Anant Chaturdashi 2023
The Anant Chaturdashi observance holds immense significance within Hinduism, also recognized as Anant Chaudas. This day pays tribute to the multifaceted Lord Vishnu, encompassing numerous avatars.
Taking place on the 14th day of the Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of the Bhadrapad month in the Hindu Calendar, this festival embodies the spirit of unity and universal brotherhood. During Anant Chaturdashi, devotees not only offer reverence to Lord Vishnu but also tie a thread around His arm. This thread, made of either silk or cotton, features 14 knots. Coinciding with this event, the Ganesh Visarjan is also observed, fostering national celebration with fervor. Numerous processions, featuring the Lord’s imagery, engage the masses, uniting everyone in festivity.
Anant Chaturdashi According to the Scriptures
- The fast coincides with the 14th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapad month in the Hindu Calendar. For this condition to apply, the 14th day must commence after two muhurats from sunrise.
- If the Chaturdashi date falls between two muhurats after sunrise but ends before the third muhurat, Anant Chaturdashi is observed a day earlier. The festival’s rituals, worship, homage, and fasting must be completed within the first half of the day to preserve the ritual’s sanctity. If circumstances prevent this, it’s preferable to perform these activities in the first time frame of the middle phase of the day, which spans from the 7th to the 9th muhurat.
Anant Chaturdashi Rituals and Vrat
The Agni Puran emphasizes the importance of fasting on this day. It honors the multifaceted forms of Lord Vishnu. The puja ritual is performed during the noon hours, and its method is detailed below:
1. After purifying oneself with a bath, place a kalash on the puja altar.
2. The Kalash can be adorned with an Ashtadal lotus made of kush or an image of Lord Vishnu.
3. Prepare a thread by dipping it in vermilion, saffron, and turmeric, forming 14 knots. Place this thread before the idol of Lord Vishnu.
4. Perform worship (puja) for both the thread and the deity using the Shadoshopchar method, reciting the mantra provided below. Following this, tie the sacred thread around your arm.
अनंत संसार महासुमद्रे मग्रं समभ्युद्धर वासुदेव।
अनंतरूपे विनियोजयस्व ह्रानंतसूत्राय नमो नमस्ते।।
5. Men wear the thread on their left arm, while women adorn it on their right arm. Following this, offer food to Brahmins and partake in the prasad with your entire family.
The Significance of Anant Chaturdashi
According to mythology, the Anant Chaturdashi festival originates from the Mahabharata epic. This day celebrates Lord Vishnu, who created 14 realms—Tal, Atal, Vital, Sutal, Talatal, Rasatal, Paatal, Bhi, Bhuva, Jan, Tap, Satya, and Mah. To oversee and safeguard these realms, Lord Vishnu manifested in 14 diverse avatars, earning the epithet “infinite.” He undertook these avatars to ensure the welfare of his creations and people. Hence, Anant Chaturdashi holds profound importance, allowing one to please the creator himself and receive his blessings.
Observing this fast is believed to bestow eternal contentment and a life filled with abundance and prosperity. By reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama stotra alongside the fast, all desires are believed to be fulfilled. This fast seeks the Lord’s blessings for wealth, happiness, and offspring. People across numerous Indian states observe this fast, accompanied by listening to folk tales of Lord Vishnu as a family.
Legends of Anant Chaturdashi
According to the Mahabharata, during their period of exile in the forest, the Pandavas suffered great hardships after losing their kingdom and riches in a deceitful gambling match with the Kauravas. Seeking guidance from Lord Krishna, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, was advised to observe the Anant Chaturdashi fast with his family. Lord Krishna explained the significance of Lord Anant, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, whose enduring presence signifies infinite virtues.
By venerating Lord Anant through this fast, one can overcome life’s challenges and experience the fulfillment of heart’s desires. Yudhishthira followed this counsel, and upon successful completion of the fast, his kingdom and wealth were restored.
