Ekdanta Sankashti Chaturthi: Tithi, Vidhi and Vrat Katha
Bhagwan Ganesha (Bappa) is probably the most loved god of all. He is especially admired by children. He is also known as Vighnaharta since he removes obstacles from our lives. Sankashti Chaturthi, observed every lunar month on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha, is dedicated to him. The Sankashti Chaturthi in the month of Vaishakha is called Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi. When Chaturthi falls on a Saturday, it’s called Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi and is considered very auspicious.
In 2024, the dates for Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi are as follows:
Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Tithi and Muhrat
Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi on Sunday, May 26, 2024
- Moonrise on Sankashti Day – 10:12 PM
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins – 08:36 AM on May 26, 2024
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends – 07:23 AM on May 27, 2024
Now, let us tell you about the significance of the Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi.
Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Significance
According to the texts, this day marks Bhagwan Ganesha being declared as the supreme God. Observing Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat helps prevent life’s problems. ‘Sankat’ means problems and ‘hara’ means destroyer.
It’s believed that observing this Vrat relieves devotees of sins and grants them a place in Svananda Loka, Shri Ganesha’s abode. This day removes difficulties and brings health, wealth, and prosperity to devotees.
Sankashti Chaturthi is closely linked with the lunar calendar, occurring on the fourth day of the waning phase of the moon. This highlights the cyclical nature of time and the cosmic energies that impact human life. Devotees believe that by synchronising their spiritual practices with these celestial rhythms, they can connect with the divine forces that shape the universe.
Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Vrat Katha
There was a rishi named Bhrushundi who gained an elephant trunk due to his deep devotion to Bhagwan Ganesha. His devotion made him powerful, and people sought his blessings. One day, Bhagwan Indra visited the rishi and when he was going to the kingdom of King Shursen, a sinner placed a bad eye on Indra’s flight. As a result, the flight crashed on land and it all lost its power.
King Shursen came running, sought Indra’s blessings and discovered his flight in poor condition. Indra explained the problem and suggested a solution: recharging the flight with punya from someone who observed the Sankashti Chaturthi fast the previous day. However, they couldn’t find anyone in the kingdom who had observed the fast.
Meanwhile, soldiers of BhagwanGanesha were carrying a deceased sinner who had unintentionally observed the fast by not eating anything on Sankashti Chaturthi. This earned the sinner merits and a place in Bhagwan Ganesha’s abode. The air that touched the sinner’s body also touched Indra’s flight, restoring its power.
Rituals To Be Observed on the Ekdanta Sankashti Chaturthi 2024
You should follow these steps to perform the puja Vidhi of the Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi successfully. In case you have confusion about any aspect of the puja or the auspicious time of puja, you can ask your queries directly to the expert pundit at NamoAstro:
- Wake up before sunrise and take a bath to cleanse yourself.
- Wear clean clothes.
- Prepare a clean and dedicated area for your puja.
- Chant mantras to invite Shri Ganesha’s presence.
- Also, adorn a Ganesha idol with fresh flowers and Durva grass.
- Light a lamp and recite Vedic mantras or prayers for Shri Ganesha.
- You can observe a full-day fast if possible, or consume fruits, sabudana khichdi, vegetables, or milk and fruits for a partial fast.
- Wait for the moonrise, as it holds special significance.
- Perform the puja dedicated to Bhagwan Ganesha and Chandra Dev.
- Prepare Modak, his favourite sweet dish, as an offering.
- Perform Ganesha Aarti and distribute blessed prasad among family and friends.
- After offering to the Chandra Dev, break your fast with prasad or fruits if observing a full fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi?
A: According to the texts, this day marks Bhagwan Ganesha being declared the supreme god. Observing Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat helps prevent life’s problems.
Q: Is Sankashti Chaturthi an auspicious day?
A: Yes, Sankashti Chaturthi is one of the most auspicious days, as the day is dedicated to the removal of evil, Shri Ganesha.
Q: What should not be eaten on Sankashti Chaturthi?
A: It is advised not to consume rice, lentils, or wheat. Instead, one can consume milk, fruits, and vrat (fasting) items. Devotees have the option to observe a full-day or partial-day fast on this day.
