Vaikunth Chaturdashi, also known as Hari Har Milan, is marked as an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Ever wondered who celebrates this and why? Well, we’ve got you covered. This sacred day is known to worship Lord Vishnu and Shiv together: Hari and Har. On this divine union’s day, devotees observe a full-day vrat, believing the gates of Vaikunth open and remove all of their Karmic sins.
Further, we believe you might want to know the spiritual significance of this auspicious day. Who should and shouldn’t celebrate this festival? Learn the exact date, time, and vidhi of the puja. Read on till the end for all details!
Spiritual Significance & Exact Time
Known as one of the rarest occasions in a year, Vaikunth Chaturdashi will be celebrated on November 4th this year. And Nishita Muhurta (for Vishnu worship) starts at 11:39 PM and ends at 12:31 AM, November 5. The Chaturdashi Tithi will start at 2:05 AM in the night, on November 4, 2025, and will end at 10:36 PM, November 4, 2025.
During this occasion, devotees offer a strict fast and perform special prayers to both the deities, admiring their creators’ art of cosmic balance. Worshipping the deities together this day brings immense happiness and a deeper connection with the divine gods.
Why do we celebrate?
As per the Shiv Purana, Lord Vishnu visited Varanasi to worship Lord Shiv on Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi. Where he offered Mahadeva a thousand lotus flowers, which pleased the Lord.
Vaikunth Chaturdashi or Baikuntha Chaturdashi falls one day before Dev Diwali– another significant festival.
Devotees gather at the holy place of Varanasi and celebrate the sacred union, experiencing happiness and peace. Apart from Varanasi, devotees may celebrate the holy day in spiritual destinations like Rishikesh, Gaya, and a few cities in Maharashtra.
This day is important for people who worship both deities with sincere faith. It is said to lessen suffering and remove defects from one’s horoscope. particularly when performed on auspicious days tied to Vedic tradition and astrology. Hence, the day is considered highly auspicious for those seeking relief from planetary doshas and life challenges.
Celebrating the Right Way: Step-by-Step Ritual Guide
All of us devotees wish to seek blessings from our deity or cleanse past sins. Therefore, such moments occur once a year! If you are observing a fast or vrat on this auspicious day, then you must follow these specific rituals. The best way to celebrate this sacred festival is to follow the rituals correctly and donate food or clothes to the needy. Here, we have mentioned 5 rituals for you to follow:
- Holy Bath with Fasting
To perform the holy bath, wake up at the “Brahma Muhurt– between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM approx”. If you are in Varanasi, visit the Manikarnika Ghat and take the holy dip. For fasting/vrat, avoid any kind of grain, fruits, or milk. The fast seems strict, but it teaches discipline to an individual. You can intake water throughout the day.
If performing at home, one can sprinkle Gangajal or take a bath after mixing a few drops of Gangajal in water.
- Puja Preparation
It’s important to clean the puja ghar or puja area properly to invite positive energies. Facing east, place the idols of Lord Shiv and Vishnu together at your eye level. You may also decorate the area with fresh flowers and rangoli.
Traditionally, Lord Vishnu’s idol is placed to the right of Lord Shiva (devotee’s perspective). This is in honor of the legend of Vishnu visiting Shiva.
- Puja Vidhi
Use water, milk, ghee, curd, sugar, and perfume to perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) of both the idols. It is believed that doing this step helps wash away spiritual impurities.
Light a ghee diya or lamp mixed with saffron (if available). Place incense sticks or dhoop to invoke the Lord. This step helps to invoke positive emotions in the devotee.
Offer Bael leaves to Lord Shiva and Tulsi leaves with Lotus flowers to Lord Vishnu separately. Avoid interchanging these sacred offerings.
- Mantra Recital
For enhancing the spiritual atmosphere around you, chant Vishnu Mantra– ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya) and Shiv Mantra– ॐ नमः शिवाय (Om Namah Shivaya). Chanting mantras can also be done throughout the day, while doing daily chores, studying, or cleaning the home.
In Conclusion
Vaikuntha Chaturdashi 2025 is a special day to worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, symbolizing unity and devotion. Observing fasts, offering prayers, and practicing charity purifies the heart and mind, inviting blessings for peace and prosperity. Whether celebrated simply at home or grandly at temples like Kashi Vishwanath, this festival guides devotees on the path to spiritual growth and salvation through sincere devotion and sacred rituals.