What is Anant Chaturdashi?
It is believed that Lord Vishnu created 14 lokas and to protect his people he came down in this world in the form of fourteen different avatars. Since he protected his people and creation, Anant Chaturdashi is considered as the most significant day to worship and please Vishnu and get his blessings. According to legends, Lord Karishna asked Pandavas to keep fast on this day when they were going through hardships after losing their kingdom and wealth to the Kauravas. The fast on this day has great significance and is kept to attain wealth, happiness and prosperity. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama stotra along with keeping fast on this day is believed to fulfill all the wishes.
On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, after taking bath, devotees pay homage to Lord Vishnu and worship his idol. Then a thread with 14 knots, known as Anant Sutra, is tied on his arm. Anant Sutra is prepared by dipping either a silk or cotton thread in kumkum, turmeric and saffron. To attain divinity and wealth, men tie this thread on their right arm and women on their left arm. On this day people narrate folk tales of Lord Vishnu and pray for their prosperous life. Special food like kheer, besan k laddo, gharga, and modak is prepared. Parsaad is distributed among Brahmans and family members.
We hope this article helps you understand what is Anant Chaturdashi and why it is celebrated. Anant Chaturdashi reminds us to remain steadfast in all situations of life. Lord Vishnu resting calmly on a bed of snake is the representation of being peaceful in difficult times.
May Lord Vishnu bless you with Eternal Peace and prosperity!