Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi Date and timing: This Chaturthi falls on 22nd August 2024 Thursday.
Chaturthi Tithi Begins - August 22, 2024 - 01:46 PM
Chaturthi Tithi Ends - August 23, 2024 - 10:38 AM
Sankatahara Chaturthi
In the pantheon of Hindu deities, Lord Ganesh or Vinayagar stands as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and prosperity. Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi is a significant auspicious day to worship Lord Ganesh. This day occurs in the month of Avani, the month of Lord Ganesha's birth, it is known as Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi. It is also said that Lord Ganesha lifted the curse on the moon on Chaturthi day.
"Sankatam" refers to the various hardships we face in our lives, and "Hara" means removing them from the roots. It's fascinating that every month the Fourth Tithi of the waxing moon after Amavasya is called Chaturthi, and the Fourth Tithi of the waning moon after Pournami (Purnima), is known as Sankatahara Chaturthi or Sangadahara Chaturthi.
The Sankatahara Chaturthi that occurs in the Tamil month of Avani is even more special for worshipping Lord Ganesh. It's widely believed that fasting and worshipping Lord Ganesha on Sankatahara Chaturthi can alleviate any kind of sorrow and overcome challenges in our lives.
How to Worship and Rituals
- It is good to wake up early in the morning and take a clean bath before performing pooja at home.
- Prepare any food to serve as prasad in the temple.
- Visit the nearby Ganesha temple and perform pooja by offering flowers, incense sticks, sambrani, and lighting lamps.
- Observing fast on Sankatahara Chaturthi from sunrise to moonrise is considered very auspicious and beneficial.
- Chant this mantra “Om Shree Ganeshaye Namah” or "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah". These chants are believed to invoke the deity’s blessings and remove obstacles from one's path.
- Lord Ganesha can be worshipped in the form of turmeric, metals like gold, silver, copper, brass and bronze, Karungali wood Ganesha, and Sphatik crystal Ganesha at home.
- After sighting the moon, conclude the fast with final prayers and offerings. The moon symbolizes the fast's completion and Lord Ganesha's blessings.
The benefits of Observing fast
- Fasting and worshipping on Sankatahara Chaturthi help eliminate hurdles and challenges in one's life, paving the way for smoother paths ahead.
- Performing the rituals collectively as a family strengthens familial bonds. It encourages unity, love, and mutual respect among family members.
- The devotion and sincerity in performing these rituals and fasts can lead to the fulfilment of one’s desires and aspirations.
- Observing fast on this day to Lord Ganesha invites his blessings, often leading to increased prosperity, success in endeavours, and overall well-being for devotees.
Related Article: The Tale of Lord Ganesha: Birth Story, Symbolism and Facts
Upcoming Sankatahara Chaturthi 2024
- 21st September 2024, Saturday
- 20th October 2024, Sunday
- 19th November 2024, Tuesday
- 18th December 2024, Wednesday
While the rituals and fasting are significant aspects of Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi, the true essence lies in the devotion and faith of the worshippers. This day offers an opportunity to deeply connect with Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for the removal of obstacles and the attainment of success and prosperity.
To enhance your celebrations, consider purchasing beautiful Ganesha statues and pendants from Om Spiritual Shop.