Vaikuntha Chaturdashi
festivalsAlso known as: Vaikuntha 14
Quick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Monday, November 23, 2026
- Tithi
- Kartika Shukla Chaturdashi (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 02:38 AM, Nov 23 to 11:43 PM, Nov 23
- Lunar month
- Kartika · Shukla Paksha
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi
Monday, November 23, 2026
Lunar Month: Kartika
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi at a Glance
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is fixed by the lunar calendar to Kartika Shukla Chaturdashi, the 14th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Kartika.
- Tithi rule
- Kartika Shukla Chaturdashi (Purnimanta)Shukla ChaturdashiKartika month
- Tithi swami and group
- Shiva · Rikta Tithi
Panchanga on This Day
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi · Nov 23, 2026
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.
- 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.
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi: Frequently Asked Questions
Kartika Shukla Chaturdashi; its swami is Shiva, a Rikta Tithi.
Shukla Chaturdashi: 02:38 AM, Mon, Nov 23, 2026 to 11:43 PM, Mon, Nov 23, 2026 (IST).
Kartika Shukla Chaturdashi: 10:22 AM, Fri, Nov 12, 2027 to 09:56 AM, Sat, Nov 13, 2027 (IST).
It uniquely honors both Vishnu and Shiva, emphasizing unity rather than sectarian difference, and the night-long vigil is believed to grant liberation.
Yes, after a morning bath and charity, the fast is usually broken during the daytime of Kartika Amavasya.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Kartika
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
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