In accordance with the Hindu calendar, every Marathi month’s Krishna Paksha’s fourth day is referred to as Sankashti Chaturthi or Sankashti. Generally, in a year, there are 12 or sometimes 13 Sankashti Chaturthi. Both men and women can observe the Sankashti Chaturthi fast. Some people observe it as a sweet Chaturthi, while others observe it as Panchamrit Chaturthi. The sighting of the moon is a significant part of this fast.
Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, occurring on one day of every lunar month in the Hindu calendar. This day falls on the fourth day of the waning moon (dark moon or the moon’s disappearance). If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi is considered extremely important among all Sankashti Chaturthi days. It is said that around 700 BC, Abhisek Maharishi initiated a method to eradicate opposing thoughts related to self-confidence while teaching his disciples by searching for suitable reasons from religious texts.
Throughout the day, observe fasting and show the moon and Lord Ganesha the ceremonial feast known as Maha Naivedya. The method involves making Modak. Later, have a meal. The duration of this fast can be lifelong, 21 years, or one year.
Rituals:
- After seeing the moon in the morning, perform Ganpati’s puja.
- Observe fasting throughout the day.
- Wearing red-colored clothes during the puja is considered auspicious.
- Face east or north while performing the puja.
- Place an idol of Lord Ganesha on a stool at the puja site after taking a vow with water, akshata, and flowers.
- Offer vermilion to Lord Ganesha.
- Offer flowers, akshata (rice grains), sandalwood paste, incense sticks, and betel leaves to Lord Ganesha.
- Perform Aarti with a ghee lamp.
- Offer Durva grass to Lord Ganesha.
- Present Modak or sweet as Naivedya.
- Chant the Ganesh Mantra.
- Offer Arghya to the moon in the evening.
- Offer Durva grass and Naivedya to Lord Ganesha.
- While offering Durva grass to Lord Ganesha, chant the ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha’ mantra.
- Read the fasting story.
- Finally, distribute Prasad to everyone and conclude the fast by sighting the moon.
There are various stories behind Sankashti Chaturthi, some of which are mentioned below:
- Sankashti Chaturthi story: Once, as Lord Ganesha was returning riding on his mouse, he stumbled. On seeing this, Lord Chandra (the moon) laughed. This angered Lord Ganesha. He cursed Chandra that from that day onwards, nobody would see his face. To relieve himself from the curse, Chandra worshipped Lord Ganesha on the Sankashti Chaturthi day. Hence, this Chaturthi is known as Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. This day is considered important and is believed to help one overcome troubles.
People of all ages observe this simple yet fast rewarding fast. Sankashti Chaturthi and Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi in the month of Shravan are believed to be especially rewarding and significant. It is advised for everyone to observe this fast at least twice a year.
- Story of Sankashti Chaturthi: It is believed that every individual faces four types of troubles: those related to birth, childhood, death, and travels to the afterlife. To overcome these troubles, it is believed that observing the Sankashti Chaturthi fast is beneficial. This information is found in the Shri Ganesh Kosha. According to it, when Brahma, while meditating on creating the earth, focused on the act of creation, the materialization process began. He was then guided by an Akashvani (celestial voice) to let go of his pride and commence the work of creation by chanting the ‘Om’ mantra. As Brahma followed the Akashvani’s instructions, a Mahaprakriti (great nature) was formed. This Mahaprakriti, by performing penance for a thousand years, pleased Lord Ganesha and was blessed. As a result, Lord Ganesha granted her a boon that fasting on Chaturthi would relieve people from their troubles.
By observing the Chaturthi fast, Lord Ganesha has assured to relieve one of immediate troubles, as conveyed directly by Ganesha.
Please note that the stories mentioned are religious narratives associated with the significance of observing Sankashti Chaturthi fasts.
