Ekadashi 2025: Thousands of Devotees Throng Temples Across Country for Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Watch Videos)
The occasion, which coincides this year with Paush Putrada Ekadashi, saw a massive influx of worshippers at major pilgrimage sites, most notably the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and various Tirupati Balaji shrines.
Tiruchirappalli, December 30: Thousands of devotees across India gathered at Vishnu temples today, December 30, to observe Vaikuntha Ekadashi, one of the most significant dates in the Hindu lunar calendar. The occasion, which coincides this year with Paush Putrada Ekadashi, saw a massive influx of worshippers at major pilgrimage sites, most notably the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and various Tirupati Balaji shrines.
Long queues formed as early as midnight, with many braving the winter chill to participate in the "Paramapada Vaasal" opening—the symbolic gateway to the heavens.
Drone Visuals From Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple on Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Thousands of Devotees Throng at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam
The highlight of the day in South India is the opening of the Vaikuntha Dwaram (the northern gate of the temple). At the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, the processional deity, Sri Namperumal, was adorned in gem-studded armor and taken through the sanctum at approximately 5:45 a.m.
Devotees believe that passing through this gate on this specific day is equivalent to attaining moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The air in temple corridors reverberated with chants of “Govinda Govinda,” as security personnel and volunteers managed the dense crowds.
The Dual Significance of Paush Putrada Ekadashi
While South India focuses on the Vaikuntha tradition, many in Northern and Western India are observing Paush Putrada Ekadashi. This specific Ekadashi, falling in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the month of Paush, is traditionally dedicated to the well-being and longevity of children.
Religious scholars note that the alignment of these two observances makes the day particularly auspicious. Families often observe a strict fast (vrat), abstaining from grains and lentils, and instead consuming fruits, milk, and water.
Ekadashi- Fasting Guidelines and Timings
According to the Vedic Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi began at 7:50 a.m. today, December 30, and will conclude at 5:00 a.m. on December 31.
Fasting Day: Tuesday, December 30.
Parana (Breaking the Fast): Devotees are advised to break their fast between 1:29 p.m. and 3:33 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31.
For those following the Vaishnava tradition (including ISKCON), the fast is often observed tomorrow, December 31, with the fast-breaking ritual occurring on the first morning of the New Year, January 1, 2026.
Cultural Impact and Local Administration
To accommodate the surge in visitors, local administrations in temple towns have deployed additional police forces and set up medical camps. In Tirupati, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has implemented "slot-based" darshan to ensure a smoother flow of pilgrims.
Beyond the major temples, the day is marked by "Jagaran" (night vigils) where devotees spend the night singing devotional hymns and reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Lord Vishnu). This practice is intended to maintain a meditative state and focus on spiritual growth as the year 2025 draws to a close.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2025 05:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).