Ananta Padmanabha Vrata: Tithi, Significance, Legends & Observance

 

Tithi & Timing

• Observed on Ananta Chaturdashi, the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada month.
• In 2025, it falls on Saturday, 6th September.
• It marks the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi in many regions and the beginning of Pitru Paksha in others.

Significance

• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Ananta Padmanabha form—reclining on the serpent Ananta (Shesha).
• Symbolizes infinity, cosmic balance, and eternal protection.
• Believed to bring prosperity, marital harmony, and relief from karmic burdens.
• Couples often observe this vrat for 14 consecutive years to ensure household peace and spiritual merit.

Legends

• Mahabharata Connection: During exile, Yudhishthira was advised by Shaunakadi Rishis to perform this vrat to regain lost fortune and peace.
• He vowed to observe it for 14 years, tying a sacred thread with 14 knots, each representing a divine blessing.
• The vrat is said to have helped him overcome adversity and restore dharma.

Scriptural Reference

• The Mahabharata recounts how Shaunakadi Maharishis advised Yudhishthira to observe this vrata during his exile to regain peace and prosperity.
• The Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana also mention Lord Vishnu in his Ananta Shayana form—reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta (Shesha).
• The vrata symbolizes infinite protection, cosmic order, and spiritual continuity.

Rules & Rituals

Pre-Puja Preparations

• Cleanse the home and altar space.
• Prepare two kalashas—one for Lakshmi, one for Vishnu—placed on rice-filled plates.
• Draw 14 lotus symbols (padmalu) on the altar to represent the 14 knots of the sacred thread.

Puja Vidhi

• Begin with Ganapati Puja and Yamuna Devi invocation.
• Use red akshata, darbha grass, and seven-headed serpent figurines made from darbha.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and Ananta Vrat Katha.
• Offer Naivedyam, light lamps, and perform Aarti.

Sacred Thread Ritual

• Tie a 14-knotted thread (Ananta Daata):
• Men: right wrist
• Women: left wrist or neck
• The thread is first sanctified by placing it before the deity.

Post-Puja

• Distribute prasadam and perform Brahmin bhojanam.
• Take a pledge to observe the vrat for 14 years, if possible.

Temple Visits

Prominent Temples

• Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): The deity here is in the Ananta Shayana posture, making it the most iconic temple for this vrat.
• Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri (AP): Hosts special pujas and thread ceremonies.
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam (TN): Celebrates Ananta Chaturdashi with Vishnu-centric rituals.
• Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Tirupati (AP): Local devotees gather for Ananta Vratam with katha recitations.

Regional Observance

Region	Observance Highlights
Andhra Pradesh	Widespread home-based vratams, Telugu katha recitations, temple pujas
Kerala	Grand celebrations at Thiruvananthapuram temple; processions and special abhishekams
Tamil Nadu	Vishnu temples host Ananta Shayana pujas; emphasis on family prosperity
Maharashtra	Coincides with Ganesh Visarjan; dual devotion to Ganesha and Vishnu
Karnataka	Observed in homes and temples; sacred thread tying is central