Join the Awe-Inspiring Celebration: Vaikunta Ekadasi Sparks a Heartfelt Gathering of Devotees at Srirangam Temple!
Thousands of devotees flocked to the historic Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu on December 30, 2025, to celebrate the auspicious ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’ festival. This vibrant temple town buzzed with spiritual energy as worshippers gathered to partake in one of the most significant events in the Hindu calendar, recognized as a highlight among the 108 Divya Desams.
As the sun began to rise, the sprawling temple corridors, adorned with lights and elaborate decorations, resonated with heartfelt chants of “Govinda Govinda” and “Renga Renga.” Devotees patiently queued to pay their respects to Lord Ranganatha and the beloved processional deity, Sri Namperumal. The festival culminates a 22-day celebration that kicked off on December 19, aligned with the Tamil month of ‘Maargazhi.’
The day’s festivities began with ancient rituals dedicated to ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi.’ In the early hours, around 4:30 a.m., Sri Namperumal, adorned in a splendid attire of gem-studded armor and vibrant garlands, was carried in a holy procession. The deity was escorted along the ‘Raja Mahendran Thiruchutru’ and ‘Kulasekaran Thiruchutru’ routes, both beautifully decorated with flowers, enhancing the divine atmosphere.
The procession reached the ‘Vraja Nadi Mandapam,’ where Vedic hymns filled the air, offering a sacred soundtrack to the worship. As the prestigious ‘Paramapadha Vaasal’ was opened at 5:45 a.m., the atmosphere ignited with jubilant chants, signaling the moment Sri Namperumal passed through, followed closely by a sea of eager devotees. The journey continued to ‘Manal Veli,’ where attendees had gathered early to catch a glimpse of the revered deity.
Later, Sri Namperumal was brought to the ‘Thirumamani Asthana Mandapam’ within the temple’s iconic thousand-pillar mandapam, allowing devotees to engage in reverent worship throughout the day. Many had braved the chilly temperatures, queuing outside the temple complex since Monday night, eager to participate in the spiritual observances.
On this holy occasion, Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu, along with senior officials from the department, were present to witness the devotion and fervor firsthand. In anticipation of the large crowds, an extensive presence of police was deployed to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the celebrations, particularly as the festival is divided into two segments: ‘Pagal Pathu’ and ‘Ra Pathu,’ with the latter kicking off on Tuesday.
As the vibrant festivities unfold, the grand ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’ celebration is set to conclude with the ‘Nammazhar Moksham’ ceremony on January 8, marking a spiritually uplifting experience for all who participated. The event reflects not just the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu but also the enduring faith of devotees who gather annually to honor their traditions.
This year’s celebration stands as a testament to the significance of Hindu rituals and the communal spirit that characterizes the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, drawing devotees from far and wide, united in devotion and prayer.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vaikunta-ekadasi-draws-huge-turnout-of-devotees-at-srirangam-temple/article70452174.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
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Publish Date: 2025-12-30 12:55:00
