Baikuntha (Chaturdashi) fourteenth

The Chaturdashi of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month is known as Baikuntha Chaudas.

This year, this fast falls on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Ancient belief holds that this day marks the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Therefore, devotees of both Shiva and Vishnu celebrate this day with great pomp and enthusiasm. Baikuntha Chaturdashi is celebrated on a grand scale, especially in Ujjain and Varanasi. In Ujjain, Lord Mahakal’s procession is carried out with great pomp and show, and fireworks are displayed, similar to Diwali.

mythological belief

Regarding Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, it is believed in Hindu religion that all the auspicious works of the world take place in the presence of Lord Vishnu, but during the four months of Vishnu’s sleep, Lord Shiva takes charge of the creation. When Lord Vishnu awakens on Dev Uthani Ekadashi, Lord Shiva reassigns his duties to him on Chaturdashi. Therefore, this day is celebrated with great fervor.

Once Narada asks Lord Vishnu the way to attain salvation through simple devotion. Hearing the words of Narada, Lord Vishnu said, O Narada, the doors of heaven open for those men and women who observe fast on the Chaturdashi of the bright fortnight of Kartik month and worship me with devotion and faith, Therefore, Lord Hari orders the gates of heaven to be kept open on Kartik Chaturdashi. Lord Vishnu says that any devotee who worships him on this day will attain Vaikuntha.

How is it celebrated…?

This day is significant for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Special prayers are offered to both deities on this day. Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is celebrated on a grand scale at Ujjain Mahakal. On this day, anointing Lord Shiva with various substances holds great significance. By adorning him with special ornaments and offering him cannabis, dhatura, and bel leaves, one attains all kinds of happiness.

On Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, Lord Vishnu should be worshipped and adorned.

Vishnu Sahasranaama should be recited.

This day is celebrated in Vishnu temples, similar to Diwali.

On this day, one should bathe in holy rivers and perform charitable acts. This atones for all sins.

By donating lamps in rivers, one receives the blessings of Vishnu and Lakshmi.

On Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, observe a fast and light 14 lamps on the banks of a pond or river under the shadow of stars. Sitting there, bathe Lord Vishnu and worship him according to the prescribed rituals. Offer him offerings of Tulsi leaves.

On this day, observe a fast after bathing. The scriptures hold that those who worship Lord Vishnu with one thousand lotus flowers and then offer prayers to Shiva will be freed from bondage and attain the abode of Vaikuntha.

Vishnu mantra

padmanaabhoravindaksh: padmastambh: shareerabhoot.

maharddhirddho vrddhaatma mahaaksho garudadhvaj..

atul: sharabho bheem: samayagyo havirhari.

sarvalakshanalakshanyo lakshmeevaansamitinjay.

Shiva Mantra

vande maheshan surasiddhasevitan bhaktaih sada poojitapaadapadmam.

brahmendravishnupramukhaishch vanditan dhyaayetsada kaamadudhan aakarshakam.

Significance of Baikuntha Chaturdashi

Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi symbolizes the unity of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. According to ancient legends, Lord Vishnu once resolved to offer one thousand golden lotus flowers to Lord Shiva in Kashi. When the time for the ritual arrives, Lord Shiva drops one golden flower to test Lord Vishnu. When the flower is gone, Lord Vishnu, remembering his name “Kamal Nayana” and “Pundari Kaksha,” agrees to offer one of his eyes. Seeing his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared. He took his hand and declared, “This Chaturdashi of the bright fortnight of Kartik month, which is dedicated to you, will be known as ‘Vaikuntha Chaudas.'”

On this Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, Lord Shiva bestows the Sudarshan Chakra, which has the radiance of millions of suns, upon Lord Vishnu. The gates of heaven remain open on this day.

Jai Shri Sitaram.
Jai Shri Radhakrishna.
Om Namah Shivay.