar, as part of the Ekadasi celebrations.

According to our Indian puranas/epics, it is said that on this auspicious day,
1)the churning of Ocean Milk(KsheeraSagara Madhanam) took place,
2)Lord Shiva consumed Nanju(Poison that was emanated from the churning of the milk ocean). Hence Shaivaites celebrated this day as Nanjunda Ekadasi.
3)Nectar of Immortality(Amrutam) was obtained.
4)Lord Krishna delivered Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battle of Kurukshetra.