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.
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