Harshvardhan Mishra
Overview
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is one of the most sacred Hindu observances celebrated in the holy month of Kartik (Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi). In 2025, this divine festival falls on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, a day before Dev Deepavali. The festival holds immense significance as it symbolizes the union of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, marking a unique occasion where both deities are worshipped together.
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025 Date and Timing
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025 | Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
| Vaikuntha Chaturdashi Nishitakal | 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM, Nov 05 |
| Duration | 52 Minutes |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | 02:05 AM on November 4, 2025 |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | 10:36 PM on November 4, 2025 |
| Dev Deepavali (Next Day) | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
Spiritual Significance of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi
The word “Vaikuntha” refers to Lord Vishnu’s divine abode, while “Chaturdashi” denotes the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight. Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is mentioned in various Puranas such as the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, where it is described as a sacred day when Lord Vishnu worships Lord Shiva at Kashi (Varanasi) to attain his grace.
This act of devotion signifies harmony between preservation and destruction, symbolizing that Vishnu and Shiva are two aspects of the same Supreme Reality.
Devotees believe that observing Vaikuntha Chaturdashi with devotion helps in attaining Moksha (liberation) and removes all past sins.
Legends Behind Vaikuntha Chaturdashi
1. Lord Vishnu’s Worship of Lord Shiva
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu once visited Kashi to offer a thousand lotuses to Lord Shiva. To test Vishnu’s devotion, Shiva secretly took one lotus away. Lord Vishnu, realizing he was short of one flower, immediately offered his own eye, as he is also known as Kamalanayana (lotus-eyed).
Impressed by Vishnu’s supreme devotion, Lord Shiva restored his eye and blessed him, declaring that anyone who worships both Vishnu and Shiva on this day will attain eternal bliss.
2. Connection with Dev Deepavali
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi falls a day before Dev Deepavali, the festival of lights celebrated by the gods themselves in Kashi. It is said that on Dev Deepavali, the celestial beings descend to Varanasi to witness the sacred Ganga Aarti and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Thus, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi sets the divine prelude to this heavenly celebration.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi
1. Early Morning Bath and Fasting
Devotees begin the day with a holy bath in the Ganges or other sacred rivers, followed by observing a fast throughout the day.
2. Worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
Special rituals are performed in temples dedicated to both deities.
- Lord Vishnu is worshipped with Tulsi leaves, lamps, and yellow flowers.
- Lord Shiva is offered Bael leaves, water, milk, and sandalwood paste.
Many devotees perform joint worship — starting with Vishnu Puja and concluding with Shiva Puja.
3. Offering of Thousand Lamps
Lighting 1000 diyas (lamps) is a sacred ritual symbolizing the removal of ignorance and the illumination of the soul with divine wisdom. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu witness grand celebrations on this day.
4. Nishita Kaal Puja
The Nishita Kaal (late-night period between 11:39 PM and 12:31 AM) is considered highly auspicious for Vaikuntha Chaturdashi Puja. During this time, devotees chant the Vishnu Sahasranama, Rudra Abhishekam, and Om Namah Shivaya together.
Observances in Different Regions
- Kashi (Varanasi): The most famous celebration takes place at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where both Lord Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped. Devotees light thousands of diyas on the ghats of Ganga, marking the onset of Dev Deepavali.
- Rameswaram: Devotees perform Shiva-Vishnu Sangam Puja symbolizing unity.
- Tirupati: Special prayers and darshans of Lord Venkateswara are organized.
- Maharashtra and Gujarat: Devotees observe fasts and decorate homes with diyas and rangoli.
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi and Moksha
Scriptures state that one who observes this fast with purity and devotion attains Vaikuntha Dham, the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that performing Deepa Daan (lamp donation) and Anna Daan (food donation) on this day grants immense merit and blessings.
Relation to Dev Deepavali 2025
The following day, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, marks Dev Deepavali, the grand festival celebrated in Varanasi when the ghats of the Ganga come alive with millions of lamps. The twin festivals together represent the union of devotion, light, and liberation, making Kartik’s end truly divine.
Conclusion
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025 is not just a ritualistic observance but a profound reminder of spiritual harmony. When devotees worship both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva together, they embrace the ultimate truth of oneness beyond duality. The divine connection between Vaikuntha Chaturdashi and Dev Deepavali makes this period one of the most auspicious times in the entire Hindu calendar.
