When is Vaikuntha Chaturdashi? Know Date, Time, Rituals, Significance and more

When is Vaikuntha Chaturdashi? Know Date and Time

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is a unique and holy occasion in the Hindu calendar, observed one day before Kartik Purnima, during the Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi of the Kartik month. Vaikuntha Chaturdashi this year will be celebrated on Thursday, November 14, 2024. This sacred day holds a special significance, bringing together the devotees of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, who are worshipped simultaneously—a rarity in Hindu rituals.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2024: Date and Time

According to Hindu tradition, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi marks a unique event from the Shiva Purana. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Vishnu journeyed to Varanasi to honor and worship Lord Shiva. As part of his worship, Lord Vishnu planned to offer a thousand lotus flowers to Lord Shiva. However, during the ritual, he discovered one lotus missing. In a profound act of devotion, Lord Vishnu plucked out one of his own eyes, often compared to lotuses, and offered it to complete the worship. Touched by this supreme sacrifice, Lord Shiva restored Lord Vishnu's eye and blessed him with the Sudarshana Chakra, a divine weapon and powerful symbol of protection.

This story not only highlights the deep bond between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva but also signifies the importance of sincere devotion and the spirit of sacrifice. Vaikuntha Chaturdashi stands as a reminder of this rare and sacred relationship between the deities, celebrating devotion, unity, and spiritual significance.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi: Rituals

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is observed with different rituals dedicated to each deity at specific times of the day:

• Worship of Lord Vishnu (Nishitha Puja): Devotees worship Lord Vishnu during Nishitha, which is the Hindu midnight. As part of this ritual, a thousand lotus flowers are offered to Lord Vishnu while reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama—the thousand names of Lord Vishnu. This ritual is believed to bring blessings of divine protection and guidance.
• Worship of Lord Shiva (Arunodaya Puja): Devotees of Lord Shiva begin their rituals at dawn, a time known as Arunodaya. This early-morning worship is significant, especially at the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, where devotees take a holy dip known as the Manikarnika Snan. This ritual bath on Kartik Chaturdashi is considered highly auspicious and is believed to cleanse sins, offering a fresh start for devotees.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi: Observances Across India

Though particularly prominent in Varanasi, the celebrations of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi are also observed in other holy cities such as Rishikesh, Gaya, and many places in Maharashtra. This festival often leads into the grand celebrations of Dev Diwali, which follows a day after and marks the end of the Kartik month’s festivities.

Why Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is Unique?

The dual worship of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva on the same day is rare, making Vaikuntha Chaturdashi a distinctive festival in the Hindu calendar. It symbolizes unity among devotees and the interconnectedness of different forms of devotion. For many, this day reflects the harmonious blending of dedication, humility, and respect that both deities embody.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is not only a festival but a representation of profound devotion and unity in the Hindu faith. The rituals associated with it are a testament to the spiritual depth and connection between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Observed with sincere rituals, holy dips, and heartfelt offerings, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi reminds devotees of the importance of faith, sacrifice, and divine blessings in their spiritual journeys.

Also Read | Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 Date: When is Gurpurab? Know Date, Time, and Significance