Vaikunta Ekadashi falls in the month of Margashira (December-January). This 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 Bheeshma waited long on his bed of arrows, to leave his last breath. Hence it is also called Bheeshma Ekadasi)

On this day Devagiri, Varaprada Sri Venkateshwara temple organises the Akhanda Darshan of Lord Sri Venkateshwara. The Vaikunta Dwara   (the door of heaven) will be open as early as 6 am and ensures darshan for even the last devotees. The deity will be decorated with a golden crown. Over a lakh of devotees will visit the temple on that day to have darshan of Lord Venkateshwara. On that day Mahaprasada will be distribute to all the devotees throught the day.