The Dhanurmasa/Margazhi Shukla Paksha Ekadasi is called Vaikunta Ekadasi. On Vaikunta Ekadashi, it is believed that Vaikunta Dwaram (the gates of Vaikunta Loka, where Lord Vishnu lives) is opened. The significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Bhagwan Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’—female energy—to kill the demon Mura. Impressed by Ekadasi, Shri Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach Vaikunta-Loka. That is why Ekadasi, which occurs in the months of Mrigasira and Margazhi, holds utmost value and importance, especially in South India. Early in the morning of the Vaikunta Ekadasi, the doors leading to the Inner Sanctum of Shri Vishnu are opened, and people enter through them. Special pujas are performed.
