Ananta Padmanabha Vrata: Tithi, Significance, Legends & Observance

Tithi & Timing

Observed on Ananta Chaturdashi, the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada month.
In 2025, it falls on Saturday, 6th September.
It marks the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi in many regions and the beginning of Pitru Paksha in others.

Significance

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Ananta Padmanabha form—reclining on the serpent Ananta (Shesha).
Symbolizes infinity, cosmic balance, and eternal protection.
Believed to bring prosperity, marital harmony, and relief from karmic burdens.
Couples often observe this vrat for 14 consecutive years to ensure household peace and spiritual merit.

Legends

Mahabharata Connection: During exile, Yudhishthira was advised by Shaunakadi Rishis to perform this vrat to regain lost fortune and peace.
He vowed to observe it for 14 years, tying a sacred thread with 14 knots, each representing a divine blessing.
The vrat is said to have helped him overcome adversity and restore dharma.

Scriptural Reference

The Mahabharata recounts how Shaunakadi Maharishis advised Yudhishthira to observe this vrata during his exile to regain peace and prosperity.
The Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana also mention Lord Vishnu in his Ananta Shayana form—reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta (Shesha).
The vrata symbolizes infinite protection, cosmic order, and spiritual continuity.

Rules & Rituals

Pre-Puja Preparations

Cleanse the home and altar space.
Prepare two kalashas—one for Lakshmi, one for Vishnu—placed on rice-filled plates.
Draw 14 lotus symbols (padmalu) on the altar to represent the 14 knots of the sacred thread.

Puja Vidhi

Begin with Ganapati Puja and Yamuna Devi invocation.
Use red akshata, darbha grass, and seven-headed serpent figurines made from darbha.
Recite Vishnu Sahasranama and Ananta Vrat Katha.
Offer Naivedyam, light lamps, and perform Aarti.

Sacred Thread Ritual

Tie a 14-knotted thread (Ananta Daata):

Men: right wrist
Women: left wrist or neck

The thread is first sanctified by placing it before the deity.

Post-Puja

Distribute prasadam and perform Brahmin bhojanam.
Take a pledge to observe the vrat for 14 years, if possible.

Temple Visits

Prominent Temples

Sri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): The deity here is in the Ananta Shayana posture, making it the most iconic temple for this vrat.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri (AP): Hosts special pujas and thread ceremonies.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam (TN): Celebrates Ananta Chaturdashi with Vishnu-centric rituals.
Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Tirupati (AP): Local devotees gather for Ananta Vratam with katha recitations.

Regional Observance

Region	Observance Highlights
Andhra Pradesh	Widespread home-based vratams, Telugu katha recitations, temple pujas
Kerala	Grand celebrations at Thiruvananthapuram temple; processions and special abhishekams
Tamil Nadu	Vishnu temples host Ananta Shayana pujas; emphasis on family prosperity
Maharashtra	Coincides with Ganesh Visarjan; dual devotion to Ganesha and Vishnu
Karnataka	Observed in homes and temples; sacred thread tying is central

Comments

Indian Calendar Systems: North, South, Tamil, Malayalam & Bengali Explained

The differences between South, North, Malayalam, Tamil, and West Bengal calendars primarily stem from variations in lunar and solar calculations, regional traditions, and historical influences. Here’s a breakdown: 1. North vs. South Indian Calendars North Indian Calendar (Purnimanta System) : Lunar months end on the full moon day (Purnima). Common in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. South Indian Calendar (Amanta System) : Lunar months end on the new moon day (Amavasya). Followed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra. The difference results in a 15-day shift in month names between the two systems, though festivals remain aligned. 2. Malayalam Calendar (Kollam Era) Used in Kerala , this is a solar calendar rather than a lunar one. Months are based on the movement of the sun through zodiac signs. The new year begins in Medam (April-May) , unlike the Hi...

Parsva Ekadashi

Parsva Ekadashi , also known as Parivartini Ekadashi , Vamana Ekadashi , or Jayanti Ekadashi , is a spiritually potent observance that falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi tithi) of Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month —which in 2025 occurs on September 3rd (Wednesday) . Significance Marks the cosmic turning of Lord Vishnu during his divine slumber in Chaturmas —he shifts from his left to right side , symbolizing spiritual renewal. Observing this Ekadashi is believed to cleanse past karmas , bring mental clarity , and lead toward moksha (liberation) . It is especially sacred for Vaishnavas , as it honors Lord Vamana , the fifth avatar of Vishnu. Legend The tale centers on King Bali , a benevolent demon king who ruled the three worlds. To restore cosmic balance, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana , a dwarf Brahmin, and requested three steps of land . After Bali agreed: Vamana covered heaven with one step, Earth with the second, ...

Maha Bharani Shraddha: Honoring Ancestors Under Bharani Nakshatra

Maha Bharani , also known as Bharani Shraddha , is one of the most spiritually potent observances during Pitru Paksha , the fortnight dedicated to ancestral rites. It is performed when Bharani Nakshatra prevails during Aparahna Kala —typically falling on Chaturthi or Panchami tithi of the waning phase in the month of Bhadrapada (Ashwin) . Why Bharani Nakshatra Is Spiritually Powerful Ruled by Yama , the god of death, Bharani Nakshatra is believed to create a direct channel between the living and the departed. According to the Dharma Sindhu , while Bharani Shraddha is traditionally performed once after a person's death, it can be observed annually for continued blessings. It is second only to Mahalaya Amavasya in terms of importance during Pitru Paksha. Scriptural References Mentioned in Agni Purana , Garuda Purana , and Matsya Purana , Maha Bharani is revered for its ability to liberate souls and purify ancestral lineages ....

Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple – A Hidden Vaikuntha in Andhra Pradesh

Temple Overview: Konda Bitragunta Temple Name : Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple Location : Konda Bitragunta, near Kavali, Bogole Mandal, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh – PIN 524142 Deities Worshipped Presiding Deity : Lord Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Depicted in Abhaya Hasta posture (symbolizing protection) Unique feature: Shanku (conch) and Sudarshana Chakra (discus) are reversed compared to traditional iconography Other Deities : Goddess Padmavathi Devi Andal Devi Sage Narada Maharshi (worshipped for dispute resolution through Kalaha Nivarana Puja) Historical Background Established : Circa 1356 AD during the Chola dynasty Sthala Puranam : The temple is located in Bilakuta Kshetram , a sacred hill where Sage Narada performed penance to lift a curse. The name "Bilakuta" is derived from "Bila" (tunne...

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Pavitrotsavam 2025 Dates - Antarvedi

Pavitrotsavams at Antarvedi Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple will be observed on September 01. 2025 Schedule September 01 – Ankurarpana, Adivasam September 02 – Tirumanjanam, Homam, Pavitropana September 03 - Tirumanjanam, Homam September 04 - Tirumanjanam, Homam, Purnahuthi, Gramotsavam, Pavitraropana, Archana, Mantra Pushpam.

Tirumala – September 2025 Spiritual Highlights

The sacred hills of Tirumala will witness a vibrant sequence of religious observances and grand celebrations throughout September. Devotees can immerse themselves in divine rituals that mark both lunar traditions and the majestic Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavams . Key Events September 3 – Vishnu Parivarthina Ekadashi A highly auspicious day for Vaishnavites, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s transformative grace. September 4 – Vamana Jayanti Celebrating the birth of Lord Vamana, the fifth incarnation of Vishnu, known for restoring cosmic balance. September 6 – Chakrasnanam A sacred bath ritual of the Sudarshana Chakra, observed in connection with Anantha Padmanabha Vratham . September 8 – Commencement of Mahalaya Paksham A fortnight dedicated to ancestral offerings and spiritual reflection. September 10 – Bruhathyuma Vratham (Undralla Tadde) A traditional observance, especially significant for young girls praying ...

Significance of Various Vahana Seva of Tirumala Brahmotsavam

Festival Overview The Brahmotsavam at Tirumala is a grand nine-day celebration dedicated to Sri Malayappa Swamy , the utsava murti of Lord Venkateswara. It begins with Dwajarohanam , the ceremonial hoisting of the Garuda flag, inviting all celestial beings to witness the divine festivities. This tradition is rooted in the Bhavishyottara Purana , where Brahma is said to have initiated the festival to honor the Lord’s presence in Kaliyuga. Vahana Sevas & Their Spiritual Significance Pedda Sesha Vahanam : Symbolizes the seven hills of Tirumala and honors Adisesha as the Lord’s first vahana. Chinna Sesha Vahanam : Represents the awakening of Kundalini Shakti , the hidden spiritual energy within humans. Hamsa Vahanam : Embodies purity and wisdom, guiding devotees to shed negative traits and embrace noble virtues. Simha Vahanam : A powerful symbol of courage and protection, driving away evil and safeguarding righteousness. Mutyapu P...

Bhadrapada Purnima: Significance, Legends, Rules & Rituals

Significance Marks the start of Pitru Paksha , a 15-day period dedicated to ancestral worship. Associated with Lord Vishnu , especially in his Satyanarayan form. Considered highly auspicious for charity, bathing in holy rivers , and spiritual cleansing . Worship of Goddess Lakshmi is also prominent, believed to bring prosperity. Legends Durvasa’s Curse : Maharishi Durvasa cursed Lord Vishnu for giving away a sacred garland to Garuda instead of wearing it. As a remedy, Vishnu was advised to observe the Uma-Maheshwar Vrat and worship Shiva and Chandra on Purnima. This act of penance restored Vishnu’s powers and reunited him with Lakshmi, symbolizing the power of humility and devotion. Rules & Vrat Guidelines Fasting : Many observe a vrat (fast) consuming only milk, fruits, and water. Grains, pulses, and salt are avoided. Charity : Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is co...

Tiruchanoor Circle Temples – September 2025 Festival Highlights

The sacred temples of Tiruchanoor are set to host a vibrant series of rituals and processions this September. Here's a temple-wise breakdown for devotees and cultural enthusiasts: Sri Padmavati Ammavaru Temple September 2: Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam – Temple cleansing ritual ahead of Pavitrotsavams. September 4: Ankurarpanam – Seed-sowing ceremony marking the start of Pavitrotsavams. September 5–7: Annual Pavitrotsavams – Atonement rituals for any lapses in temple worship. September 7: Lunar Eclipse – Temple closed from 2:15 PM onwards. September 12, 19, 26 (Fridays): Procession of Ammavaru at 6:00 PM around the four Mada Streets, blessing devotees. Sri Sundararaja Swamy Temple September 9 (Uttara Bhadra Nakshatram): Swamy’s procession at 6:00 PM around the Mada Streets. Sri Balarama Krishna Swamy Temple September 14 (Rohini Nakshatram): Swamy will bless devotees on the Pedda Sesha...

Sanatana Vibes

Search This Blog