Vaikunta Ekadashi Vrata Katha, Story of Vaikunta Ekadashi is associated with Nammalwar, one of the famous devotees of Lord Vishnu as per the Puranas.
Vaikunta Ekadashi Vrata Katha
The Vaikunta loka, Lord Vishnu’s abode, has two classes: Karya Vaikuntham and Karana Vaikuntam. All the maharshis (sages), gods, and all the devotees are allowed into Karya Vaikunta only. ‘Karana Vaikunta’ is Vishnu’s personal place which can be allowed only to enter for those who qualify to unite with the Lord. It is called ‘Janma Rahitya Prapti’ or ‘Vaikunta Prapthi’.
‘Nammalwar’ (Nammazhwar, one of the 12 Alwars of Vaishnavas), was prayed to Lord for blessing him with Vaikunta Prapthi. The affection of Lord Vishnu to Nammalwar and Alwar’s eternal devotion to the Lord made Shri Hari to bless him with the Karana Vaikuntha Prapthi.
Due to the above legend mentioned in Puranas, in many Vaishnava temples including Srirangam, ‘Nammalwar Paramapadotsavam’ is held during this festival and hence it is referred to as Vaikunta Ekadasi.