Vaikuntha Chaturdashi

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Also known as: Vaikuntha 14

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2026 Festival Date & Muhurta

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi

Monday, November 23, 2026

Lunar Month: Kartika

Tithi / Muhurta Timings

Tithi Begins:02:38 AM, Nov 23

Tithi Ends:11:43 PM, Nov 23

About Vaikuntha Chaturdashi

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is a luminous and esoteric festival observed on the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha of Kartika month, the night before Kartika Amavasya. It celebrates the profound unity between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, two supreme manifestations of the Divine. On this night, it is believed that the gates of Vaikuntha were opened for Lord Shiva himself, signifying that bhakti transcends all sectarian boundaries.

The name combines "Vaikuntha" (the eternal, sorrowless abode of Lord Vishnu) with "Chaturdashi" (the fourteenth lunar day). Observances include lighting rows of lamps, chanting Vishnu Sahasranama and Rudram, and performing charity. The light symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the welcoming of divine grace into the devotee's life.

Particularly in South Indian Vaishnava tradition, the day is also linked to the remembrance of Lord Rama's name, for Shiva is said to have chanted the Rama mantra a thousand times at Rameshwaram. Fasting, vigil, and total surrender mark this night, which is said to grant Vaikuntha-prapti to sincere devotees.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees keep a strict night-long vigil, worship both Hari and Hara, and offer lamps to cross the darkness of worldly existence.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Bathe before sunrise and wear clean, preferably white or yellow, clothes.
Observe a full-day fast abstaining from grains, beans, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food; take only fruits and milk if needed.
Light 14 or 108 pure ghee lamps (deepams) in the home altar and at the threshold during the evening.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Rudram, and the Rama Nama Taraka mantra through the night.
Offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu and Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva.
Donate blankets, food, and sesame oil to Brahmins or the needy before breaking the fast next morning.

Vrat Katha: The Gates of Vaikuntha Open for Shiva

Long ago, after the destruction of the demon Tripurasura, Lord Shiva carried the ashes of the demon to Banaras and then approached Vaikuntha, weary from the cosmic battle. Lord Vishnu, filled with compassion, personally came out to receive his beloved devotee and opened the gates of Vaikuntha wide for him.

Seeing this, the gatekeepers were astonished, but Vishnu explained that Shiva is the supreme Vaishnava and that no barrier can exist between Hari and Hara. Since then, devotees believe that on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi the borders between the abodes of Vishnu and Shiva dissolve.

Those who light lamps, chant the names of Rama and Shiva, and remain awake on this night are granted the merit of reaching Vaikuntha and liberation from repeated birth and death.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is special about Vaikuntha Chaturdashi?

It uniquely honors both Vishnu and Shiva, emphasizing unity rather than sectarian difference, and the night-long vigil is believed to grant liberation.

Q: Can the fast be broken on Amavasya?

Yes, after a morning bath and charity, the fast is usually broken during the daytime of Kartika Amavasya.

Panchanga on This Day

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi · Nov 23, 2026

New Delhi, IndiaFull Dainik Panchang →

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Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.

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About Vaikuntha Chaturdashi

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees keep a strict night-long vigil, worship both Hari and Hara, and offer lamps to cross the darkness of worldly existence.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Bathe before sunrise and wear clean, preferably white or yellow, clothes.
Observe a full-day fast abstaining from grains, beans, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food; take only fruits and milk if needed.
Light 14 or 108 pure ghee lamps (deepams) in the home altar and at the threshold during the evening.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Rudram, and the Rama Nama Taraka mantra through the night.
Offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu and Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva.
Donate blankets, food, and sesame oil to Brahmins or the needy before breaking the fast next morning.

Vrat Katha: The Gates of Vaikuntha Open for Shiva

Those who light lamps, chant the names of Rama and Shiva, and remain awake on this night are granted the merit of reaching Vaikuntha and liberation from repeated birth and death.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is special about Vaikuntha Chaturdashi?

It uniquely honors both Vishnu and Shiva, emphasizing unity rather than sectarian difference, and the night-long vigil is believed to grant liberation.

Q: Can the fast be broken on Amavasya?

Yes, after a morning bath and charity, the fast is usually broken during the daytime of Kartika Amavasya.