With the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara and His Holiness Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Sri Puttige Math Udupi, SVK Temple, Tempe, AZ celebrated Vaikunta Ekadashi on Dec 29th, 2018 in a grand manner.
The event had an added significance this time with the esteemed presence of Sri Swamji himself as a prelude to usher in New Year. The day started with Pooja to Lord Venkateshwara followed by Vaikunta Dwara (Door to Salvation) pooja by Sri. Swamiji himself. Devotees were blessed to be led through Vaikunta Dwara by Sri. Swamiji after Mangalarthi. The passing through the door signifies a path to salvation and fulfilment of wishes and desire of devotees.
This was followed by Sri. Sudarshana Homa and Tapta Mudra Dharana to assembled devotees. During Mudra Dharana the symbols of Lord Narayana Shankha (Conch) and Chakra (Disc) are put on devotees hands by Sri. Swamiji. Devotees on their own desire participated and had the symbols put on them by Sri. Swamji. The mantras which are chanted while doing ‘Mudhradharana’ bless us – let the glow of ‘Sudharashana’ remove all our ignorance and the sound of ‘Paanchanjanya shankha’ destroy all our accumulated sins and lead us in the path of ‘Vishnu marga’.This event happening on Ekadashi (Day of Fasting) has a special meaning for devotees.
In the evening after Pooja Sri. Swamiji addressed the assembled devotees and explained to them the significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi. The days of Dashami, Ekadashi and Dwadashi form what is known as Parva. During Parva devotees offering to Lord gets multiplied by 10 times. Swamiji urged devotees to pray Lord during these days with devotion and get His blessings. Swamiji nicely compared it to consumers shopping during Black Friday in US where you get all kinds of offers like items being sold at discount, buy one get one free and others. Swamiji highlighted the fact that its the wake up time or morning time for Devathas as the transition happens from Daksinayana to Uttarayana (Sun’e journey from Southern hemisphere to Northern hemisphere). Hence it is very important that we pray Lord during early morning times when you are fresh before you get on with your daily routines. He related this to prayers during Ekadashi where you get multiple fruits for your prayers to Lord. He urged devotees to continue in this path. he highlighted that He will be offering special prayers to Lord for welfare of devotees.
Overall, this event happening right around the corner of stepping into Calendar New Year will be remembered by devotees in days to come.
