Anant Chaturdashi
अनंत चतुर्दशी • Ananta Caturdaśī
"Fourteenth Day dedicated to the Infinite (Ananta) Lord Vishnu"
Timing & Schedule
Presiding Deity
Mythology & Legends
Celebrates Lord Vishnu in his infinite (Ananta) form, especially as he reclines on Sheshanaga (the infinite serpent).
Anant Vrat Katha
A Brahmin named Sumant and his wife Diksha observed Anant Vrat. Their daughter Sushila, married to Kaundinya, convinced her husband to discard the Anant thread in anger. This brought misfortune until Kaundinya found the thread again and sought Lord Anant's forgiveness. The story teaches the power of the vrat.
Source: Bhavishya Purana
Krishna and Yudhishthira
Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthira to observe Anant Vrat for regaining his lost kingdom. The vrat proved successful and the Pandavas prospered.
Source: Mahabharata
Vamana Avatar
Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana on this day to reclaim the three worlds from King Bali.
Source: Bhagavata Purana
Anant Chaturdashi worship seeks Vishnu's infinite blessings for prosperity and protection. The sacred thread (Anant Sutra) represents the eternal bond with the divine.
Rituals & Puja
Preparation
- Making Anant idol or image
- Preparing sacred thread with 14 knots
- Arranging puja items
Main Rituals
Anant Puja
Worshipping Anant Vishnu with the sacred thread
Timing: Morning
Anant Sutra Bandhan
Tying the sacred thread with 14 knots on right wrist
Timing: After puja
Katha Shravan
Listening to Anant Vrat Katha
Timing: During puja
Ganesh Visarjan
Immersion of Ganesha idols after 10-day worship
Timing: Throughout day, especially evening
Puja Items
Puja Procedure
- 1 Wake early and bathe
- 2 Set up Anant image
- 3 Perform Shodashopachara puja
- 4 Tie 14 knots in sacred thread
- 5 Recite Anant Vrat Katha
- 6 Tie Anant Sutra on right hand
- 7 Observe partial fast
- 8 Perform Ganesh Visarjan
Mantras
Om Anantaya Namah
Vishnu Sahasranama
Anant Vrat mantras
Food & Celebrations
Traditional Celebrations
- Anant Vrat observance
- Grand Ganesh Visarjan processions
- Community celebrations
- Music and dance processions
Special Foods
Prasad: Prasad from both Anant and Ganesha puja
Decorations
Activities
- Morning Anant puja
- Evening Ganesh processions
- Immersion ceremonies
- Cultural performances
Fasting (Vrat)
| Required | Yes |
| Type | Partial fast; some observe complete fast |
| Breaking | After puja with sattvic food |
Regional Variations
Anant Chaturdashi
Local Name: Anant Chaturdashi
- Massive Ganesh Visarjan
- Mumbai's famous processions
- Lalbaugcha Raja immersion
Anant Chaudas
Local Name: Anant Chaudas
- Focus on Anant Vrat
- Thread tying ceremony
- Vishnu worship
Ananta Chaturdashi
Local Name: Ananta Chaturdashi
- Both Anant Vrat and Ganesha Visarjan
- Community celebrations
Anant Chaturdashi
Local Name: Anant Chaturdashi
- Anant Vrat tradition
- Ganesh Visarjan
Astrological Significance
Benefits
Spiritual Benefits
- Lord Vishnu's infinite blessings
- Protection from difficulties
- Spiritual progress
Material Benefits
- Prosperity and wealth
- Recovery of lost wealth/position
- Success in endeavors
Protection Benefits
- Removal of obstacles
- Protection from misfortune
- Family welfare
