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Lord Vishnu (Ananta form), Lord Ganesha
Anant Chaturdashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Ananta (infinite) form — reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha in the ocean of milk. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna narrated the Ananta Vrata Katha to Yudhishthira, explaining how King Sumanta and Queen Diksha regained their lost fortune by observing this vow. This day also marks the conclusion of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, when Ganesh idols are immersed (Visarjan) in water.
Anant Chaturdashi symbolizes the infinite and imperishable nature of Lord Vishnu. The 14 knots represent the 14 Lokas (realms) of the universe. Observing this vrata is said to bring enduring prosperity and remove past-life debts. The Ganesh Visarjan teaches non-attachment — accepting the cycle of arrival and departure.
Tie the Ananta thread (14-knotted sacred thread dyed in turmeric) on the right wrist while reciting the Ananta Vrata Katha. Offer 14 types of flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu. For Ganesh Visarjan, carry the idol in a procession with drums and devotional songs to a river, lake, or sea for immersion.
Anant Chaturdashi puja is performed on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi during Madhyahna (midday). Ganesh Visarjan can be done anytime during the day but is traditionally performed in the evening.
On this auspicious Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi, I perform this Anant Chaturdashi Vrat and puja to worship Lord Vishnu in His infinite (Anant) form, for the attainment of eternal prosperity, removal of all obstacles, and liberation. I also bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with devotion and gratitude.
Rise early and bathe. Clean the puja area. Prepare the Anant Sutra: take a cotton thread, dye it with turmeric or saffron, and tie 14 knots while chanting Vishnu's name. Place a Vishnu image or idol on the altar.
Listen to or recite the Anant Chaturdashi Vrat Katha, which narrates the story of Lord Krishna advising Yudhishthira to observe this vrat, and the tale of King Sumanta and Queen Sushila who regained their lost prosperity through this vrat.
Worship the 14-knot Anant Sutra by applying sandalwood paste, kumkum, and akshat to it. Offer flowers and incense. The 14 knots represent the 14 lokas (worlds) sustained by Lord Vishnu in His infinite form.
Tie the sacred Anant Sutra on the right wrist (men) or left wrist (women) while chanting the Anant mantra. This thread is worn for 14 days and then immersed in water. It symbolizes the devotee's bond with the infinite Lord.
Perform final aarti of Lord Ganesha. Offer modak and sweets. Apply kumkum tilak to the idol. Pray for Ganesha's return next year. Chant "Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" (O Lord Ganesha, come again early next year).
Take the Ganesha idol in a procession with music, chanting, and dancing to a water body (river, lake, sea, or a prepared tank). Immerse the idol gently with devotion. Use eco-friendly idols and minimize water pollution. After visarjan, return home and do not look back.
Anant Vishnu Mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय अनन्ताय सहस्रशीर्षाय क्षीरोदशायिने नमः॥
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya anantāya sahasraśīrṣāya kṣīrodaśāyine namaḥ ||
Obeisance to Lord Vasudeva, the infinite one with a thousand heads, who reclines on the ocean of milk.
14x Japa CountGanesh Visarjan Mantra
यान्तु देवगणाः सर्वे पूजामादाय मामकीम्। इष्टकामसमृद्ध्यर्थं पुनरागमनाय च॥
yāntu devagaṇāḥ sarve pūjāmādāya māmakīm | iṣṭakāmasamṛddhyarthaṃ punarāgamanāya ca ||
May all the divine hosts depart, accepting my worship, for the fulfilment of desires and prosperity, and may they return again.
1x Japa CountOffer 14 types of fruits representing the 14 lokas, along with modak and laddoo for Lord Ganesha. Kheer (rice pudding), seasonal fruits, and sweets are offered to Lord Anant (Vishnu).
Anant Chaturdashi bestows infinite (anant) blessings of Lord Vishnu. The 14-year vrat grants unending prosperity, removal of poverty and suffering, and ultimately moksha. The Ganesh Visarjan teaches the spiritual lesson of non-attachment — welcoming the divine with joy and releasing with equal grace.
The Ganesh idol is immersed in water with full devotion and festive farewell. The Anant Sutra is worn for 14 days and then immersed in flowing water. Both immersions symbolize the return of the divine to the universal consciousness.