New Delhi: Six devotees have lost their lives, while dozens have been injured in a stampede as hundreds of them jostled for tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills. Hundreds of devotees turned up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam commencing tomorrow, January 10. The incident took place on Wednesday, January 8.
As the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam begins tomorrow, let us look at its history and significance at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
What is Vaikunta Dwara?
Vaikunta Dwara, meaning the Gate of Vaikuntha, is significant in Hindu belief. According to legend, Lord Vishnu opened this gate for two demons, allowing them to enter despite their opposition to him. The demons asked for a blessing: anyone who hears their story or sees the image of Vishnu coming from this door will also reach Vaikuntha. Temples across India create a door-like structure for devotees to walk through on this special day.
Vaikunta Dwara in Tirumala
In Tirumala, the Vaikunta Dwara is located on the left side of the main shrine and faces east. This door opens only on the days of Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Dwadasi, which happen just twice a year. The Dwara does not have its own tower or fancy decorations, but entering the main shrine through this door is considered very auspicious for devotees. This entry is believed to bring extraordinary blessings from Lord Venkateswara, which are meant for the gods who reside in Vaikuntha.
What is Vaikuntha Ekadashi?
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a Hindu festival mainly celebrated by Vaishnavas. They consider it a special day. It falls on the 11th lunar day of the waxing moon in the solar month of Dhanu, which is between December 16 and January 13 on the Gregorian calendar.
The Padma Purana tells a story about Lord Vishnu, who fought a demon named Muran that troubled the gods. After a tiring battle, Vishnu rested in a cave. From him, a divine female power emerged and defeated the demon. Vishnu named her ‘Ekadashi’ and granted her a wish. She asked that anyone who fasts on this day be forgiven for their sins. Vishnu agreed and promised that they would enter Vaikuntha, his heavenly home.
The Vishnu Purana shares another story where Vishnu opened the gates of Vaikunta for two demons who wanted his blessing. This led to the practice of creating a Vaikunta Dwara in temples. Devotees walk through this gate on Vaikuntha Ekadashi to seek salvation.
The article explores the history and significance of Vaikunta Dwara, the celestial gate to Vaikuntha, and the importance of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. This year, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is observed on Friday, January 10. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
