Patna: Hindu devotees across India are marking Anant Chaturdashi today, a festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which this year falls in conjunction with Raviyog and Dhanishta Nakshatra. The occasion is observed with prayers, offerings and the tying of a sacred thread known as the Anant Sutra, which carries 14 symbolic knots.
According to tradition, worshippers recite hymns such as the Vishnu Sahasranama and Purush Sukta before listening to mythological stories associated with the day. The 14 knots tied in the thread are said to represent the 14 worlds created by Lord Anant – a manifestation of Vishnu – and symbolise both the binding of sins and the granting of divine blessings. Men wear the thread on their right arm, while women tie it on their left, often as a prayer for prosperity, good fortune and protection.
Astrologers note that particular offerings – including Tulsi leaves, Bhringraj, Samipatra and Dhatri leaves – are considered auspicious, while pink and yellow flowers are believed to attract good fortune when offered with fragrance.
The fast associated with Anant Chaturdashi is believed to have origins in the Mahabharata period. Mythological accounts say Lord Vishnu appeared in 14 forms to protect the worlds he created, which gave rise to the festival’s association with infinity and abundance. Each knot of the thread is dedicated to one of Vishnu’s names, such as Purushottam, Madhusudan, Narayan and Govind.
Astrologers also prescribe different colours of the sacred thread depending on the devotee’s zodiac sign: red for Aries and Leo; white for Taurus, Cancer and Libra; green for Gemini and Virgo; deep red for Scorpio; yellow for Sagittarius and Pisces; and blue for Capricorn and Aquarius.
This year’s auspicious timings for rituals include the Raviyog muhurat until 11.17pm, with the Abhijit muhurat between 11.23am and 12.13pm. The Chaturdashi tithi continues until 12.57am.
