Ananta Padmanabha Vratha

Ananta Padmanabha vratha, is a puja to Lord Vishnu observed on Anant Chaturdashi day - the fourteenth day in Bhadrapad Shukla. The Vratha is dedicated to Lord Ananta Padmanabha Swamy, who is Lord Vishnu appears in Ananta Shayana form, reclines on Ananta (Aadi Sesha – Snake Anant). Anant vratha is performed by married couple for marital bliss..

WHY IS ANANTA VRATHA 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 Vratha is to be observed for 14 consecutive years by married couple for their long and everlasting bond of love and affection

LEGEND OF ANANTA VRATHA

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 DAARA - THE SACRED THREAD

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

After performing Ananta Vratha, 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 swamy with Durva (garika or darbha) grass blades and worship the Lord with placing it in a bamboo basket.