- August 9, 2025
Lord Ganesha is easy to worship and grants all the prosperity in life. While any moment we pray to him is special, the Sankatahara Chaturthi fast, observed on the Chaturthi day, is a wonderful vratam (a vow or religious observance) specifically dedicated to him. It is said that devotees who perform this vratam and worship Lord Ganesha will not lack anything.
This Chaturthi day can solve all our problems. Fasting on this day not only helps us get what we wish for but also grants us all the blessings we are meant to receive. Sankatahara Chaturthi falls on the fourth day after the full moon. “Sankata” means “troubles,” and “Hara” means “to destroy.” Therefore, Sankatahara Chaturthi is a vow that destroys troubles. The Chaturthi Tithi (day) that comes after the full moon is called Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi.
The Chaturthi that follows the full moon during the Tamil months of Aavani and Masi is known as Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi. It is said that Angaraka (the planet Mars) attained his position as one of the Navagrahas by observing this special vratam. Lord Krishna and the sage Purukandi also received Lord Ganesha’s blessings by observing this fast. It is also believed that Goddess Shakti reunited with Lord Shiva after performing this vratam. Kritavirya had a son named Kartavirya by observing this fast. The Puranas also state that the Pandavas were victorious because they observed this fast. This is a simple fast that grants everything you wish for.
On the morning of Sankatahara Chaturthi, wake up early and first pray to the idol of Ganesha at home. After bathing, light a lamp for Ganesha and perform a puja, offering Arugampul (Bermuda grass) or any flowers you have. Offering dhoop (incense), deepa (lamp), and naivedyam (food offering) is considered highly beneficial. It is good to fast all day until the evening.
In the evening, visit a nearby Ganesha temple and participate in the Sankatahara Chaturthi puja. If possible, you can perform an Abhishek (ritual bath for the deity) and Archana (offering of prayers and flowers). You can also distribute prasad (blessed food). After returning home from the temple, you should pray while looking at the moon of that day. Only then should you eat and complete the fast. Those who are unable to fast can consume milk, fruits, or similar items.
It is said that if you start this fast on the Chaturthi that falls on a Tuesday during the waning moon period and continue it for a full year, all your wishes will come true, and all your tasks will proceed without any obstacles. Lord Ganesha cursed the moon for its arrogance and mockery. The moon, with its pride gone, received Ganesha’s blessings on this Chaturthi day. This is why it’s said that we should pray to Lord Ganesha and then see the moon on this special day.
Observing this fast can cure long-standing illnesses. Those who face continuous problems in life can attain lasting happiness. You can gain excellent education, sharp intellect, a long life, stable wealth, and good offspring. For those affected by Sani Dosha, performing this vratam will significantly reduce the negative impact of Saturn.
On the day of Sankatahara Chaturthi, chanting the Ganesha Gayatri Mantra and the Tamil Vinayagar Agaval will bring additional benefits:
Om Tat Purushaya Vidmahe
Vakra Tundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayat
Let’s understand the significance of the Sankatahara Chaturthi vratam, which grants all the blessings of life, and benefit from it.
