Vaikunta Chaturdashi 2025 | Vaikunth Chaturdashi

Vaikunta Chaturdashi is observed on Kartik Shukla Chaturdasi, the fourteenth day in Shukla paksha during Kartik month. In 2025, Vaikunth Chaturdashi date is November 4.

This festival is dedicated to Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, who performed Puja to Lord Shiva on this day. As per the legend or story of Vaikunt Chanturdasi, Vishnu visited the holy city of Varanasi to perform Shiva Puja.

Lord Vishnu wanted to offer 1000 flowers to Shiva. In order to test Vishnus bhakti, Lord Shiva hid one flower. Lord Vishnu recognized that one flower is missing and offered his eye as flower to Lord Shiva. Shiva pleased with the utmost devotion of Vishnu and presented him the Sudarshan, the divine disc.

Vaikunta Chaturdashi is celebrated with gusto in Vaishnavite temples. Devotees offer 1000 flowers to Vishnu and special prayers are recited during the Puja. Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Ashtottaram, Vishnu Stuti and the Vishnu Purana are recited on this day.

Rituals and Observances

• Fasting: Devotees observe a fast from dawn until the following morning, engaging in prayers and rituals dedicated to both deities.
• Puja Practices: Rituals include bathing early in the morning, wearing clean clothes, lighting lamps (often 14), and offering flowers, particularly lotuses, along with reciting sacred texts like the Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Special Celebrations: In places like Varanasi, special honors are given to Lord Vishnu in temples, where both deities are worshipped in a reciprocal manner—Lord Vishnu offers Tulsi leaves to Shiva, while Shiva offers Bael leaves to Vishnu.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm across various regions of India, each with its unique customs and rituals. Here’s how this auspicious day is observed in different parts of the country:

Varanasi

• Significance: Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi holds special importance during Vaikuntha Chaturdashi. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu worships Lord Shiva.
• Rituals: Devotees gather at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where both deities are worshipped as if they are honoring each other. A special ritual involves offering Tulsi leaves to Shiva and Bael leaves to Vishnu. The day is marked by a holy dip at the Manikarnika Ghat, considered crucial for purification and spiritual merit.

Rishikesh

• Celebration: In Rishikesh, the festival is celebrated as Deep Daan Mahotsav. Devotees float flour lamps down the Ganges River, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light.
• Cultural Aspect: This practice not only serves as a religious observance but also promotes environmental awareness, as the lamps are made from biodegradable materials.

Maharashtra

• Traditions: In Maharashtra, particularly in Raigarh, the festival is celebrated with a focus on offering lotus flowers to Lord Shiva. The tradition dates back to Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who emphasized the importance of this ritual.
• Lotus Offering: Devotees present one thousand white lotus flowers at the Jagadeeshwara temple, reflecting deep devotion and adherence to cultural practices.

Gaya

• Rituals: In Gaya, devotees perform rituals similar to those in Varanasi, including bathing in sacred rivers and participating in communal prayers. The focus remains on seeking blessings from both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

General Observances Across India

• Fasting and Worship: Across all regions, devotees typically observe a fast from dawn until after rituals are completed. The worship involves reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and offering flowers and fruits to both deities.
• Timing of Worship: Worship for Lord Vishnu is performed during Nishita (midnight), while Lord Shiva is honored at Arunodaya (early morning). This dual worship emphasizes the unity between the two deities.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi serves as a day of deep spiritual significance, uniting devotees in their reverence for Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva while fostering community participation through shared rituals and celebrations.