Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Ganesh Visarjan and the Divine Festival of Lord Vishnu’s Infinite Form

Anant Chaturdashi marks the culmination of Ganeshotsav and the worship of Lord Vishnu’s infinite form. It is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of the month of Bhadrapada. In 2025, it falls on Sunday, October 5. This day is an opportunity for spiritual elevation and communal harmony.

The tithi begins at 6:03 AM and ends the following day at 3:16 AM, offering a nearly 21-hour auspicious period.

The Significance of Lord Vishnu’s Infinite Form

Lord Vishnu is traditionally depicted reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta Shesha, who symbolizes infinite space and time. Vishnu’s infinite form embodies the eternal and unchanging reality beyond the cycles of birth and death.

This infinite resting posture is associated with the moment of cosmic dissolution and rejuvenation, serving as a metaphor for stability amidst change.

The Spiritual Impact

This infinite form evokes a sense of cosmic expansiveness and calm, drawing the devotee’s awareness toward ultimate reality.

Puranic Narratives of Anant Chaturdashi

The Srimad Bhagavatam describes how sage Narada underwent this fast and attained a vision of Vishnu’s vast cosmic form.

Another story reveals how King Bali tied the fourteen-knotted ‘Ananta Sutra’ representing his eternal bond with Vishnu.

The Symbolism of the Ananta Sutra

The Ananta Sutra, with its fourteen knots, represents cosmic principles including the four Vedas, four Purusharthas (goals of life), the three Gunas and the human life cycles.

Wearing the sutra symbolizes an eternal spiritual bond with the divine, protecting the wearer from harm.

Detailed Rituals

• After Ganesh immersion, devotees purify themselves with water.
• Set up an idol or image of Lord Vishnu on Ananta Shesha.
• Perform abhisheka with Panchamrita containing milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar.
• Offer sacred Tulasi and Bilva leaves, light incense and lamps.
• Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and tie the fourteen-knotted Ananta Sutra with devotion.
• Conclude with group aarti and prasadam distribution.

Dietary and Observance Guidelines

Devotees maintain strict self-discipline and sincerity throughout the day. They may observe a nirjala (waterless) fast or a fruit fast.

Preparing seven or fourteen varieties of food symbolizes the cosmic order and fulfills the celebratory spirit.

Regional Celebrations and Cultural Practices

In Maharashtra, tying the Ananta Sutra is central to the celebrations.

Coastal Gujarat hosts vibrant post-immersion prayers and processions.

Varanasi and Braj region organize grand yajnas and devotional singing gatherings.

Spiritual Teachings

Anant Chaturdashi teaches acceptance of change and ego surrender, revealing that the eternal divine sustains all beneath the cycles of creation and destruction.

Every ending leads to a new beginning. The festival balances worldly impermanence with divine permanence.

Table: Religious, Scientific and Social Aspects

Aspect	Description
Religious	Worship of the infinite form and cultivation of discipline
Ayurvedic Health	Balancing doshas and purification
Social	Collective worship enhancing harmony
Scientific	Havan smoke sterilizes air; light ionizes environment

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Ananta Sutra worn?
   It symbolizes the eternal and unbreakable bond with Lord Vishnu, offering protection.

2. When does the fast end?
   The fast concludes at the end of the tithi, ensuring full spiritual benefit.

3. Is waterless fast essential?
   Not mandatory but offers intensified advantages if observed strictly.

4. Who are worshiped on this day?
   Mainly Lord Vishnu in his Infinite form and the serpent Shesha.

5. Which mantras are most effective?
   Vishnu Sahasranama, Mahamrityunjaya mantra and Ananta Sutra recitations.

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This comprehensive write-up deeply explores Anant Chaturdashi’s significance through scriptures, rituals and scientific insights providing readers with an enriching spiritual guide.