Anantha Chaturdashi
Anantha Chaturdashi falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi. On this day Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Anantha Padmanabha Swamy through the Anantha Padmanabha Vratham, and a sacred thread with fourteen knots is tied on the arm. In Hyderabad and across Telangana it is also the grand day of Ganesh nimajjanam.
The Story of Sushila and Kaundinya
The Puranic tale, told by Sri Krishna to Yudhishthira during the Pandavas' exile, speaks of Sushila, daughter of the sage Sumantu, who married the sage Kaundinya. Sushila performed the Anantha vratham and tied the fourteen-knot thread on her arm, and the couple prospered. In a moment of pride, Kaundinya tore off the thread and threw it into the fire, and soon lost all his wealth. Realising his mistake, he wandered in search of Anantha until the Lord appeared to him, forgave him and restored his fortune. Krishna advised the Pandavas to keep this vratham to regain what they had lost.
How to Perform the Vratham
- Bathe early and set up the altar with a kalasham and an image of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy reclining on Adishesha.
- Many families make a serpent form from darbha grass to represent Anantha.
- Prepare the anantham, a red or yellow thread with fourteen knots, and worship it with the Lord.
- Do Vinayaka puja first, then shodashopachara puja for Anantha Padmanabha and read the vratha katha.
- Men tie the anantham on the right arm and women on the left, and offer naivedyam such as pindivantalu and fruits.
Rules and Customs
In many Telugu families the vratham is a hereditary tradition, sometimes kept for fourteen years once started. Devotees fast or eat one meal until the puja ends. The old thread from the previous year is removed respectfully and the new one tied.
Ganesh Nimajjanam
Anantha Chaturdashi marks the close of the ten-day Vinayaka Chavithi festivities for many communities. In Hyderabad, huge processions carry Ganesh idols, including the famous Khairatabad Ganesh, to Hussain Sagar for immersion.
May Anantha Padmanabha Swamy bless your family with endless prosperity.
Frequently asked questions
When is Anantha Chaturdashi?
What is the Anantha Padmanabha Vratham?
Why does the anantham thread have fourteen knots?
On which arm is the anantham tied?
Why is Ganesh nimajjanam done on Anantha Chaturdashi?
Can Anantha Padmanabha Vratham be done at home?
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