Anant Chaturdashi also known as Anant Chaudas, is an important Hindu festival in honour of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe and the deity with many avatars. On this holy day, devotees worship Lord Anant, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and seek his blessings for prosperity and protection from adversities.
Anant Chaturdashi Date and Time 2024 In 2024
Anant Chaturdashi will be celebrated on September 17. The festival falls on the 14th day of the month of Bhadrapada during Shukla Paksha according to the Hindu calendar. This day is also significant for the ritual of Ganesha Visarjan, in which devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing his idols in water.
Rituals of Anant Chaturdashi
The name “Anant” means “eternal” while “Chaturdashi” refers to the fourteenth day. On this day, men traditionally fast and tie a sacred thread with 14 knots on their arms, symbolizing the 14 years of the vow they are taking in honour of Lord Anant. The fast is observed for 14 consecutive years to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu to rid themselves of past sins and ensure the well-being of their family and children. The ritual reflects devotion, perseverance and the hope of regaining lost prosperity through divine blessings.
Origins of Anant Chaturdashi
The origins of Anant Chaturdashi are rooted in Hindu mythology. One such story is about the Pandavas who lost their wealth and kingdom in a game of chance with the Kauravas, which led to their 12-year exile. During this time, King Yudhisthira sought advice from Lord Krishna to overcome their misfortune. Lord Krishna advised him to worship Lord Anant and observe a fast, promising that this would help them regain their lost glory and kingdom.
Another legend associated with Anant Chaturdashi is the story of sage Kaundinya and his wife Sushila. Sushila, the daughter of a Brahmin named Sumant, came to know about the importance of worshipping Lord Anant while accompanying her husband. After tying a sacred thread with 14 knots on her arm, she explained its meaning to Kaundinya, who initially refused and threw the thread into the fire. This disregard resulted in them losing all their wealth.
Realising his mistake, Kaundinya undertook severe penance to appease Lord Anant. After enduring many hardships and almost giving up, he was rescued by a hermit and taken to a cave where Lord Vishnu appeared. Lord Vishnu instructed Kaundinya to observe the Anant Chaturdashi fast for 14 years to regain his lost wealth. Kaundinya followed this vow with devotion and since then this fast is observed on Anant Chaturdashi with great reverence.
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