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Devotees Celebrate Pagal Pathu at Srirangam Temple for Vaikunta Ekadasi

Devotees participated in the eighth day of the Pagal Pathu celebrations as part of the grand Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The 20-day festival, considered a sacred event dedicated to Lord Vishnu, features processions of the deity Namperumal and culminates in the opening of the Paramapada Vaasal (Sorga Vaasal). This year is notable for a rare occurrence of two Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations, with the Sorga Vaasal opening scheduled for December 30, 2025. The festival holds immense religious significance, marking the believed opening of the gates to Lord Vishnu's abode.

Key Points: Vaikunta Ekadasi Pagal Pathu Celebrations at Srirangam Temple

  • 8th day of Pagal Pathu celebrated
  • Sorga Vaasal opens Dec 30, 2025
  • Rare two Ekadasi celebrations in one year
  • 20-day festival includes Pagal & Raa Pathu
2 min read

Vaikunta Ekadasi: Devotees participate in 8th day of Pagal Pathu celebrations at Srirangam Temple

Devotees gather at Srirangam Temple for the 8th day of Pagal Pathu during the 20-day Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, leading to the Sorga Vaasal opening.

"Srirangam, revered as Bhooloka Vaikuntam (Heaven on Earth) - Temple Tradition"

Tiruchirappalli, December 27

Devotees on Saturday celebrated the eighth day of the Pagal Pathu celebrations of the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli.

Vaikunta Ekadasi festival is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Meanwhile, the Vaikunta Ekadasi grand festival commenced with great fervour at Srirangam, drawing thousands of devotees for darshan. Srirangam, revered as Bhooloka Vaikuntam (Heaven on Earth), hosts the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival over 20 days, including the Pagal Pathu and Raa Pathu celebrations.

On the first day, Namperumal (the processional deity) set out from the sanctum sanctorum at 7:00 am, blessed devotees, and will remain at the Arjuna Mandapam throughout the day. In the night, Namperumal will return in procession from the Arjuna Mandapam to the sanctum sanctorum.

Thousands of devotees participated on the first day and had darshan of Namperumal. The highlight of the festival, the opening of the Paramapada Vaasal, popularly known as the Sorga Vaasal, on Vaikunta Ekadasi, is scheduled to take place on December 30, 2025, at 5:45 am.

Ahead of this, on December 29, 2025, Namperumal will be taken out in procession in Nachiyar Thirukolam, the divine form of the Goddess. The Vaikunta Ekadasi grand festival will conclude on January 9, 2026, with the Moksham of Nammalvar.

The Vaikunta Ekadasi festival holds immense religious significance in the Hindu calendar, marking the day when the gates of Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu, are believed to open. Devotees observe fasting and offer prayers, seeking the blessings of the Lord.

Dwadasi Chakrasnanam, a sacred religious ritual held on Vaikunta Dwadasi, involves a divine bath for Sri Malayappa Swamy, Sridevi and Bhudevi in the holy waters of Swami Pushkarini, followed by special poojas.

Notably, this year witnesses two Vaikunta Ekadasi Sorga Vaasal opening ceremonies. The first was held on January 10 earlier this year, while the second is scheduled for December 30 during the ongoing festival, making it a rare occurrence of two Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations in a single year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

K
Karthik V
It's wonderful to see our ancient traditions being celebrated with such grandeur. The detailed rituals, from the procession to the Dwadasi Chakrasnanam, show the depth of our culture. A respectful suggestion: I hope the temple administration continues to manage the crowds effectively for everyone's safety and darshan.
R
Ramesh W
Jai Sriman Narayana! The fact that there are two Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations this year is considered very auspicious. My parents are planning the pilgrimage from Mumbai. The article is informative for devotees planning their visit, especially with the specific timings.
S
Sarah B
As someone visiting India, reading about festivals like this is fascinating. The 20-day celebration and the symbolism of the gates of heaven opening is a beautiful concept. The photos from these events must be incredible. It highlights the rich spiritual tapestry of Tamil Nadu.
A
Arjun K
The logistics behind such a massive festival are mind-boggling. Hats off to the temple authorities and volunteers. Walking through the Paramapada Vaasal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Vishnu devotee. May everyone who attends receive Lord Ranganatha's blessings.
M
Meera T
This brings back childhood memories of going with my thatha (grandfather). The Nachiyar Thirukolam procession is especially beautiful. It's heartening to see the younger generation also participating with such enthusiasm. Our traditions are our strength.

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