Sankashti Chaturthi: Celebrating Lord Ganesha’s Auspicious Day
Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankata Hara Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu calendar month of Magha, which usually falls in the month of January or February. This day is considered highly auspicious for worshiping Lord Ganesha and seeking his blessings for the removal of obstacles and fulfillment of desires.
The word “Sankashti” means “deliverance during difficult times,” and “Chaturthi” refers to the fourth day of the lunar month. Thus, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed as a day to seek relief from all kinds of difficulties and challenges in life. Devotees fast, pray, and perform rituals to honor Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings on this day.
The Legend of Sankashti Chaturthi
According to Hindu mythology, the legend of Sankashti Chaturthi dates back to ancient times. It is said that once Lord Indra, the king of the gods, was cursed by the sage Durvasa for his arrogance. As a result of the curse, Lord Indra lost all his powers and was defeated by the demon king Mahishasura. The gods, including Lord Indra, sought the help of Lord Ganesha to defeat Mahishasura and restore their powers.
On the auspicious day of Sankashti Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha fought a fierce battle with Mahishasura and emerged victorious, thus saving the gods and restoring peace to the world. Since then, Sankashti Chaturthi has been celebrated as a day of victory of good over evil and a day to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for overcoming obstacles and challenges in life.
Celebrating Sankashti Chaturthi
On the day of Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and perform prayers to Lord Ganesha. They offer fruits, flowers, and sweets as naivedya (food offering) to the deity. The main highlight of the day is the observance of a fast (vrat) by the devotees. They abstain from consuming food and water from sunrise to moonrise, which is considered to be a period of around 14-15 hours.
Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and participate in special puja ceremonies conducted on Sankashti Chaturthi. They chant mantras, perform aarti, and offer prayers to seek blessings from the deity. Some devotees also observe a partial fast by consuming only fruits, milk, and other light foods during the day.
In the evening, after sighting the moon, devotees break their fast by consuming prasad (blessed food) offered to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that observing the fast and performing rituals on Sankashti Chaturthi brings good luck, prosperity, and success in life. Devotees also believe that their wishes and prayers are fulfilled by Lord Ganesha on this auspicious day.
FAQs about Sankashti Chaturthi
Q: When is Sankashti Chaturthi celebrated?
A: Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu calendar month of Magha, which usually falls in the month of January or February.
Q: What is the significance of observing a fast on Sankashti Chaturthi?
A: Observing a fast on Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to bring relief from difficulties, obstacles, and challenges in life. It is also considered a way to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha for fulfilling desires and attaining success.
Q: How do devotees celebrate Sankashti Chaturthi?
A: Devotees wake up early, take a bath, perform prayers to Lord Ganesha, offer food and flowers as naivedya, observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise, visit temples, participate in puja ceremonies, and break their fast after sighting the moon.
Q: What are the benefits of observing Sankashti Chaturthi?
A: Observing Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, success, and fulfillment of wishes. It is also considered a way to seek protection from obstacles, challenges, and negative influences in life.
In conclusion, Sankashti Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It is observed with devotion, fasting, prayers, and rituals to seek blessings from the deity for overcoming difficulties and achieving success. The festival holds great importance for devotees who believe in the power of Lord Ganesha to bring relief and deliverance during challenging times. May Lord Ganesha bless all with happiness, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires on the auspicious day of Sankashti Chaturthi!
