Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is a holy day which is observed one day before Kartik Purnima. The Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi during Kartik month is considered sacred for the devotees of Lord Vishnu as well as Lord Shiva

 Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is a holy day which is observed one day before Kartik Purnima. The Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi during Kartik month is considered sacred for the devotees of Lord Vishnu as well as Lord Shiva

because both deities are worshipped together on the same day.

Most of the temples in Varanasi observe Vaikuntha Chaturdashi and it falls one day before significant ritual of Dev Diwali. Apart from Varanasi, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is also observed in Rishikesh, Gaya and many cities in Maharashtra. Fast is observed on this day to worship Shri Narayana and Lord Shiva.

The Legend has it that Shri Vishnu decided to visit Shiva who was residing at Kashi. Shri Vishnu collected 1000 lotus flowers from Manasarovar to offer it on the Shivalingam at Kashi by reciting the 1000 names of Shiva. After collecting the flowers from Manasarovar in the Himalayas, Shri Vishnu reached Kashi and was warmly welcomed by Lord Shiva. Shri Vishnu then began to offer the flowers one by one to the Shivalingam at Kashi. He offered one lotus flower on chanting each name of Shiva. Shri Vishnu was fully absorbed in his worship when Shiva decided to test Him and removed one lotus flower that Shri Vishnu had brought and hid it.

Shri Vishnu chanted the 1000th name of Shiva and when he looked for the 1000th lotus flower it was missing. Lord Vishnu, known as Kamalakanan – the lotus eyed, offered one of his eyes to Shiva. Shiva was moved by this devotion of Lord Vishnu and immediately hugged Vishnu and thus restoring his eye. Lord Shiva then presented the Sudarshana Chakra to lord Vishnu to fight evil. Shri Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped on the day and people observe fast on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi. 

On this day Shri Vishnu is given a special place of honour in the sanctum of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Varanasi. The temple is described as Vaikuntha on this day. Both the deities are ritually worshipped as though they are worshipping each other. Shri Vishnu offers tulsi (holy basil) leaves (traditionally used in Vishnu worship) to Shiva, and Shiva in turn offers Bael leaves (traditionally offered to Shiva) to Shri Vishnu, which is taboo otherwise.

Devotees start the pujas after taking baths, fasting for the whole day, and offering akshat ( turmeric mixed rice), sandalwood (Chandan) paste, sacred water of the Ganges, flowers, incense and camphor to both the deities. Then they offer lighted deeps (earthen lamps) and batti (cotton wick) as a special offering for the day. At Lord Shivas the Grishneshwar temple Maharashtra also, Shri Vishnu is offered Bael leaves and Shiva is offered Tulsi leaves. It is considered to portray the union of Vishnu and Shiva! 

Jai Shri HariHar ~ Jai Shri ShankarNarayana ~ Har Har Mahadev Shambhu Kashi Vishwanath Gange!!!