Vaikunta Chaturdashi 2025: The Divine Union of Vishnu and Shiva

Date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Tithi: Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi (14th day of the waxing moon)
Main Deities: Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
Regions Celebrated: Maharashtra, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Grishneshwar

Spiritual Significance

Vaikunta Chaturdashi is a rare and sacred festival where both Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped together, symbolizing unity between preservation and transformation.

• Vishnu’s Devotion to Shiva: According to legend, Vishnu offered 999 lotuses to Shiva and, finding one missing, offered his own eye—earning Shiva’s blessings and the Sudarshana Chakra.
• Temple Harmony: On this day, Vishnu is worshipped in Shiva temples and vice versa, especially at Kashi Vishwanath, which is symbolically called Vaikuntha.

Rituals and Observances

• Fasting and Bathing: Devotees begin the day with a holy bath, observe a full-day fast, and perform joint pujas to Vishnu and Shiva.
• Offerings:
• Akshat, sandalwood paste, Ganga water, flowers, incense, and camphor are offered.
• Lighted earthen lamps and cotton wicks are placed as special offerings.
• At Grishneshwar Temple, Bael leaves are offered to Vishnu and Tulsi leaves to Shiva.
• Scriptural Recitation: Devotees chant the Vishnu Sahasranama and Shiva stotras.
• Deep Daan Mahotsav: In Rishikesh, lamps are floated in the Ganga River to mark Vishnu’s awakening from cosmic sleep.

Regional Highlights

• Maharashtra: Vaikunta Chaturdashi is widely observed in Vishnu and Shiva temples with joint rituals.
• Rishikesh: Celebrated as Deep Daan Mahotsav, with thousands of lamps illuminating the Ganga.
• Varanasi: Vishnu is honored at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, symbolizing his visit to Shiva’s abode.
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga: Unique dual offerings are made to both deities.