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Oppiliappan List Archive: Message 00011 Jan 2004

 
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----- Original Message -----
From: Samyukta
Sent: Thursday, January, 2004 7:24 PM
Subject: [IndiaDivine] Re: religious dates

Hello there!!!

On Vikunta Ekadashi, the doors of Vikunta are open. Vikunta Eladashi
falls on January 3rd( Saturday) this year 2004.

Vaikunta Ekadashi falls in the month of Margaseersha (December-
January). Ekadashi festival is observed with all solemnity in the
temples of Lord Vishnu. It was on this day that during the "Sagara
Mathana" (churning of the ocean), 'Amrit' (nectar) emerged out of the
ocean and was distributed to the Gods. The Hindus consider this day
very auspicious and it is believed that those who die on this day are
freed from the rounds of birth and death; they directly reach
Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is for this reason that the
Great King Bhishma waited long on his bed of arrows, to leave his
last breath.


Fasting
Fasting is prescribed on all Ekadashis, that is, the 11th day of the
lunar fortnight, twice a month. In this Kali Yuga, even if just
one 'Ekadashi' is observed with dispassion, faith and devotion, and
if the mind is wholly fixed on Hari, one is freed from the rounds of
birth and death. There is no doubt about this. The scriptures give us
their assurance on this point.

On Vaikunta Ekadashi day devotees fast the whole day, observe vigil
the whole night and do 'Japa' (meditation) and 'Hari Kirtan'
(devotional songs). Some do not take even a drop of water. Those who
are unable to fast completely can take some light fruit and milk.


This is the annirversary day commemorating the day that Srimad
Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Sri Krishna to His dearmost devotee
Arjuna at the place now known as Jyotisar Tirtha amid the waring
families of the Kurus and the Pandavas at Kurukshetra.




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