If there is one god in the Hindu pantheon who is a marker of auspicious beginnings, it is Lord Ganesha. The elephant-headed god is worshipped at the beginning of seasons and rituals for this reason. And there is one day in every month of the year when this worship is said to be at its peak. Known as Sankashti Chaturthi or Sakat Chauth, this day is even more auspicious, especially if it falls on a Tuesday or Friday. Celebrated across India, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day, or chaturthi, of every month in the Hindu calendar. The day is also linked with the Krishna Paksha, or the waning phase of the moon. While people in many states of India celebrate this day, especially in Maharashtra, it is known by a number of different names. Known as Sankat Hara Chaturthi in Tamil Nadu, the day is also celebrated as Angaraki Chaturthi when it falls on a Tuesday.

Sakat Chauth 2022

Friday, 21 January 2022

Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 21 January 2022 at 08:51 am

Chaturthi Tithi Ends : 22 January 2022 at 09:14 am

Did you know : This fast is famous by many names, such as Sakat Chauth, Sankta Chauth, Tilakut Chauth etc.

The Sanskrit word “sankashti” means deliverance from troubled or difficult times, so worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day means you’ll be blessed with peace and prosperity in the coming times. Devotees usually keep a fast to be free of obstacles on this day.

 Rituals that are followed on Sankashti Chaturthi

–              Devotees keep a partial or day-long fast on this day. They and eat only fruits, vegetables and root plants throughout the day. Peanuts, potatoes and sabudana khichdi are prepared especially to mark this day’s fasting. The day’s fasting is broken only after the main puja is done.

–              The main puja of the day is done in the evening, after the moon is visible. The idol of Lord Ganesha is worshipped with Durva grass, fresh flowers and incense sticks. Lamps are lit, and devotees read the “vrat katha” specific to the month in shich the Chaturthi is. The rituals for this day end with the sighting of the moon.

–              Special sweets or naivedya, including modaks, are offered to the deity during the puja. After the katha and aarti, these sweets are distributed as prasad.

–              Apart from worshipping Lod Ganesha, the moon is also worshipped on Sankashti Chaturthi. Water, chandan or sandalwood paste, rice and flowers are offered in the direction of the moon.

–              Reciting the Vedic hymns or mantras devoted to Lord Ganesha garners blessings on this day. Devotees chant the Ganesha Ashtothra, Sankashtnashana sthothra and Vakrathunda Mahakaya especially on Sankashti Chaturthi.

Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha

The katha of Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi dates back to the time of Satyuga. However, the Pandava queen, Draupadi also listened to this katha. Once a rishi, who was known to be the guardian of the Kuru dynasty, visited the home of Pandavas when they were in exile. And, Draupadi, who went through the cheer haran by Dushasan and was humiliated by Duryodhana, was wondering about what kind of sin she had committed that she is getting a treatment like this. To answer her questions, Maharshi started telling her the story of king Chandrasena and his queen Ratnavali. According to the story, King Chandrasena and Ratnavali were going through a rough time as their enemies looted and plundered their kingdom and they were looking for a shelter in a forest. The royal couple was wandering in the woods for food and shelter. One day, they unknowingly entered Markandeya Rishi’s hermitage in search of water. And after learning about the place that they had accidentally visited, the king sought the blessings of the sage and narrated his ordeal. However, like Draupadi, he wondered if he had committed sins to endure such hardships. Hence, to help him find answers to his question, Markandeya Rishi reminded Chandrasena about his deeds during his previous birth In his previous birth, Kind Chandrasena went to a forest hunt. where he came across a few Nag Kanyas, who were dressed in red, and asked them what were they doing on the banks of the lake. To this, they replied that they were observing the Adhik Maas Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat that will help them in getting rid of all their problems. Inspired by the Nag Kanyas, the king decided to observe the vrat. However, after getting rid of all problems, the king no longer remained grateful to God and had turned arrogant and unjust.

Subsequently, he died However, he once again took birth in a royal household and to reap the benefits and to endure the curse of the misdeeds of his previous birth. After listening to the story, Chandrasena realised that he made a huge mistake and he committed a crime and that he will not repeat such a mistake ever again. He observed a vrat along with Ratnavali on the day of Chaturthi, Krishna Paksha, Adhik Maas wholeheartedly. His devotion and faith worked wonders and he got his lost kingdom and glory back.

However, with this story, Draupadi got all her answers and so did Pandavas and they realised that Karma plays an important role in one’s life as what you sow is what you reap.