“Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” is a significant and revered Hindu festival observed in the month of Kartika (October-November). It is marked on the 14th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) and is a day devoted to the worship of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This auspicious day is especially important for devotees of Lord Vishnu, and it is considered one of the rare occasions when Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are honoured together in temples, symbolising the unity between the two deities. “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” precedes the grand festival of ‘Dev Diwali’ and is celebrated in various parts of India, particularly in Varanasi, Rishikesh, Gaya, and Maharashtra.
This year, we are commemorating the divine occasion of “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” on the 14th of November ‘24.
As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” in the year ‘24 is as follows:
The origins of “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” are deeply rooted in holy Hindu texts, particularly in the Shiva Purana. According to legend, on this day, Lord Vishnu travelled to Varanasi to offer a thousand lotus flowers to Lord Shiva. However, when he reached his goal, Vishnu found that the thousandth lotus was missing. In a gesture of supreme devotion, Vishnu plucked one of his own eyes, which are often symbolised as lotuses, and offered it in place of the missing flower. This act of selflessness deeply pleased Lord Shiva, who not only restored Vishnu's eye but also granted him the divine Sudarshana Chakra, a powerful weapon that became a hallmark of Vishnu's authority and protection.
“Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” is a day of deep devotion and special rituals. Devotees of Lord Vishnu typically worship him during Nishitha, which is the Hindu midnight, and offer a thousand lotus flowers while reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama, the thousand names of Lord Vishnu. This recitation is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu and bring spiritual peace and prosperity to the devotees.
As per “Drik Panchang”,
On the other hand, devotees of Lord Shiva perform their worship during Arunodaya, or the early dawn. A special ritual called the Manikarnika Snan (holy dip) is performed at the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. The Manikarnika Ghat is considered one of the most sacred bathing spots in the city, and it is believed that taking a dip here during “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” helps cleanse sins and purify the soul.
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, is one of the central hubs for “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” celebrations. This is the only day when Lord Vishnu is given a special place of honour in the sanctum of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is traditionally dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that on this day, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple becomes as sacred as Vaikuntha, the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu. Devotees worship both deities together, performing rituals that symbolise their mutual respect and devotion. Lord Vishnu offers Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva, while Lord Shiva, in return, offers Bael leaves to Lord Vishnu—an act that is otherwise considered taboo.
In Maharashtra, “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” holds a special place, with rituals established by the Maratha king Shivaji and his mother Jijabai. The custom involves offering a thousand lotus flowers to Lord Shiva in a manner that preserves their divine purity. One famous folklore from this region tells of a brahmin named Dhaneshwar, who had spent his life committing sins. When he visited the Godavari River during “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi”, he mingled with the devotees, and his sins were washed away due to the collective devotion of the people. As a result, his soul was freed from the grasp of Yama, the god of death, and granted a place in Vaikuntha.
This story reflects the belief that the collective devotion on “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” has the power to cleanse even the gravest of sins. This folklore is widely celebrated in Maharashtra, with people lighting oil lamps and offering prayers in honour of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Apart from Varanasi and Maharashtra, “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” is also observed with great enthusiasm in other parts of India, including Rishikesh, Gaya, and several temples across South India. In Rishikesh, the day is celebrated as the ‘Deep Daan Mahotsav’, where devotees float eco-friendly lamps made of flour in the holy Ganges River, symbolising Vishnu waking up from his deep sleep. This event is accompanied by vibrant cultural programs and devotional songs.
In Vishnu temples across South India, such as in Srirangam, Udupi, and Tirupati, special prayers and rituals are held. Devotees light lamps made from vegetables, such as squashes, filled with wicks to symbolise the light of Lord Vishnu. The atmosphere in these temples becomes lively with the sound of bhajans and the fragrance of incense as devotees offer their prayers and seek divine blessings.
“Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” is a day that beautifully blends historical tales, devotion, and unity. It is a day when the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva is harmoniously observed, symbolising the underlying connection between these two supreme deities. Whether it is in the sacred city of Varanasi or the temples of Maharashtra, the rituals of “Vaikuntha Chaturdashi” remind devotees of the importance of selfless devotion, the power of collective prayer, and the path to spiritual liberation. As the lamps shine brightly across the temples and rivers, they illuminate not only the physical world but also the hearts of those who celebrate this auspicious occasion.
A period of darkness doesn’t prevail throughout. Instead, it is replaced by a bright sunrise the next day. Our lives make a compilation of these dark and brighter days, helping us learn and grow with our experiences. Vedic Astrology, spirituality, numerology and coaching enable you to hone the power of optimism and triumph the darkness with a positive stride.
Apt No. 301, 3rd Floor, Akshay Vaibhav building, next to Solaris Gym, Baner, Pune - 411045
Copyright © 2025 Ekohumm. All Rights Reserved. Powered By: DigiHost Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.