Festivals
Date
Vaikunta Chaturdashi
Relevant Timings
Nishitha Kalam & Pradosha Windows
Nishita Kalam
24 Nov, 12:10 am – 12:55 am, 24 Nov
Pradosha Kalam
23 Nov, 6:54 pm – 8:24 pm, 23 Nov
About
Vaikunta Chaturdashi is a unique festival observed on the fourteenth day of the Shukla Paksha in Kartika. It is one of the few days when both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshipped together in a grand manner, especially in sacred cities like Varanasi and Rishikesh.
Significance:
Legend says that Lord Vishnu visited Varanasi on this day and offered a thousand lotuses to Lord Shiva. Shiva, in return, bestowed the Sudarshana Chakra upon Vishnu. The day represents the ultimate unity between the preserver and the destroyer of the universe.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Nishita Puja: The main worship takes place at midnight. Devotees offer Tulasi leaves to Lord Shiva and Bilva leaves to Lord Vishnu, reversing the traditional offerings to symbolize their oneness. 2. Deep Daan: Lighting lamps at the banks of holy rivers to guide the souls toward Vaikunta. 3. Fasting: Devotees observe a full-day fast and break it after the midnight puja. 4. Holy Bath: Taking a ritual dip in sacred rivers before sunrise is considered highly meritorious.