Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sakat Chauth, is a revered day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This article covers everything from the date and history to the rituals and significance of the day.
Sankashti Chaturthi is a highly sacred day for devotees of Lord Ganesha, occurring every month on the 4th day of Krishna Paksha. Each Sankashti Chaturthi carries its unique name and significance.On this day, Lord Shri Ganesha, known for removing obstacles, is venerated. Devotees believe that fasting with true devotion on Sankashti Chaturthi fulfills all their wishes. Alongside Lord Ganesha, Chandra Dev (the Moon God) is also worshipped, and the fast is considered complete only after worshipping the moon. For more details on this auspicious day, read on.
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Date and Time
- Chaturthi Tithi Starts: 7:30 AM, July 24, 2024
- Chaturthi Tithi Concludes: 4:39 AM, July 25, 2024
- Moonrise on Sankashti Day: 8:57 PM
Significance of Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi
Sankashti Chaturthi, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is a significant day for Hindus, symbolizing relief from difficulties. Devotees, especially in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, fast from dawn to dusk, seeking Ganesha’s blessings to overcome challenges.
Lord Ganesha, known as Pratham Pujya (the first worshipped God), is essential to any puja ritual. Without first honoring him, rituals and activities may encounter obstacles. With his worship believed to ensure success and fulfill deep desires, particularly for childless couples.
Steps to Perform Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi Puja
- Begin Your Day with a Holy Bath: Start the day by taking a purifying bath to cleanse yourself spiritually.
- Cleanse Your Home: Ensure your home is thoroughly cleaned to welcome fresh and positive energies.
- Prepare the Puja Space: Place an idol of Lord Ganesha on a clean wooden plank in your puja area.
- Light the Lamp: Use desi cow ghee to light a diya and burn incense sticks to create a sacred atmosphere.
- Arrange Puja Items: Place unbroken rice and a water-filled kalash near the idol as part of the offerings.
- Adorn the Idol: Adorn Lord Ganesha’s idol with a yellow haldi and roli tilak, and embellish it with a yellow garland.
- Offer Fruits and Dry Fruits: Present fruits, especially bananas, and dry fruits as offerings to Lord Ganesha.
- Chant Mantras: Recite Ganesha Mantras to invoke the deity’s blessings and presence.
- Perform Aarti: Conduct the Ganesha Aarti and visit a temple to further your prayers.
- Special Offerings: Offer boondi laddoo and modaks, which are considered favorites of Lord Vinayaka.
- Evening Puja and Moon Worship: In the evening, carry out another round of worship during the Puja Muhurat, present bhog prasad, and then offer the kalash water to the Moon God.
- Breaking the Fast: Conclude your fast by offering water to the Moon God, and be sure to consume only sattvik food while avoiding tamasik items.
Essential Mantras for the Puja
- Om Gan Ganpataye Namah..!!
- Om Shree Ganeshaye Namah..!!
- Om Vakratunda Mahakaye Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kurumaye Dev Sarva Kareyshu Sarvada..