Ekadanta Sankashti Vrat Katha: The Story of Dayadeva and the Power of Devotion to Lord Ganesha

Ekadanta Sankashti Vrat Katha: The Story of Dayadeva and the Power of Devotion to Lord Ganesha

The Importance of Sankashti Vrat: Sankashti Chaturthi, observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of each month, holds deep spiritual importance in Hindu tradition. The vrat (fast) of Jyeshtha Sankashti Chaturthi is especially sacred and is associated with the worship of Ekadanta Ganesha, one of the many forms of Lord Ganesha.

Once, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Ganesha about the significance of the Jyeshtha Chaturthi. She wanted to know the method of worship, Ganesha’s name for this month, and the appropriate offerings. In response, Lord Ganesha explained that worshipping Ekadanta on this day brings good fortune, marital bliss, and the fulfillment of all desires. Devotees should offer halwa, laddus, and puris made with pure ghee. After feeding Brahmins, the devotee may eat the prasad.

The Story of Dayadeva and the Power of Vrat

In the Satya Yuga, a noble king named Prithu ruled over a prosperous kingdom. A scholarly Brahmin named Dayadeva, well-versed in the Vedas, lived in his realm. He had four sons who were also learned. Over time, Dayadeva married off his sons with all traditional rituals.

The eldest daughter-in-law, a devout woman, had been observing the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat since childhood. After her marriage, she requested her in-laws to allow her to continue observing the vrat. However, her father-in-law, Dayadeva, discouraged her, claiming that such observances were unnecessary for someone enjoying family life. He even questioned the significance of Lord Ganesha.

Despite opposition, the daughter-in-law silently continued her vrat. She was soon blessed with a son. But due to continuous resistance from her mother-in-law, she eventually stopped observing the vrat. This angered Lord Ganesha.

Years passed, and the daughter-in-law’s son reached marriageable age. On his wedding day, a strange event occurred—the groom mysteriously disappeared. Panic spread throughout the family and guests. The bridegroom’s mother lamented to her father-in-law that this was a result of being forced to abandon the vrat.

Realizing their mistake, the groom's wife—still a young girl—took it upon herself to start observing the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat with utmost devotion every month, praying for the return of her husband.

One day, a frail Brahmin came to the bride’s door asking for food. She welcomed him, offered a meal, clothes, and great respect. Pleased by her devotion, the Brahmin revealed his true identity: he was Lord Ganesha in disguise. He blessed her, promising that her husband would soon return.

Soon, a Brahmin named Somasharma found the missing groom in a forest and brought him back. The entire town rejoiced. Dayadeva was overwhelmed and thanked Somasharma with a heartfelt donation. The marriage ceremony was completed with great celebration and devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganesha later told Goddess Parvati that anyone who observes the Ekadanta Sankashti Vrat with sincerity will have all their wishes fulfilled. The vrat brings blessings, removes obstacles, and fulfills marital and familial desires.

In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna also advised Yudhishthira to observe this vrat to overcome his enemies.