Devotees seek salvation as ‘Gates of heaven’ open on Vaikunda Ekadesi

Srirangam, referred to as ‘Heaven on Earth’ in the Hindu mythology, is famous for its Ranganatha Swamy Temple, the history of which dates back to the times of Ramayana. Every year, a special occasion named Vaikunda Ekadasi is observed at the temple throughout the Tamil month of Margazhi, during which the deity Namperumal appears in various forms for devotees. 

On the tenth day of the Pagal Paththu (the first part of celebrations), Namperumal appears in Mohini alangaaram and the very next day, which is also the first day of second part of celebration, Namperumal opens the Paramapa tha Vaasal, also referred to as Sorga Vaasal (gateway of the heaven) to come out and bless devotees. 

This year, the ceremony began with special poojas to the Moolavar Perumal and Namperumal on their Thir upalli Yezhuchi (waking up the deity). Following this, Namperumal was dressed up with Rathna Angi along with Pandiyan Kondai and his jewellery and came out from the sanctum to the Rajamahendran corridor of the temple in his Simma Gathi (vehicle). 

Upon his arrival at the Rajamahendran corridor, the Jeeyar of Srirangam Narayana Swamigal paid respects and then Namperumal left for the third corridor through Naazhiketan gateway. 

Namperumal was briefly stationed in the Virajanadhi Mandapam during which preists chanted the Vedhas and subsequently at 5 am, Namperumal opened the Paramapatha Vaasal and passed through it along with his devotees. After reaching the holy tent near the thousand pillar mandapam at around 7.15 am, the lord gave dharshan to devotees till late in the evening.