Sankashti Chaturthi 2023 Date, Time, Pooja Vidhi and Signficance
Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha or the benign Elephant God, Sankashti. On this day, devotees worship Lord Ganesha to surmount life’s obstacles and emerge victorious during difficult times. This Hindu celebration occurs monthly on the “Chaturthi” (Fourth Day) of the Krishna Paksha (the declining phase of the moon). It is also referred to as “Sankat Hara Chaturthi” in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Tuesday is the most promising and auspicious Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Angaraki Chaturthi.
In the Hindu Panchang, a lunar month has two Chaturthi Tithis (dates). ‘Sankashti Chaturthi’ occurs after Puranmasi or on the day of the full moon during the Krishna Paksha, while ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’ occurs after Amavasya or on the day of the new moon during the Shukla Paksha. Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated in both Northern and Southern Indian provinces. The Sanskrit word “Sankashti” signifies “liberation from difficult times.”
Sankashti Chaturthi Date 2023
09 May 2023
Sankashti Chaturthi Pooja Vidhi
- According to the Sankashti Chaturthi fasting procedure, devotees awaken early on this day to worship Lord Ganesha.
- During this pooja, only plant roots, fruits, and fresh vegetables may be consumed.
- This day’s typical diet consists of raw potatoes, Sabudana, and peanuts.
- Lord Ganesha’s statue is embellished with Durva vegetation and fresh flowers.
- Following this is the recital of the “Vrat Katha” for the month in reverence of the Lord.
- Sankatahara Chaturthi Pooja is performed after observing the moon (Chandrodaya) in the evening. You may only break your fast after holding the moon in open view.
Mantra Chant on Sankashti Chaturthi
Vakra Tunndda Maha Kaaya, Surya Kotti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva, Sarva Kaaryessu Sarvadaa
Sankashti Chaturthi Significance
According to the Hindu Panchanga, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of the declining moon (Krishna Paksha). This auspicious celebration is dedicated to Ganesh, the Supreme Lord Vignaraja. The Sanskrit term ‘Sankashti’ means deliverance or liberation from difficulties. Therefore, worshipping and observing a vrat on this day will bring a devotee numerous benefits, and he or she will be able to live a blissful life without any obstacles.
Lord Ganapati is the most revered deity in Hinduism and the devoted son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Vighnaharta Ganesh is the most benevolent deity; he is readily pleased by small acts of devotion and prayer and removes all obstacles from the path of a devotee.
• Shri Ganesh, AgraPujya, is an incarnation of intellect and virtue. On this day, fasting and praising the supreme deity brings the devotee wisdom, health, prosperity, and happiness.
• According to the Shiva Purana, observing a Vrat (fast) on this auspicious day with total devotion and faith will eradicate all obstacles.
• In 700 B.C., according to religious beliefs, devotees began celebrating this auspicious day with the belief that Lord Ganesh would protect them from misfortune and bless them with knowledge and riches.
• According to the Brahmavaivarat Purana, Lord Ganesha is both the offspring of supreme Lord Shiva and Parvati and a manifestation of the supreme consciousness. By worshipping Him, one receives the blessings of intelligence and wisdom as well as liberation from all obstacles.
