Worship of Lord Ananta, the Endless One
Significance
Ananta Chaturdashi is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ananta Śeṣa, the divine serpent expansion of Lord Śrī Krishna.
- “Ananta” means endless, representing the Lord’s infinite nature and His endless mercy to devotees.
- Observing this vrata grants:
- Freedom from material miseries
- Protection from obstacles
- Steady devotion to the Supreme Lord
According to the Padma Purāṇa and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Lord Ananta upholds the universe on His thousand hoods and constantly glorifies Śrī Krishna. By worshipping Him, devotees attain auspiciousness, peace, and unwavering spiritual progress.
How to Observe the Vrata
- Morning Bath and Sankalpa – Take a holy bath, chant the sankalpa (vow) to observe the vrata sincerely.
- Worship of Lord Ananta – Offer a sacred thread (Ananta Sutra) with 14 knots to Lord Ananta and then tie it on the wrist.
- Chanting and Fasting – Chant the Hare Krishna Mahāmantra and observe fasting till evening or noon as per capacity.
- Hearing and Glorification – Read or hear about Lord Ananta’s pastimes from authentic scriptures.
- Charity and Service – Donate to Lord Krishna’s temple, feed Vaiṣṇavas, and distribute prasādam to all.
Recommended Mantras
Hare Krishna Mahāmantra (Mukhya mantra)
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Ananta Śeṣa Stotra (optional)
Anantāya namas tubhyaṁ pralayābdhi-nivāsine
Senānīne namas tubhyaṁ namas te bhakta-vatsala
“O Lord Ananta, who rests in the causal ocean, commander of the demigods and protector of devotees, I offer my respectful obeisances unto You.”
Instruction from Śrīla Prabhupāda
“Ananta Caturdasi Vrata, generally the fasting is observed till evening, up to 5 o’clock. The next day, Viśvarūpa Mahotsava, feasting.”
(11th March 1972, Vrindavan Room Conversation)
Story of Ananta Chaturdashi Vrata
There once lived a brāhmaṇa called Sumanta, born in Vasiṣṭha Gotra, who married Bṛghu’s daughter Dheeksha. They had a charming daughter named Susheela. After Dheeksha passed away, Sumanta remarried a woman named Karkashe, who was harsh and quarrelsome. Susheela suffered under her stepmother but grew into a fine young lady.
When it was time for her marriage, a sage named Kaundinya Rishi arrived seeking a bride. Susheela was given to him in marriage, with only a small gift of fried wheat flour due to the family’s poverty.
During their travels, on the banks of a river, they saw many brāhmaṇas and their wives, dressed in red, performing worship of Ananta Padmanabha. Curious, Susheela inquired, and they explained the details of the Ananta Vrata:
- Perform the vrata on Bhādrapada Śukla Chaturdashi.
- Decorate the altar with devotion.
- Place a kalasha with seven darbhas tied together to represent Ananta.
- Keep a red thread with 14 knots on the altar.
- Worship with 14 kinds of flowers and leaves.
- Prepare Atiras (28 pieces) as prasāda and serve brāhmaṇas.
- Observe the vrata for 14 years, each year replacing the thread.
- On the 15th year, perform Udyāpana (concluding ceremony with charity).
Susheela faithfully performed the vrata, distributed prasāda, tied the thread, and prosperity entered their home.
But one day, in anger, Kaundinya tore off Susheela’s red thread and threw it into the fire. From then, misfortunes struck — loss of wealth, death of cattle, and desertion by relatives. Realizing his offense, Kaundinya wandered into the forest in search of Lord Ananta.
There, the Lord appeared as an old brāhmaṇa, revived him, and revealed His divine four-armed form with Mahalakshmi. Kaundinya prayed with stotras, and the Lord granted him three boons:
- Removal of poverty
- Steadfastness in dharma
- Liberation with auspiciousness (mukti-saubhāgya)
Kaundinya returned home, performed the vrata with devotion, and lived a prosperous life.
Great sages like Agastya, and kings such as Janaka, Sagara, Dilipa, and Harishchandra have also observed this vrata.
Participate Through Service and Donation
On this auspicious day, offer seva to Lord Krishna and Lord Ananta by supporting:
- Temple Deity Worship
- Prasādam Distribution
- Go-Seva (cow protection)
- Educational and Outreach programs
👉 Donate Online: give.iskconraichur.com
Every offering, small or great, pleases the Lord when given with devotion.