Anant Chaturdashi 2025 marks the conclusion of the Ganesh Utsav and is one of the most spiritually powerful days of the Hindu calendar. Celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada month, this sacred festival is observed with devotion to Lord Vishnu in his Anant form. While devotees immerse the idol of Lord Ganesha with grand processions on this day, they also perform a special fast and ritual dedicated to Lord Anant, symbolized by the tying of the Anant Rakshasutra.
This divine ritual is mentioned in the Agni Purana, and Lord Krishna himself narrated its importance to the Pandavas during their exile. The festival is associated with restoring lost fortune, removing obstacles, and attaining infinite blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Who is Lord Anant?
The word Anant means “infinite.” Lord Vishnu, in his cosmic form, is known as Anant because he has neither beginning nor end. In Chaturmas, he is believed to rest on the divine serpent Sheshnag, also called Anant, in his yogic sleep.
In his Vamana Avatar, Lord Vishnu measured the three worlds in just two steps, leaving nothing beyond his reach. This boundless nature of the Lord symbolizes the limitless blessings he bestows on his devotees. Worshiping Lord Anant on this day ensures the removal of financial hardships, familial troubles, and personal miseries, granting eternal prosperity.
Why Do We Celebrate Anant Chaturdashi?
Among the six most sacred Chaturdashi fasts in Hindu tradition, Anant Chaturdashi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha holds a special place. It is believed that those who have lost everything in life—wealth, kingdom, happiness—can regain it by observing this vrat with devotion.
The significance lies in the worship of Lord Anant and the observance of the Anant Rakshasutra ritual. By doing so, one receives the divine assurance of protection, prosperity, and happiness.
As Lord Krishna told the Pandavas: “By keeping the Anant fast and tying the sacred thread, you shall regain what is lost and be free from sorrow.”
The Importance of Anant Rakshasutra
The Anant Rakshasutra is a sacred thread tied on the arm after worship. It is made of raw thread, colored with turmeric, saffron, and kumkum, and tied with fourteen knots. Each knot represents one of the names of Lord Vishnu:
Anant
Rishikesh
Padmanabh
Madhav
Vaikunth
Shridhar
Trivikram
Madhusudan
Vaman
Keshav
Narayan
Damodar
Govind
Vishnu
By tying this holy thread, devotees receive the protection and blessings of Lord Anant for fourteen years of prosperity, happiness, and protection from calamities.
Men tie it on their right arm, symbolizing strength.
Women tie it on their left arm, symbolizing nurture and protection.
How to Worship on Anant Chaturdashi 2025
The rituals of Anant Chaturdashi must be followed with purity and devotion. Here is the complete step-by-step method of worship:
Morning Preparations:
Take a ritual bath and wear clean clothes.
Take a sankalp (vow) to observe the Anant Chaturdashi vrat.
Kalash Sthapana (Establishing the Kalash):
Place a Kalash filled with water at the puja altar.
Install Lord Vishnu’s picture or idol on a decorated plank.
Preparation of Anant Sutra:
Take a raw cotton or silk thread, soak it in turmeric, saffron, and kumkum.
Tie 14 knots in the thread.
Place the thread before Lord Vishnu along with flowers and offerings.
Main Puja Ritual:
Worship Lord Vishnu with the Shodashopachar method (16 traditional offerings).
Offer fruits, sweets, flowers, and tulsi leaves.
Chant the Anant Chaturdashi mantra:
“Anant Sansar Mahasumadre Magram Sambhyuddhar Vasudev,
Anantrupe Viniyojayasva Hranantasutraya Namo Namaste.”Tying of the Anant Sutra:
After the puja, tie the sacred thread (Rakshasutra) on the arm.
Men: right arm; Women: left arm.
Vrat Observance:
Keep a fast throughout the day, consuming only sattvik food.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra for added blessings.
Benefits of Tying Anant Sutra
The Anant Sutra is not just a thread; it is a divine protection shield. The Puranas state that by wearing it with devotion:
One receives infinite blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Misfortunes and financial troubles are removed.
Families regain lost wealth, health, and happiness.
Childrenless couples may be blessed with progeny.
Devotees are granted long life, prosperity, and peace.
Important Rule: After tying the Anant Sutra, devotees must observe 14 days of purity—avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and immoral behavior.
The Legend of Anant Sutra
The story of Sage Kaundilya highlights the importance of the Rakshasutra. When he saw his wife wearing the Anant Sutra, he mistook it for sorcery, removed it, and burnt it. Immediately, misfortunes befell him, and he lost everything. After realizing his mistake, he performed penance of Lord Anant for 14 years, after which Lord Vishnu restored his wealth and happiness.
Similarly, King Harishchandra’s destiny changed after observing this vrat. Even the Pandavas, when they lost their kingdom in gambling, regained hope and guidance through this sacred fast as told by Lord Krishna.
Why You Should Not Insult the Anant Sutra
The Anant Rakshasutra represents a direct bond with Lord Vishnu’s infinite grace. Insulting, discarding, or disrespecting it leads to misfortune. One must wear it with faith, purity, and discipline.
Conclusion
Anant Chaturdashi 2025 is not just a day of Ganesh Visarjan but also a deeply spiritual occasion to connect with Lord Vishnu in his infinite form. The ritual of tying the Anant Rakshasutra with 14 knots symbolizes unending blessings, prosperity, and divine protection. By observing this vrat with devotion, chanting Vishnu’s names, and maintaining purity, devotees can overcome misfortune, regain lost fortunes, and ensure lifelong prosperity.
As scriptures affirm, “Where Lord Anant resides, there is no end to happiness, wealth, and peace.”
