Significance of Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat

Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat is performed for the fulfillment of worldly desires. It is believed that by observing this Vrat or fast the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled. Read on to learn why and how this Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat is performed.Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat is observed mainly in western and southern India especially in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On this auspicious day devotees fast for the whole day and break it at night only after having Darshan of the moon followed by prayers to Lord Ganesha. Devotees of Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat believe that if they pray to Lord Ganesha their problems will get reduced. This is because Lord Ganesha is said to be the God of intelligence and the remover of all obstacles. It is believed that this is the day when Lord Shiva declared his son, Ganesha as superior to all gods. This day Ganesha is widely worshipped as lord of wisdom, prosperity and good luck. Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat and Puja are dedicated to Lord Ganesha and are observed on the fourth day after the full moon or Purnima according to the Hindu calendar month. The fasting is done from morning to evening and the Puja is done in the evening after moonrise. Devotees believe that all of their obstacles and problems in life vanish by observing this Vrat. Some devotees observe complete fast while some prefer taking fruits and milk. However, Sabudana Khichdi, nuts and potato are taken during the day by majority of the people. In this articleRituals ObservedHow to Perform Sankasthi PujaStory Behind the Significance of Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat Rituals ObservedFasting all through the dayWorshipping Lord Ganesha in traditional way in the eveningDarshan of the moonWorshipping the moonBreaking up the fastSome of the devotees go to the extreme likeGoing to the temple bare footedListen to or recite the MudgalpuranaRecite the 100 names of GaneshaRecite or chant the Stotras If in the evening the moon is not visible, the Puja is performed at the time of the moonrise according to the Panchang or Hindu calendar. How to Perform Sankasthi PujaIdol or painting of Lord Ganesha is decorated by flowers and Durva grassA lamp is litFlowers, fruits and coconut are offeredUsually a sweet is prepared or bought as Bhog or PrasadNormal Puja procedure which includes lighting incense sticks and chanting mantras are carried outGanesha Aarti is performed with hymns and prayersAfter the Puja is over, Prasad is offered to all members of the family and everyone present in the PujaThe person who has observed fast breaks it after the above rituals are completedIt is believed that anyone who observes this fast gets his sins washed away and gets power and intelligence. Women keep this fast for healthy and wealthy life of their children. Story Behind the Significance of Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat The importance of Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat was explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira. He said that any person who observes this fast even once in his life goes to heaven and gets ‘Moksha’ which means there is no rebirth for him. The benefits of Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat is immense and right from material progress and overall happiness it provides fulfillment of all kinds of desires and opens the path to heaven for the person as well. Depending on the person and his devotion, one observes the fast year after year. Some observe the fast till their lifetime and some perform the Puja with some promise or intention in mind.When is Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat observed? What are the benefits of observing Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat? Which rituals are followed while observing Sankasthi Chaturthi Vrat? Discuss here.