Srirangam temple to kick off Vaikunta Ekadasi festivities December 9

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam will begin its Vaikunta Ekadasi observances on December 9 with the performance of the Muhurthakaal Naduthal ceremony on the temple premises. This ritual marks the formal inauguration of one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, celebrated at the 16th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Ranganatha.

The multi-phase festival will see the commencement of Pagal Pathu, the daytime worship segment, on December 10. This will be followed by Ira Pathu, the night-time observance, which begins on December 20. The extended celebration format allows devotees multiple opportunities to participate in the sacred rituals throughout the festival period.

Vaikunta Ekadasi holds immense spiritual significance for pilgrims across South India, particularly among Vaishnavite communities. The Srirangam temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, attracts thousands of worshippers during this auspicious occasion. The festival commemorates the opening of the gates of Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu's celestial abode, and devotees believe participating in the celebrations brings spiritual merit and divine blessings.