Srirangam Temple Opens Swarga Vasal; Devotees Overjoyed
The sacred Swarga Vasal (Paramapada Vasal) at the renowned Srirangam Ranganathar Temple was opened early this morning at 5:45 AM, marking the most auspicious moment of Vaikunta Ekadasi. Lord Ranganathar, beautifully adorned in Pandiyan Kondai, Kilimālai, and Ratna Angi, passed through the divine gateway, blessing lakhs of devotees gathered at the temple.
Amidst resonant chants of “Ranga… Ranga…”, devotees witnessed the spiritually uplifting moment with deep emotion and devotion. The opening of the Swarga Vasal, a ritual symbolising the path to salvation, is a centuries-old tradition observed every year during Vaikunta Ekadasi in the Tamil month of Margazhi.
This year’s celebrations began on December 19 with the Thirunedunthandagam recitations, followed by special alankarams during the Pagal Pathu festival. Before dawn today, sacred rituals were held at the Viraja Nathi Mandapam, leading to the ceremonial opening of the Swarga Vasal. With this, the Rāpathu festival has now commenced, featuring Thiruvaimozhi recitations.
Similar Swarga Vasal opening ceremonies were held with grandeur at major Vishnu temples across Tamil Nadu, including the Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple and Madurai Tallakulam Prasanna Venkatachalapathi Temple, drawing thousands of devotees.
Regarded as a gateway to spiritual liberation, the Swarga Vasal opening continues to be one of the most revered and emotionally significant events for Vaishnavite devotees every year.
