Vakratunda Sankashti 2024 Date, Moonrise Time, Rituals, and Significance

Vakratunda Sankashti 2024

Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankathara Chaturthi, is an important day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and a symbol of wisdom and prosperity. This auspicious day occurs every month on the fourth day, or Chaturthi Tithi, during Krishna Paksha. In October, Vakratunda Sankashti falls on Sunday, October 20,2024 a day when devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the well-being of their families.

Vakratunda Sankashti 2024: Date and Moonrise Time

Observing Sankashti Chaturthi involves several rituals and customs that are rooted in deep devotion to Lord Ganesha. Here's how devotees perform these rituals on this auspicious day:

• Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and clean their homes, especially the puja room, as cleanliness is seen as an essential part of the puja preparation.
• Idol Placement: An idol of Lord Ganesha is placed in the puja room, and a diya (lamp) is lit using desi cow ghee to invoke the divine energy of Ganpati.
• Offerings: Yellow flowers, Durva grass, and Boondi laddoo, which are considered favorites of Lord Ganesha, are offered as part of the worship.
• Chanting and Prayers: Devotees recite the Sankashti Katha and perform the Aarti, praising Lord Ganesha and asking for his blessings to remove obstacles and bring peace.
• Evening Puja: In the evening, after sighting the moon, another round of puja is performed. The fast is broken only after the completion of the evening rituals.
• Fasting Rules: Those observing the fast refrain from eating throughout the day, consuming only sattvik (pure) food once the puja is done. Foods considered tamsik, such as onions, garlic, eggs, and meat, are strictly avoided.

Sankashti Chaturthi holds immense significance for Lord Ganesha's devotees. It is believed that fasting and worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day brings immense spiritual benefits, helping devotees overcome life's challenges and obstacles. The word Sankashti itself means deliverance during difficult times, symbolizing how this fast and its associated rituals are meant to alleviate problems and provide a clear path for progress.

Lord Ganesha, known for his wisdom, prosperity, and problem-solving abilities, is invoked on this day to seek protection from hardships and ensure peace and prosperity within families. The day also serves as a spiritual reminder of the power of devotion, prayer, and discipline in overcoming difficulties.

Sankashti Chaturthi Mantras

Reciting the following mantras during Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to bring Lord Ganesha’s divine blessings:

• Om Gan Ganpataye Namah
• Om Vakra Tunda Mahakaye, Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurumaye Dev Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada