Vaikunth Chaturdashi, a day before Kartik Pournima is the most sacred day according to Indians. This is the day when two powers Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva met. This is the day when Lord Vishnu performed pujan of Lord Shiva. A day when a person who worships Lord Vishnu could get a place in Vaikunth.
This year, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi will be celebrated on November 28.
The Chaturdashi tithi begins at 10:21 AM on November 28 and ends at 12:47 PM on November 29.
As per the drikpanchang, the puja must be performed at Nishita Kaal between 11:42 PM, November 28 to 12:37 AM November 29.
Vaikunth Chaturdashi is the most significant day for hindus as It is said that Lord Krishna had performed Shradh of the warriors who died during Mahabharata, it is said that lord Krishna had offered his prayers on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi itself.
According to a legend in Shiv Purana, LordVishnu went toVaranasi to worship Lord Shiva by offering him a 1,000 lotuses. When Lord Vishnu was about to offer the 1000 lotuses to Lord Shiva, He found that the 1000th lotus is missing, so to ful- fill his puja, he plucked one of his eyes, which are compared to lotus- es, and offered it to Lord Shiva. The deity was then pleased by Lord Vishnu’s devotion and Lord Shiva restored the plucked eye that Lord Vishnu had offered Him.Lord Shiva also blessed Him with a Sudarshana Chakra, which is con- sidered as one of the most powerful weapons of Lord Vishnu.
On this day devotees offer a thousand lotuses to LordVishnu and recite Vishnu Sahasranama as well. The devotees pray Lord Vishnu at midnight while they offer prayers to Lord Shiva at the dawn.
In Varanasi, Shiva devotees have an early morning bath at Manikarnika ghat which is also known as Manikarnika Snan. There is a belief that the Shivling at Kashi appeared before Vishnu and he performed puja to it. This is the reason why this day is also observed as KashiVishwanath Sthapana Diwas.
