Seven gates to Vaikuntha explained: The spiritual meaning behind desire, anger and ego

Hindus think that Vishnu‘s home in heaven, Vaikuntha, is protected by seven holy doors or gates. These doors take the soul to moksha, which is the highest level of freedom.This idea comes from Vaishnavite philosophy and is often connected to the ceremonies that take place on Vaikuntha Ekadashi. People believe that the “Vaikuntha Dwaram” (gate to heaven) opens for those who want to be spiritually free on that day.

Seven ways to reach VaikunthaAccording to religious texts and temple traditions, the seven gates are like walls that keep the spiritual world and the physical world apart.Kama (Desire): The first door is about controlling your worldly desires. People who follow this religion need to learn how to let go.Krodha (Anger)A lot of people think that anger is a big problem on the spiritual path. You need to learn how to control your feelings and be patient in order to get through this door.Lobha (Greed)The third door means not being greedy or wanting more money than you need.Moha (Attachment)This step is about letting go of false beliefs and emotional ties to real relationships.Mada (Pride)A lot of people think that pride and ego get in the way of God and the soul. If you go through this door, you don’t care about yourself.Matsarya (Jealousy)With the sixth door, you don’t have to be jealous or compare yourself to other people.Ahamkara, or the selfThe last gateway ends the ego and lets the soul join with Lord Vishnu’s divine presence.The Vaikuntha Dwaram and the Temple’s TraditionsOn Vaikuntha Ekadashi, many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu have people walking through the Vaikuntha Dwaram. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of the most well-known.People think that if they walk through this holy door, they will end up in Vaikuntha, where they can ask the Lord to free them spiritually.A Trip Beyond RitualSpiritual experts say that the seven doors are more than just doors. They also happen in the heart and mind. It feels like slowly cleaning up human nature and finally giving in to Lord Vishnu when you walk through these doors.For those who believe, the symbols are a reminder that you can’t just do rituals to set yourself free; you also have to break down the mental walls that keep your soul tied to the physical world.