The Story of Ananta Chaturdashi
By Lokanath Mishra
In the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrava in each every year a special festival called Ananta Chaturdashi is being staged celebrated. This festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is also lovingly called Ananta, meaning “endless.”
People believe that even Lord Ganesha once observed this vow. That is why, on this day, devotees worship both Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha for peace, happiness, and harmony in life. Men and women, young and old, take part in the festival with joy.
Who is Lord Ananta?
Ananta is also known as Sheshanaga, the great serpent with a thousand hoods. He was born to Sage Kashyapa and Kadru. Pleased with his hard penance, Lord Brahma blessed him and gave him the duty to hold the earth steady on his hoods. People believe that when Ananta moves, earthquakes happen.
In the stories, Lord Vishnu rests on Ananta’s coils in the Ocean of Milk. In Treta Yuga, Lakshmana (Lord Rama’s brother) was said to be an avatar of Ananta. In Dwapara Yuga, Lord Balarama, Krishna’s elder brother, was also known as Ananta.
How the Vow is Observed
On this day, devotees take a holy bath, wear clean clothes, and worship an image of Ananta. The idol is usually four-armed, holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus. Along with Vishnu, the eight serpent deities are also worshipped.
The main ritual is the tying of the sacred thread called Ananta sutra.
• Men tie it on their right arm.
• Women tie it on their left arm.
This thread has 14 knots and is tied while praying to Lord Ananta. People observe this vow with faith for 14 years continuously. It is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and remove sins.
The Story of Sushila
Long ago, there was a pious Brahmin named Sumanta. His daughter Sushila was married to a sage named Kaundinya. One day, while traveling, they stopped near the Falgu river.
Sushila saw many women worshipping with red clothes, flowers, and offerings. Curious, she asked what they were doing. They told her,
“This is the sacred vow of Ananta, Lord Vishnu. It brings peace, wealth, and happiness. One must worship Ananta, tie the sacred thread, and follow the vow sincerely.”
Sushila also performed the vow with devotion. Soon, she and her husband became very prosperous and happy.
But one day, Kaundinya noticed the thread on Sushila’s arm. When she explained that it was due to Lord Ananta’s blessings, he became angry. Not believing in it, he tore the thread and threw it into the fire.
After that, misfortune came upon them. They lost their wealth, peace, and comfort. Realizing his mistake, Kaundinya set out in search of Lord Ananta. After wandering through forests and suffering much, he finally prayed with all his heart. Lord Ananta appeared before him and forgave him. He told Kaundinya that true devotion and faith in the vow would bring back prosperity.
Kaundinya returned, and together with Sushila, he sincerely observed the Ananta Chaturdashi vow. From then on, they lived happily with blessings of Lord Vishnu.
In the Jagannath Temple
In the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri, Ananta Chaturdashi is celebrated with special rituals. Offerings, prayers, and readings of Ananta’s story are performed. Devotees pray:
“O Lord Ananta, save us from the ocean of worldly sorrows and grant us peace and liberation.”
🌸 Moral of the Story 🌸
The vow of Ananta Chaturdashi teaches us the value of faith, devotion, patience, and righteousness. When performed with sincerity, it brings happiness, prosperity, and protection from difficulties.
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