Anant Chaturdashi: The Cosmic Serpent and Bappa

Anant Chaturdashi, 25th November 2026, was a day of devotion and tradition at my home. We performed Shree Anant Pooja along with Mohini and Sheshnag rituals, a practice deeply rooted in Koknasth Brahmin culture. Perhaps this is why Shree Ganesh Sthapana in our homes is often for just 1.5 days, followed by Mahalakshmi Agaman, Prasadam, and Visarjan.

Though Bappa’s presence at my home was brief, the blessing felt immense. And with my society celebrating Ganesh Sthapana for the full ten days, I was fortunate to continue seeking darshan and offering prayers throughout the festival.

The Dream in Brahma Muhurat

On the sacred night of Anant Chaturdashi, I woke in Brahma Muhurat with a dream that felt more like a divine message. My better half and I were in the grand prangan of Shree Dagaduseth Mandir. The courtyard stretched vast and serene, and it seemed as though we had spent the entire night there, waiting for the early morning darshan of Bappa at 5:00 am.

Around 2:30 am, I stirred with the thought that perhaps we should return home and come back later for darshan. As I wandered through the temple premises, I noticed a water dispenser and a plank of wood. For no reason, I lifted the plank—and beneath it lay a strange reptile.

It was unlike anything I had ever seen, even in documentaries. Thin yet swollen at the stomach, and most strikingly, it had heads both the sides like an earthworm . My mind whispered “snake,” but my eyes knew it was something beyond ordinary.

When I finally awoke in Brahma Muhurat, the image of that black reptile lingered. What was Bappa trying to convey through this vision? Was it a symbol of duality, of hidden truths, or of obstacles yet to be overcome?

In Hindu symbolism, serpents often represent energy, transformation, and the mysteries of the subconscious. The two-headed form could signify choices, dual paths, or the balance between opposing forces. Perhaps Bappa was reminding me that devotion is not just about rituals, but also about confronting the unknown within ourselves—the hidden fears, the unanswered questions, and the dualities of life.

A Blessing in Disguise

Anant Chaturdashi marks the farewell of Bappa, but it also signifies continuity—the eternal Anant. Just as the serpent sheds its skin to renew itself, perhaps Bappa was reminding me that endings are beginnings in disguise.