Lord Vishnu, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism, is the protector of all life and a key figure in the holy trinity (Trimurti) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. As the preserver of the universe, Lord Vishnu’s devotees follow a rich tradition of worship and rituals. Among these, two important religious observances stand out: Anvadhan and Ishti. These rituals are celebrated by Vaishnavas, the followers of Lord Vishnu, and are observed with devotion to seek the divine blessings of the Lord.

Who is Lord Vishnu?

Lord Vishnu is widely revered as the protector and preserver of the universe. According to Hindu beliefs, Vishnu has incarnated on Earth in nine different forms, called the Dashavatara (Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu), to restore cosmic order and defeat evil forces. He is usually depicted reclining on the cosmic serpent, Shesha, with his consort Lakshmi by his side, and holds several symbolic objects: a conch shell (Shankha), a disc (Sudarshana Chakra), a mace (Gada), and a lotus (Padma).

Lord Vishnu’s role in Hinduism is essential for maintaining dharma (cosmic law and order), and his devotees, known as Vaishnavas, revere him as the supreme deity. They believe that Vishnu intervenes in times of crisis, descending to Earth in different avatars to restore balance and protect humanity from evil.

What is the Vaishnava Sampradaya?

The Vaishnava Sampradaya is the largest sect within Hinduism, with millions of followers around the world. Vaishnavas devote themselves to the worship of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, living their lives based on his teachings of morality, compassion, and righteousness.

Vaishnavas follow the principles laid out in the scriptures, primarily the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas, and they believe that through worship and devotion to Vishnu, they can achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The community is devoted to upholding the highest standards of virtue, often choosing a life of asceticism and spiritual focus over worldly pleasures.

The ten primary avatars of Vishnu—known as the Dashavatara—are celebrated throughout the year, with each avatar symbolizing a key victory over evil and the restoration of cosmic order. Vaishnavas eagerly await the arrival of the tenth avatar, Kalki, who is believed to appear during the current age of Kaliyuga to rid the world of chaos and injustice.

Significance of Anvadhan and Ishti

Anvadhan and Ishti are two important rituals observed by Vaishnavas to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his divine blessings. These rituals are usually performed on specific days of the lunar calendar, typically on the full moon (Poornima) and new moon (Amavasya) days.

What is Anvadhan?

The term Anvadhan comes from the Sanskrit word Anvadhana, meaning “to add fuel” or “to keep the fire burning.” It refers to a specific ritualistic act where devotees maintain a sacred fire throughout the day by continuously adding offerings of fuel. This ritual is meant to symbolize the continuous devotion and reverence towards the divine.

On the day of Anvadhan, devotees of Lord Vishnu gather in temples or at home to perform a homa or hawan (a fire sacrifice). This fire ritual involves chanting Vedic mantras while offering various sacred items, such as ghee, grains, and herbs, into the fire. The act of adding fuel to the fire represents the continuous nourishment of devotion, faith, and prayer.

Devotees often observe a full-day fast during Anvadhan and engage in prayers and meditations to seek Vishnu’s blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual progress. It is believed that by observing this ritual with sincerity and reverence, devotees can purify their hearts and invoke divine protection.

What is Ishti?

The word Ishti refers to a ritual in which devotees pray for the fulfillment of their desires and ask Lord Vishnu for blessings. This ritual is rooted in the idea of performing good deeds with devotion and purity of heart. Unlike Anvadhan, which focuses on the fire ritual, Ishti can take various forms depending on the region and tradition.

In an Ishti ritual, devotees make offerings to Vishnu, including flowers, fruits, incense, and special prayers. The goal is to express gratitude to Lord Vishnu and seek his guidance for the successful achievement of personal and spiritual goals. This ritual is particularly important for those seeking divine intervention in matters such as health, wealth, relationships, and spiritual well-being.

The practice of Ishti is not just about asking for material benefits; it also encourages devotees to perform good deeds, live a righteous life, and align their actions with the teachings of Vishnu.

When are Anvadhan and Ishti Celebrated?

Anvadhan and Ishti are typically observed on specific days in the lunar calendar, primarily the new moon (Amavasya) and full moon (Poornima). This year, Anvadhan will be observed on June 20th, followed by Ishti on June 21st. These dates mark an auspicious period when devotees gather to perform these sacred rituals, offering prayers and seeking Vishnu’s blessings for a prosperous and harmonious life.

How to Prepare for Anvadhan and Ishti Rituals

Both Anvadhan and Ishti require specific puja samagris (worship materials) to be offered during the rituals. Some essential items include:

*Ghee (clarified butter)

*Herbs and grains for the fire offering

*Flowers and fruits for Vishnu’s worship

*Incense sticks and camphor for purification

*Rice and sugar for making offerings

*Kumkum and turmeric for blessings

Devotees can arrange all these items online from reliable puja samagri stores, like PujaShoppe, which offer a wide range of worship materials tailored for these specific rituals. Shopping for puja items online has made it easier for devotees to access everything they need for Anvadhan and Ishti, saving time and ensuring that all the necessary items are readily available.

Conclusion

Anvadhan and Ishti are significant rituals for Lord Vishnu’s devotees, offering a chance to express gratitude, seek blessings, and deepen one’s devotion through fire worship, fasting, and prayer. As these sacred rituals approach—Anvadhan on June 20th and Ishti on June 21st—it is the perfect time to gather your puja samagris and engage in heartfelt worship, inviting divine blessings, light, hope, and peace into your life.