Anant Chaturdashi is one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada month, this festival honors Lord Vishnu’s infinite form Anant, the eternal protector of the universe. In 2025, Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on September 6, Saturday (IST).
While many know this day as the farewell of Ganesh Chaturthi idols, the deeper significance lies in worshipping Lord Vishnu in His endless form, symbolizing infinity, prosperity, and spiritual liberation.
The Divine Story of Anant Chaturdashi
According to ancient texts, the story goes as follows:
- Once, Sutji Rishi narrated to the sages that in the Dwapar Yuga, the Pandavas faced immense hardships after losing their kingdom in the game of dice.
- To restore their fortune, Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthira to observe the vow of Anant Chaturdashi.
- Lord Krishna explained the glory of Anant, the eternal form of Vishnu, who lies on Sheshnag in the cosmic ocean, sustaining the universe.
- By tying the sacred Anant Sutra (thread), one invokes Lord Vishnu’s blessings of infinite protection, prosperity, and victory over obstacles.
This day is also connected with the story of Sushila and Kaundinya Rishi. Sushila observed the Anant Chaturdashi vrat with full devotion, tying the red-yellow sacred thread dedicated to Lord Vishnu. But when her husband Kaundinya mocked and discarded the thread, they suffered immense misfortunes. Realizing his mistake, he undertook penance, and finally, Lord Vishnu restored their happiness.
This tale signifies the power of faith and the eternal blessings of Vishnu’s Anant form.
Rituals of Anant Chaturdashi
On this auspicious day, devotees perform:
- Puja of Lord Vishnu in His Anant form with flowers, fruits, and Tulsi leaves.
- The Anant Sutra, a sacred thread with 14 knots, is tied on the right wrist for men and on the left wrist for women.
- Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama and shlokas like:
“अनन्तं वासुदेवं ह्यनादिनिधनं हरिम्।
शेषशायिनमच्युतं च नित्यं ध्यायन्ति योगिनः॥“ - Fasting and charity, followed by sharing prasad with family and community.
Astrological and Spiritual Significance
From an astrological perspective, Anant Chaturdashi is highly beneficial for:
- Wealth & Prosperity: Worshipping Lord Vishnu strengthens Jupiter (Guru), the planet of wisdom, wealth, and dharma.
- Marriage & Relationships: The Anant Sutra is believed to safeguard marital harmony and dispel conflicts between partners.
- Victory Over Challenges: Those facing sudden obstacles in career or legal matters gain relief.
- Spiritual Growth: The observance removes karmic debts and ensures progress toward moksha.
Practical Remedies on Anant Chaturdashi
If you want to align with the cosmic blessings of this day, try these simple remedies:
- For Wealth & Stability: Offer the Anant Sutra to Lord Vishnu with 14 types of flowers or fruits, and then tie it for blessings of prosperity and steadiness.
- For Harmony in Marriage: Couples should worship together and tie the sacred thread with faith.
- For Career & Success: Chant “ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय” 108 times during sunrise (IST).
- For Protection from Negativity: Offer yellow sweets to Brahmins or donate yellow clothes.
Connection with Ganesh Visarjan
Interestingly, in Maharashtra and many parts of India, Anant Chaturdashi also marks Ganesh Visarjan, the farewell of Lord Ganesha after Ganesh Chaturthi. Symbolically, Ganesha removes obstacles while Vishnu ensures infinite blessings. Together, the day represents completion and renewal, letting go of the past and embracing divine eternity.
Conclusion
Anant Chaturdashi is not just a festival; it is a reminder of the infinite nature of divinity and the eternal support of Lord Vishnu in human life. Observing this vrat with sincere devotion is believed to attract abundance, harmony, and spiritual growth.
May Lord Vishnu’s Anant form bless every devotee with prosperity, harmony, and liberation.
Q: What blessings does one receive by tying the Anant Sutra on Anant Chaturdashi?
A: The Anant Sutra, with its 14 knots, symbolizes Lord Vishnu’s infinite blessings. When tied with devotion, it brings protection from obstacles, ensures prosperity, and strengthens relationships. Men tie it on the right hand, while women tie it on the left, invoking divine grace for harmony and stability.
