Śānti Vrata

Śānti Vrata, simply known as Shanti Vrata, Sanskrit: शान्ति व्रत, Telugu: శాంతి వ్రతం, Hindi: शांति व्रत.

The Śānti Vrata is kept on Kārtika Pañcamī, the fifth tithi of the month of Kārtika. It is offered to Bhagavān Vishṇu and to the divine Nāgas (serpents) led by Śesha, also called Ananta. It is one of the twelve monthly vratas of the Varāha Purāṇa, given in Chapters 57 to 66. It gives peace of mind, freedom from fear, and the grace of Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa, who rests upon the cosmic serpent.

When it is kept and to whom it is offered

The vrata falls on Kārtika Pañcamī. The Pañcamī tithi is sacred to the Nāga-devatās throughout the year. In the month of Kārtika it is joined in a special way with Ananta-Śesha, the divine serpent on whose coils Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa rests in the cosmic ocean. The devas worshipped are Bhagavān Vishṇu himself and the hosts of Nāgas: Ananta, Vāsuki, Takshaka and the other great serpents who uphold the order of the world.

Why the vrata brings śānti

The Varāha Purāṇa teaches that śānti (peace, calm) comes from knowing that Bhagavān Vishṇu is present in all beings. This includes the Nāgas who hold the earth in its place and guard the roots of the cosmic tree.

The vrata gives relief to these people:

  • one who fears serpents;
  • one afflicted by Nāga-dosha (harm that comes from Nāgas, whether through the planets or through the ancestors);
  • one whose household is disturbed by bad omens that concern serpents.

The vidhi

  1. The devotee keeps a fast on Kārtika Pañcamī.
  2. An image of Ananta (Śesha) is made. It is a serpent with seven hoods, made of gold or silver, or drawn in turmeric on a clean surface.
  3. This image is set beside an image of Bhagavān Vishṇu reclining upon it.
  4. Both are worshipped with white flowers, fragrant sandal, milk and unhusked grain.
  5. The Ananta-stuti is recited.
  6. When the pūjā is over, the image of Ananta is placed in a vessel of water. It is then let go into a flowing river or a tank. This shows the return of the cosmic serpent to the first waters.

The phala

  • The vrata removes Nāga-dosha.
  • It cures the harm of snakebite and the ancestral debts linked with it.
  • It gives peace to the household. The devotee’s mind becomes calm, fears dissolve, and prosperity comes of itself.
  • Those who keep the vrata on Kārtika Pañcamī for twelve years in a row reach Vishṇu-loka, where they live in lasting peace.

Sources

  • Varāha Purāṇa, Chapters 57–66