Vaikunta Chaturdashi is an auspicious event celebrated on the 14th day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). This day is dedicated to
Lord Vishnu, who showed his utter devotion towards
Lord Shiva.
According to legend, Lord Vishnu had visited the holy city of Benares (modern Varanasi) to offer his worship to Lord Shiva. He had vowed to offer 1000 lotus flowers to Lord Shiva. To test his devotion, Lord Shiva hid one flower. On noticing a flower missing, Lord Vishnu instead offered his one eye to compensate for the missing flower. Pleased with the devotion, Lord Shiva offered him the Sudarshan, a disc-shaped weapon.
To celebrate this event, the devotees of Lord Vishnu offer him 1000 lotus flowers and 1000 praiseworthy words, called Vishnu Sahsranama, on the day of Vaikunta Chaturdashi.
