Vaikunta Ekadesi held with religious fervor in Srirangam temple

Srirangam, Dec 14: The most auspicious Vaikunta Ekadesi festival was celebrated with religious fervor at the World-renowned Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple — the first and foremost among 108 “Divyadesams” (temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu) here on Tuesday.
The processional deity “Lord Namperumal,” wearing Pandian Crown and clad in glittering “Rathna Angi” (gem-studded armour), exited the sanctum sanctorum on a golden palanquin at 0330 hours early this morning amid reciting of “Krishna Yajur Veda” hymns and other Vedas by the temple priests and Vedic scholars.
Later, the lord traversed through the “Paramapada Vaasal” also popularly called as “Sorga Vaasal,” when it was opened at the auspicious 0445 hours sans devotees.
“This is for the second time that the centuries-old “Lord Namperumal entering the Paramapadavasal” event was held without devotees due to COVID-19 restrictions.” Only HR and CE officials, temple staff, senior police officials and journalists were allowed inside the shrine during the event. State HR and CE Minister P.K.Sekhar Babu present on the occasion.
The devotees, who have made online registration for darshan, were allowed to enter through the Paramapada Vaasal after 0700 hours.
The Presiding deity “Lord Ranganatha Swamy” was adorned with the traditional “Muthangi” (pearl robe) in view of the festival.
The opening of the Paramapada Vaasal also popularly called as “Sorga Vaasal’ (gateway to Heaven) on the Vaikunta Ekadasi was the highlight of the 21-day Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.
The 236-feet high “Raja Gopuram” (temple tower) was adorned with a giant garland prepared from 600 kg of flowers, including yellow marigold and holy basils.
A large number of policemen were deployed in and around the temple for bandobust duty.