Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025: The Sacred Day of Worship for Both Lord Shiva and Vishnu — Rituals, Timing, and Spiritual Significance

The auspicious festival of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is being celebrated today, marking one of the most spiritually powerful days in the Hindu calendar. Falling on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, this sacred occasion holds deep importance for devotees of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. On this day, followers worship both deities together — a rare and highly auspicious ritual in Sanatan tradition believed to bring liberation, prosperity, and divine blessings.

The Auspicious Timing of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi began at 2:05 AM on November 4 and will end at 10:36 PM tonight. Therefore, observing the rituals and prayers today is considered most auspicious.

The Nishita Kaal Muhurat — the most spiritually charged time for performing the Vaikuntha Chaturdashi Puja — will begin at 11:39 PM on November 4 and continue till 12:31 AM on November 5, giving devotees about 52 minutes to conduct the special Har-Hari Puja (worship of both Shiva and Vishnu).

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi Puja Vidhi (Ritual Method)

Devotees begin their day with a sacred bath (snan) and meditation. The puja should be performed in the northeast corner (Ishaan Kone) of the home or in the prayer room. A yellow cloth is spread as an altar on which the idols or pictures of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are placed side by side.

After applying roli (vermilion), chandan (sandalwood paste), and saffron, a lamp filled with pure ghee is lit.

• Offerings to Lord Vishnu: Fresh lotus flowers (kamal ke pushp).

• Offerings to Lord Shiva: Holy belpatra (bilva leaves).

Devotees recite the Shiv Mahimna Stotra to honor Lord Shiva and the Vishnu Sahasranama to please Lord Vishnu. For those unable to perform lengthy chants, simple mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Om Namo Narayanaya” may be recited with devotion.

The puja concludes with an aarti dedicated to both deities, followed by prayers for family well-being, peace, and spiritual growth.

The Legend Behind Vaikuntha Chaturdashi

According to ancient scriptures, after awakening from Yoganidra (divine slumber), Lord Vishnu once traveled to Kashi (Varanasi) to worship Lord Shiva. He resolved to offer one thousand lotus flowers to Mahadev. However, as the ritual progressed, he discovered one flower was missing. To fulfill his vow, Lord Vishnu plucked one of his own lotus-like eyes and offered it to Shiva.

Pleased with this act of devotion and sacrifice, Lord Shiva not only restored Vishnu’s eye but also granted him the powerful Sudarshan Chakra as a symbol of divine strength and protection. This event took place on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Kartik month — the day now celebrated as Vaikuntha Chaturdashi.

Spiritual and Religious Significance

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi symbolizes the unity of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, representing harmony between preservation and destruction — two fundamental forces of the universe. It is believed that performing this joint worship removes all forms of suffering. Devotees are said to receive Lord Vishnu’s grace for prosperity and Lord Shiva’s blessings for liberation from life’s hardships.

As per Hindu belief, this day also marks a spiritual transition of divine responsibility. After emerging from his cosmic sleep, Lord Vishnu resumes the duty of managing creation, which remains with Lord Shiva during the four-month Chaturmas period. Thus, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi signifies the handover of universal governance — a moment of cosmic balance and divine renewal.

Conclusion

Celebrating Vaikuntha Chaturdashi with sincerity and devotion is said to bring blessings equivalent to both Shiv Puja and Vishnu Puja, ensuring peace, wealth, and spiritual advancement. The day stands as a reminder that ultimate salvation (Vaikuntha Prapti) is possible when devotion, discipline, and selflessness come together in worship.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on religious beliefs and traditional texts. NDTV or the author does not claim scientific validation of these beliefs.)