Sankashti Chaturthi — the fourth day of the dark fortnight — is a monthly vrata dedicated to Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles. The word "sankashti" means "deliverance from troubles." Devotees fast all day and break the fast only after sighting the moon. This guide explains the tradition, rituals and stories behind this powerful observance.
Meaning of Sankashti
Each month has two Chaturthis — one in Shukla Paksha called Vinayaka Chaturthi, and one in Krishna Paksha called Sankashti Chaturthi. While Vinayaka Chaturthi is auspicious for new beginnings, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed specifically to ask Ganesha to remove existing obstacles, debts, illnesses and worries.
The 13 Sankashti Names
There are 13 Sankashti Chaturthis in a normal year (12 + 1 in Adhika Maasa), each with a unique name and presiding form of Ganesha:
- Vakratunda Sankashti
- Ekadanta Sankashti
- Krishnapingala Sankashti
- Gajananaa Sankashti
- Heramba Sankashti
- Vighnaraja Sankashti
- Vibhuvan-palak Sankashti
- Lambodara Sankashti
- Dwijapriya Sankashti
- Bhalachandra Sankashti
- Ganadipa Sankashti
- Vikata Sankashti
- Angarki Sankashti (when it falls on a Tuesday — most powerful)
Angaraki Chaturthi
When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday (Mangalwar), it becomes Angaraki Chaturthi — the most powerful Sankashti of the year. It is said that observing even one Angaraki Chaturthi grants the merit of all Sankashtis combined. The next Angaraki is highly anticipated by Ganesha bhaktas.
How to Observe
- Wake before sunrise, bathe, and resolve the vrata
- Fast all day — fruits, milk and water permitted
- Perform Ganesha puja in the evening with red flowers, durva grass and modaks
- Chant Sankashtanashana Stotram or Ganesha Atharvashirsha
- Look for moonrise — break the fast only after sighting the moon and offering arghya
Stories and Significance
The Ganesha Purana narrates how King Harishchandra, sage Bhrigu, and even the devas observed Sankashti Chaturthi to overcome impossible difficulties. The Mahabharata mentions Yudhishthira learning the vrata from Krishna during the Pandavas' forest exile. The pattern is consistent: those facing severe obstacles turn to Sankashti and find relief.
Conclusion
If you are facing a persistent problem — financial trouble, health issue, legal matter or family conflict — commit to observing Sankashti Chaturthi for at least 11 consecutive months. Many devotees report dramatic shifts in their circumstances. Lord Ganesha is the gentlest and most accessible of devatas; He never refuses sincere prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does the moon rise on Sankashti?
A: Moonrise time varies by date and location. Check the Nitya Panchangam moonrise table for your city before fasting.
Q: Can I drink water during the fast?
A: Yes. Water, milk and fruits are universally permitted during Sankashti vrata.
Q: What is the significance of durva grass?
A: Three or twenty-one blades of durva grass are Ganesha's favorite offering. They are said to cool His pitta and please Him more than any flower.