Vaikunta Ekadesi is celebrated in the Tamil month of
Margazhi (December-January). This is a 20-day festival celebrated in the Vishnu temple at
Srirangam in Tiruchirapalli District of
Tamil Nadu.
Everyday songs praising the lord, composed by the legendary poet
Thirumangai Alwar, are sung. On the 10th day the Mohini Avatara or Nachiarkolam festival is held in the temple. On the 11th day Ekadesi Festival is held. This day onwards Lord Ranganatha, the deity, is brought through the ‘paramapatha vasal’ (gate of heaven) daily in a procession. The deity is given offerings of several edible items and his blessings sought. The idol is then returned to the shrine in a procession.
On the 18th day, an encounter of the Lord with the legendary poet Thirumangai Alwar is enacted. The Thiruvaimozhi festival is held from 18th day to the 20th day.
