Sankashti Chaturthi (2042)
Dates and timings for Pune
About the Vrat & Significance
Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a holy day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of every lunar month. "Sankashti" literally translates to "deliverance from difficulties or obstacles." Devotees observe this Vrat to seek the blessings of Ganesha, the Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), to overcome hardships, bring prosperity, and gain wisdom and success in all endeavors. The legend describes how Lord Ganesha was designated as the chief of all obstacles by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day. A unique feature of this Vrat is moon worship; the fast is only complete after seeing the moon in the evening, performing a special Moon Puja, and offering Arghya, which is believed to bring profound peace and clear all mental blockages.
The Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat runs from sunrise to moonrise. The main morning puja is performed after sunrise. The most crucial part of the Vrat is the evening puja and the Moon Puja, which must be performed at the exact local moonrise time. The fast is broken immediately after offering the Arghya to the moon.
- An idol or image of Lord Ganesha
- Durva grass blades (preferably 21 blades tied in pairs)
- Red flowers (especially red hibiscus, Ganesha's favorite)
- Sandalwood paste (Chandan) and vermilion (Sindoor)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop
- Ghee lamp (Diya) and camphor for Aarti
- Fresh coconut, betel leaves, and betel nuts (Supari)
- Modaks or Ladoos (milk-based or besan-based sweets)
- Fresh fruits and dry fruits
- Gangajal or clean water in a copper pot
- Raw milk, honey, and curd for Ganesha Abhishek
- A clean cloth to sit on and to decorate the altar
- Water mixed with raw milk, sandalwood paste, and flowers for the Moon Arghya
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean, fresh clothes.
- Clean the altar, place the Ganesha idol on a pedestal, and light a ghee lamp and incense.
- Perform Abhishek of Lord Ganesha with water, milk, honey, and curd, then wipe the idol dry with a clean cloth.
- Apply sandalwood paste and red vermilion (Sindoor) to the deity.
- Offer Durva grass (21 blades) and red hibiscus flowers while reciting Ganesha's names or mantras.
- Offer modaks, ladoos, coconut, and fresh fruits as Naivedya.
- Recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha, Ganesha Chalisa, or the Sankashtahara Stotram.
- Perform the Ganesha Aarti, waving the ghee lamp and camphor, and pray for the removal of all obstacles.
- Observe a fast during the day, maintaining a peaceful state of mind and chanting Ganesha mantras.
- In the evening, check the moonrise timing. When the moon rises, look at the moon and offer Arghya (water offering mixed with milk, sandalwood, and flowers) to the Moon God.
- Offer final prayers to Ganesha, perform a short evening Aarti, and break the fast by consuming the Modak prasad followed by a light satvik meal.
Yearly Vrat Calendar Dates
| # | Date | Day | Month / Tithi | Auspicious Muhurat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No dates found for this year. | ||||
