Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ganesha and it is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day during the waning phase of moon in a Hindu lunar fortnight) after Purnima or the full moon day (Sankashti Calendar for monthly dates). Here is a brief description of Sankashti Chaturthi Mantra and Pooja:
Sankashti Chaturthi Mantra
श्री गणेशाय नम: – Shri Ganeshaya Namah
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः – Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Anyone of the above said mantra have to be chanted 108 times on Sankashti Chaturthi day.
Sankashti Chaturthi Meaning
Sankashti means end to problems in life – it literally translates into Sankat Se Mukti – Sankat means difficulties or problems and mukti means liberation. Chaturthi is the fourth day during the waxing or waning phase of moon in a Hindu lunar calendar. An only Ganesha can give mukti from Sankat and therefore he is worshipped on the day.
As per Hindu teachings, Ganesha is associated with the element water. No work will be successful without his blessings. So one needs to take his blessings before beginning any kind of work.
Simple Sankashti Chaturthi Pooja
- The person performing the fast should wake up early in the morning. Take bath and then wear red color clothes.
- The fasting is from sunrise to sighting of the moon.
- Prayers and puja on the day should be performed facing east or north.
- While doing morning prayers light lamp using pure cow ghee, offer dhoop or agarbatti of natural flowers, offer uncooked rice, offer red color flowers and finally offer a sweet like modak.
- Sit in meditation and chant the mantra 108 times.
- If possible visit a Ganesha temple on the day. Offer prayers. Do small donation to poor children or feed an animal.
- If possible read stories of Ganesha.
- In the evening, on sighting the moon, repeat the puja and offer water to moon (Chandra).
- Sit in meditation, chant the mantra 108 times, and end the fast.
Benefits of Chanting Sankashti Chaturthi Mantra
- Observing Sankashti Chaturthi helps in getting rid of all kinds of problems in life.
- The person observing the vrat will be blessed with intelligence and wisdom.
- The devotee will also develop the desired mental courage to face worldly problems.
Sankashti Chaturthi Story - This Story is Read by Those Observing the Fast