Sankatahara Chaturthi falls on April 14, Friday. We hope that the following frequently asked questions and answers below will help as you get to know the Sankatahara Chaturthi Vrata better

When does Sankatahara Chaturthi occur?

Sankatahara Chaturthi is the fourth day after Full Moon day in every month. It is the Krishna paksha Chaturthi of every month.

Whom do we pray on Sankatahara Chaturthi day?

Sankatahara Chaturthi   is devoted to the prayers of Lord Ganesha.’Sankat’ means trouble or hurdles and ‘hara’ means removal. Lord Vigneshwara, the Primordial God for removing hurdles in our life is the giver of all benefits in life. That is why Sankatahara Chaturthi is observed and those who take this vrata benefit infinitely due to the grace of Lord Ganesha.

How to observe Sankatahara Chaturthi Vrata?

Sankatahara Chaturthi vrata starts with early morning bath and prayers. After taking early morning bath, one has to pray before Lord Ganesha by keeping the Lord’s idol or picture before him. Chanting the 108 names of Ganesha will do for those who are the beginners of this vrata. Others can chant complicated verses in praise of Ganesha and seek his blessings.

What are the fasting rules?

From the early morning, it has to be a complete fast which can be broken by the person after seeing the moon rise and prayers offered to Ganesha after seeing the moon rise. Anyhow, those who cannot be on complete fast can observe partial fast by taking fruits or sabadhana kichadi (javvarisi uppuma). With the increased number of Sankatahara Chaturthi vrata observers including those who are physically unwell or pregnant or employed, partial fasting is advisable for such people.

How to perform Sankatahara Chaturthi pooja?

In the evening after seeing the moonrise, prayers to Ganesh have to be offered. It can be the idol, picture or the yellow cone of Ganesh figure made of turmeric that can be the object of worship. Flowers, fruits, milk and coconut are the things for neivedyam for this day. Kozhukattai or modhakam is the preferred sweet of Lord Ganesha and this can be prepared for offering to the Lord. People offer sundal also on this day. Durva grass (அருகம்புல்) is the favourite of Ganesha and if it is offered to Ganesha on this day, it will bring excellent results for a devotee. Ghee or coconut oil should be used for lighting the lamp.

When to break Sankatahara Chaturthi Vrata fast?

After seeing the moonrise in the evening and doing the evening pooja only, one should break his fast.

It is very auspicious to see the moon and start the evening pooja. Suppose one is not able to see the moon, one can refer to the almanac and start the pooja after the time of the moonrise as mentioned in the almanac. Or he can start the pooja after 7.30 pm.

What are the benefits of observing Sankatahara Chaturthi Pooja?

We all know that Vinayaka is the God who dispels all hindrances in the life of a person who prays to him. When one prays to Lord Vigneshwara on Sankatahara Chaturthi, a day known for the removal of obstacles, he will reap all good benefits he desires out of his vrata. By observing Sankatahara Chaturthi vrata for a year continuously, one is able to fulfil his specific wish he wants to accomplish through this vrata. It should be completed with Maha Ganapathy homam or Vancha Kalpa Ganapathy homam.

What is Angariki Chaturthi?

Sankatahara Chaturthi that falls on Tuesdays is considered very auspicious and it is called Angariki Chaturthi. Angarak means burning coal amber and it also refers to the graham Mars. Praying to Ganesha on this day is very auspicious.

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