📜 Significance:
Sankashti Chaturthi is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. It is observed to seek his blessings for relief from difficulties and to ensure success in endeavors. The word “Sankashti” means deliverance during difficult times. Devotees observe a fast and perform pooja to invoke Lord Ganesha’s grace, especially to overcome challenges in life.
In Maharashtra, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every lunar month on the 4th day after the full moon (Krishna Paksha), with special importance given to the one in the month of Magha and others.
🗓️ When It’s Performed:
- Observed every month on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waning moon)
- The Magha Sankashti (usually January–February) is especially auspicious
- Pooja is performed in the evening (Sandhya Kala) after moonrise
🛐 Who Can Perform:
- Individuals, families, and devotees of Lord Ganesha
- Can be performed at home or in temples with the help of a Panditji
- Especially observed by those seeking relief from obstacles or beginning new ventures
📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):
- Idol or picture of Lord Ganesha
- Kalash with water, mango leaves, and coconut
- Haldi, kumkum, chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Fresh flowers, especially red hibiscus or marigold
- Diya (oil lamp), agarbatti (incense sticks), camphor
- Fruits, sweets (especially modak, Ganesha’s favorite)
- Betel leaves, supari, rice
- Panchamrit (milk, honey, ghee, curd, sugar)
🕯️ Main Rituals:
- Invocation of Lord Ganesha by chanting mantras and Ganapati Atharvashirsha
- Offering flowers, haldi-kumkum, and fresh leaves to the idol
- Performing aarti with diya and camphor
- Offering modaks and other sweets as naivedya
- Reciting Sankashti Vrat Katha and Ganapati stotras
- Breaking the fast after sighting the moon or completing the pooja
⏳ Duration:
30 to 45 minutes depending on ritual specifics
🎁 Benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi Pooja:
- Removes obstacles and negative influences from life
- Enhances wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual strength
- Brings peace, happiness, and success in new endeavors
- Fulfills wishes and grants protection from harm
- Strengthens faith, devotion, and discipline through fasting and prayer
