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Anant Chaturdashi अनंत चतुर्दशी

Dedicated to Vishnu

About Anant Chaturdashi

Anant Chaturdashi falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi, the 14th day of the bright half. It holds dual significance: it marks the grand conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival with massive visarjan processions, and it is independently observed as the day dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his infinite (Anant) form. The Anant Vrat, observed on this day, involves tying a sacred thread with 14 knots (representing 14 lokas/worlds) on the wrist and worshipping Lord Vishnu for infinite blessings and protection. According to the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna himself narrated the importance of this vrat to Yudhishthira for regaining lost prosperity. The Ganesh visarjan celebrations are the most spectacular in Mumbai, where millions participate in processions lasting through the night.

अनंत चतुर्दशी भाद्रपद शुक्ल चतुर्दशी, शुक्ल पक्ष के 14वें दिन पड़ती है। इसका दोहरा महत्व है: यह भव्य विसर्जन शोभा यात्राओं के साथ 10 दिवसीय गणेश चतुर्थी उत्सव का भव्य समापन चिह्नित करती है, और स्वतंत्र रूप से भगवान विष्णु के अनंत (अनंत) रूप को समर्पित दिन के रूप में मनाई जाती है। इस दिन अनंत व्रत रखा जाता है, जिसमें कलाई पर 14 गाँठों वाला पवित्र धागा (14 लोकों का प्रतिनिधित्व) बाँधा जाता है और अनंत आशीर्वाद और सुरक्षा के लिए भगवान विष्णु की पूजा की जाती है। महाभारत के अनुसार, भगवान कृष्ण ने स्वयं युधिष्ठिर को खोई हुई समृद्धि पुनः प्राप्त करने के लिए इस व्रत का महत्व बताया। गणेश विसर्जन का उत्सव मुंबई में सबसे भव्य होता है, जहाँ लाखों लोग रात भर चलने वाली शोभा यात्राओं में भाग लेते हैं।

Spiritual Significance

Anant Chaturdashi celebrates Lord Vishnu's infinite nature and his promise of eternal protection to devotees. The festival symbolizes both the joy of divine celebration (Ganesh visarjan) and the spiritual discipline of seeking Vishnu's infinite blessings through the Anant Vrat.

अनंत चतुर्दशी भगवान विष्णु की अनंत प्रकृति और भक्तों को शाश्वत सुरक्षा के उनके वादे का उत्सव है। यह त्योहार दिव्य उत्सव के आनंद (गणेश विसर्जन) और अनंत व्रत के माध्यम से विष्णु के अनंत आशीर्वाद की खोज की आध्यात्मिक अनुशासन दोनों का प्रतीक है।

Key Rituals & Practices

  1. Observe Anant Vrat and tie the sacred thread with 14 knots
  2. Worship Lord Vishnu in his Anant (infinite) form
  3. Participate in the grand Ganesh visarjan procession
  4. Recite the Anant Vrat Katha narrated by Lord Krishna
  5. Offer 14 types of flowers and fruits to Vishnu

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Anant Vrat?

The Anant Vrat is a sacred observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his infinite (Anant) form. Devotees fast, tie a sacred thread (anant sutra) with 14 knots on their right wrist, and worship Vishnu for 14 consecutive years to complete the vrat cycle. The 14 knots represent the 14 worlds (lokas) of Hindu cosmology. Lord Krishna narrated this vrat to Yudhishthira in the Mahabharata, promising that its observance would restore lost wealth, overcome difficulties, and bring eternal blessings.

Why does Ganesh visarjan happen on Anant Chaturdashi?

The 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival begins on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (4th) and concludes on Chaturdashi (14th). While some families immerse their Ganesha idols on the 1.5th, 3rd, 5th, or 7th day, the grandest visarjan takes place on the 10th and final day — Anant Chaturdashi. The timing allows for a full period of worship, community celebration, and spiritual merit before the farewell. The convergence with Lord Vishnu's Anant day adds to the auspiciousness.

How is Anant Chaturdashi celebrated in Mumbai?

Mumbai's Anant Chaturdashi is one of India's largest public celebrations. Thousands of Ganesh idols — from household-sized to massive community installations reaching 20-30 feet — are carried to the sea in vibrant processions with dhol-tasha (drums and cymbals), dancing, and chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya.' The famous Lalbaugcha Raja visarjan can take over 20 hours. Major immersion points include Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, and artificial lakes. The processions begin in the afternoon and continue through the next morning.

Festival Details

Deity
Vishnu
Category
Divine Birth
Regions
Pan-India
Calendar Basis
Hindu Lunar (Panchang)
Hindu Month
Bhadrapada — Shukla Paksha, Chaturdashi
Importance
normal