Mukkoti Ekadashi, also known as Vaikunta Ekadasi, is observed on Dhanurmasa Ekadashi or the 11th day of Dhanurmasam. Mukkoti Ekadashi 2012 date is January 5 and December 23/24.
This festival is celebrated with lot of fervor at Vishnu temples in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
In 2012 on January 5th, this famous Ekadashi vratam falls on Pushya masa Shukla Paksha Ekadashi as per Telugu & Kannada calendars. On December 23, it coincides with Shukla Paksha Ekadasi in Margashira Masam.
Mukkoti Ekadasi festival holds the grand celebrations in Tirumala Tirupati Sri Venksteshwara Temple, Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Simhachalam Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple, Srikurmam Maha Vishnu Temple, Srikakulam Andhra Maha Vishnu temple, Mangalagiri Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Ranganatha Swamy Temple near Nellore and Yadagirigutta Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple.
‘Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, visiting the Lord through Vaikunta Dwaram (Entrance to Heaven), is the main highlight during Mukkoti Ekadasi day in Vishnu temples. Vaikunta Dwaram is opened on only Vaikunta Ekadashi day which lies at North side to the temple. Devotees observe upavasam (fasting) throughout the day and break their fast on Mukkoti Dwadashi day, the day after Mukkoti Ekadashi.
Mukkoti Ekadashi is also observed as Vaikunta Ekadasi. In Kerala, this Ekadasi is celebrated as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi at Trivandrum Padmanabha Swamy. In North India, it is known as Putrada Ekadashi.
God is inside us when we meditate.
Sri Sri RAVISHANKARJI
You have missed Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy of Annavaram. Very imp to mention, very sad that you missed!