అనంత చతుర్దశి వ్రతము

Anant Vrata, Anantha Vratam, also refeered as Anant Padmanabha swamy vratha, is a puja to Lord Vishnu observed on Anant Chaturdashi day. In 2010, the date of Anant Vrata or Anant Chaturdasi is September 22. Anant Vrat is performed on the fourteenth day in Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month.

Ananta Vratam is dedicated to Lord Ananta Padmanabha Swamy, who is Lord Vishnu appears in Anant Sayana form, reclines on Ananta (Aadi Seshu – Snake Anant). Anant vrata is performed by married couple for marital bliss.

Why Ananta Vrata is performed?

Devotees of Lord Vishnu believe that worship of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananta Padmanabha, will remove their sorrows. The word ‘Ananta itself gives the meaning – endless. Endless joy and happiness is provided by performing Anantha Vratham. Ananta Vratam has to be observed for 14 consecutive years by married couple for their long and everlasting bond of love and affection.

Legend of Ananta Vrata:

The legend and the Anant Vrat Katha are mentioned in several Puranas. According to some legends, Lord Krishna suggested King Yudhishtira to observe Anant Vrata for 14 continuous years to get rid of his sorrows and to bring back his wealth and kingdom that he lost in gambling game of Kauravas.

Ananta Daaram – Sacred thread of Anant Vrata:

The important ritual of Anant Vrata is tying the Sacred Thread, Anant Daara, to hand. The performers of Anant Vrata place the Anant Daaram along with the idol of Anant Padmanabha to sanctify the thread. Anant Daara is worshipped along with the Lord by showering turmeric powder, kumkum and akshata and all other pujas. Ananta Daara is made of 14 strands which indicate the 14 years of the observance of Anantha Vratha. In some places people prepare it of 14 knots.

After performing Ananta Vratham, women tie Anantha Daaram on their left hand men on to their right hand or vice versa. In some regions, devotees prepare an idol of Lord Anantha Padmanabha swami with Durva (garika or darbha) grass blades and worship the Lord with placing it in a bamboo basket.