Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025: Date, Shubh Muhurat, and Hari-Har Puja Vidhi
The Hindu calendar is adorned with numerous festivals, each signifying unique cosmic events and spiritual concepts. Among these, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi holds an unparalleled position. Falling on the fourteenth day ( Chaturdashi Tithi ) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the holy month of Kartik, this day is a rare and powerful celebration of the unity between Lord Vishnu (Hari), the preserver, and Lord Shiva (Hara), the destroyer. It is the day when devotees seek liberation, or moksha, believing that prayers offered now open the doors to Vaikuntha Loka, the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu.
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025: Date and Shubh Muhurat
The observance of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi precedes the grand festival of Kartik Purnima. For the year 2025, the auspicious timings are as follows:
The Essence of Hari-Har Milan
The core philosophy of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi revolves around the concept of Hari-Har Milan—the spiritual meeting and oneness of Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Shiv Purana, Lord Vishnu once resolved to worship Lord Shiva with a thousand golden lotuses in Varanasi (Kashi). To test his devotion, Lord Shiva hid one of the lotuses. Upon realising the shortfall, Lord Vishnu, whose eyes are often compared to lotuses (Pundarikaksha), prepared to offer one of his own eyes in place of the missing flower.
Deeply moved by Lord Vishnu's selfless devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him. He not only restored the thousandth lotus but also blessed Vishnu with the powerful Sudarshana Chakra, his most renowned weapon. Furthermore, Lord Shiva declared that any devotee who worships Lord Vishnu on this particular Chaturdashi Tithi would attain liberation and a place in Vaikuntha. This event signifies that while both deities have distinct roles, their ultimate essence is one and the same, and they are equally accessible through sincere devotion.
Hari-Har Puja Vidhi : The Ritual of Dual Devotion
Observing the rituals of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi involves meticulous adherence to the prescribed Vidhi, ensuring that both the Destroyer and the Preserver are honoured.
1. Morning Preparations and Sankalpa
Begin the day with an early bath, ideally in a sacred river or by adding Gangajal to your bathwater. Don clean, preferably yellow clothes (symbolic of Vishnu) or white clothes (symbolic of Shiva), and take the Sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast and perform the puja with utmost dedication. The day is primarily observed as a fast (Vrat), with devotees either observing a complete fast or a Phalahar (fruit-based) fast.
2. Daytime Worship of Lord Shiva (Hara)
The early hours are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set up an altar with the idols or images of both deities. Lord Shiva is worshipped with Bael leaves (Bilva Patra), Dhatura, milk, Gangajal, white flowers, and Bhasma (sacred ash). The chanting of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or Om Namah Shivaya is highly recommended during this period. The use of a Rudraksha mala for counting the chants is considered particularly auspicious.
3. Evening/Midnight Worship of Lord Vishnu (Hari)
As the day transitions into the night, the focus shifts to Lord Vishnu. This is the time for the main Vrat Katha (story) and the special Nishithakal Puja. Lord Vishnu is offered items that are dear to him, particularly Tulsi leaves (Basil), yellow flowers, yellow clothes, and most importantly, lotus flowers (in remembrance of the thousand lotuses offered by Vishnu). The offering of Panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) is essential. Devotees chant the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) and the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
4. Deepdan and Conclusion
The practice of Deepdan (lighting and offering lamps) is an integral part of this festival. Lamps are lit near the altar, in temples, and near rivers or lakes, symbolising the offering of light to the universe and the removal of darkness (ignorance) from one's life. The fast concludes the next morning after the Chaturdashi Tithi is over, with the offering of prayers and distributing Prasad (blessed food).
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025: Date and Shubh Muhurat
The observance of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi precedes the grand festival of Kartik Purnima. For the year 2025, the auspicious timings are as follows:
- Ø Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025 Date : Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- ØChaturdashi Tithi Begins: 02:05 AM on November 4, 2025
- ØChaturdashi Tithi Ends: 10:36 PM on November 4, 2025
- ØNishithakal Puja Muhurat (Midnight Worship): 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM (November 5)
The Essence of Hari-Har Milan
The core philosophy of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi revolves around the concept of Hari-Har Milan—the spiritual meeting and oneness of Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Shiv Purana, Lord Vishnu once resolved to worship Lord Shiva with a thousand golden lotuses in Varanasi (Kashi). To test his devotion, Lord Shiva hid one of the lotuses. Upon realising the shortfall, Lord Vishnu, whose eyes are often compared to lotuses (Pundarikaksha), prepared to offer one of his own eyes in place of the missing flower.
Deeply moved by Lord Vishnu's selfless devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him. He not only restored the thousandth lotus but also blessed Vishnu with the powerful Sudarshana Chakra, his most renowned weapon. Furthermore, Lord Shiva declared that any devotee who worships Lord Vishnu on this particular Chaturdashi Tithi would attain liberation and a place in Vaikuntha. This event signifies that while both deities have distinct roles, their ultimate essence is one and the same, and they are equally accessible through sincere devotion.
Hari-Har Puja Vidhi : The Ritual of Dual Devotion
Observing the rituals of Vaikuntha Chaturdashi involves meticulous adherence to the prescribed Vidhi, ensuring that both the Destroyer and the Preserver are honoured.
1. Morning Preparations and Sankalpa
Begin the day with an early bath, ideally in a sacred river or by adding Gangajal to your bathwater. Don clean, preferably yellow clothes (symbolic of Vishnu) or white clothes (symbolic of Shiva), and take the Sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast and perform the puja with utmost dedication. The day is primarily observed as a fast (Vrat), with devotees either observing a complete fast or a Phalahar (fruit-based) fast.
2. Daytime Worship of Lord Shiva (Hara)
The early hours are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set up an altar with the idols or images of both deities. Lord Shiva is worshipped with Bael leaves (Bilva Patra), Dhatura, milk, Gangajal, white flowers, and Bhasma (sacred ash). The chanting of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or Om Namah Shivaya is highly recommended during this period. The use of a Rudraksha mala for counting the chants is considered particularly auspicious.
3. Evening/Midnight Worship of Lord Vishnu (Hari)
As the day transitions into the night, the focus shifts to Lord Vishnu. This is the time for the main Vrat Katha (story) and the special Nishithakal Puja. Lord Vishnu is offered items that are dear to him, particularly Tulsi leaves (Basil), yellow flowers, yellow clothes, and most importantly, lotus flowers (in remembrance of the thousand lotuses offered by Vishnu). The offering of Panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) is essential. Devotees chant the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) and the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
4. Deepdan and Conclusion
The practice of Deepdan (lighting and offering lamps) is an integral part of this festival. Lamps are lit near the altar, in temples, and near rivers or lakes, symbolising the offering of light to the universe and the removal of darkness (ignorance) from one's life. The fast concludes the next morning after the Chaturdashi Tithi is over, with the offering of prayers and distributing Prasad (blessed food).
Next Story