Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026: Date, Significance, Fasting & Ticket Booking Guide

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most sacred days for devotees of Lord Vishnu. Celebrated with devotion and reverence, this auspicious day is believed to open the gates of Vaikunta, the divine abode of Lord Vishnu, for those who observe the fast and perform rituals sincerely. In 2026, Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on Sunday, December 20, 2026, in Delhi, India. This guide provides complete details about Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026, including fasting rules, Parana timings, temple darshans, and how to book tickets for the special darshan.

Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 Date & Timings

• Ekadasi Tithi Begins: 10:09 PM on December 19, 2026
• Ekadasi Tithi Ends: 8:14 PM on December 20, 2026
• Parana (Fast-Breaking) Time: 7:10 AM – 9:13 AM on December 21, 2026
• Dwadashi End Moment: 5:36 PM on December 21, 2026

Significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi, is celebrated during the Dhanur month in the Hindu calendar. It holds immense spiritual importance:

Fasting Rules and Guidelines

Observing the Vaikunta Ekadasi fast is considered highly auspicious. Here’s how devotees should observe it:

• Who Should Fast: Any devotee of Lord Vishnu, especially family members observing traditional Smartha or Vaishnava rituals.
• Dos:
  • Wake up early, take a bath, and perform prayers.
  • Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or other devotional mantras.
  • Visit temples if possible.
• Don’ts:
  • Avoid grains, beans, and certain vegetables.
  • Refrain from consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food.
  • Avoid unnecessary arguments or stressful activities.
• Recommended Food: Fruits, milk, nuts, and special fasting recipes.

Following the fast with devotion is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul.

Parana (Fast-Breaking) Details

• Parana is the ritual of breaking the fast.
• The most auspicious time to perform Parana is during Pratahkal (morning hours).
• Avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna (midday) or during Hari Vasara.
• Devotees must complete Parana within the Dwadashi Tithi to avoid religious offenses.

Temples & Special Darshans on Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

• The Vaikunta Dwaram is opened exclusively for devotees on this day.
• Special pujas and darshan slots are available; tickets must be booked in advance.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

• Devotees observe the fast and darshan with great enthusiasm.
• Special rituals include early morning abhishekam and aarti.

ISKCON Temples

• Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated with kirtans, bhajans, and special darshans.

How to Book Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 Tickets

Booking tickets in advance ensures smooth darshan. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website
   • For Tirumala: tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in
2. Generate OTP & Log In
   • Enter your mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for login.
3. Select Pilgrimage Location & Date
   • Choose the temple location and preferred darshan date and time.
4. Add Pilgrims & Make Payment
   • Specify the number of pilgrims and complete payment via credit/debit card or net banking.
5. Receive Confirmation & Access Ticket
   • Confirmation will be sent via email or SMS. Save or print the ticket for darshan.
6. Carry Valid ID
   • Aadhaar card, passport, or other photo ID is required for verification during darshan.

Other Rituals & Observances

• Chanting Mantras: Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or other devotional mantras.
• Special Pujas & Aarti: Participate in temple rituals and evening aarti.
• Regional Traditions: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh observe unique cultural practices during Vaikunta Ekadasi.

FAQs

Q1: When is Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026?
A1: Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 falls on Sunday, December 20, 2026, in Delhi, India.

Q2: What is the significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi?
A2: Vaikunta Ekadasi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi, is highly auspicious. Devotees believe that the gates to Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu’s divine abode, open on this day. Observing the fast and performing rituals can lead to spiritual merit and salvation.

Q3: What are the Ekadasi fasting rules?
A3: Devotees observing the fast should avoid grains, beans, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol. Recommended foods include fruits, milk, nuts, and fasting-specific dishes. Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama and visiting temples is encouraged.

Q4: When should I break the Vaikunta Ekadasi fast?
A4: The fast should be broken (Parana) on Dwadashi, ideally in the morning hours (Pratahkal). For 2026 in Delhi, Parana time is 7:10 AM – 9:13 AM on December 21, 2026. Avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna or Hari Vasara.

Q5: Which temples are important for Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026?
A5: Major temples include Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, and ISKCON temples across India. Special darshan through the Vaikunta Dwaram is available on this day.

Q6: How can I book Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 tickets?
A6: Tickets can be booked through official temple websites, such as tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in. Steps include generating an OTP, logging in, selecting the darshan date and time slot, adding pilgrims, completing payment, and saving the confirmation.

Q7: Are there regional differences in observing Vaikunta Ekadasi?
A7: Yes. In Kerala, it is called Swarga Vathil Ekadasi, and in Tamil Nadu, special pujas and temple rituals are performed. Traditions may vary slightly, but fasting and devotion remain central to the observance.

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