Sankashti Vrat and Puja is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is observed on the fourth day after Purnima or full moon. Here is how to do or perform Sankashti Chaturthi Puja and Vrat. Sankashti fasting is from morning to the sighting of the moon. Sankashti Puja is performed in the evening. Observing Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to help in removing all difficulties and obstacles in life.
For most people, Sankashti Chaturthi is a complete fast which is broken after sighting the moon and performing puja. There are also people who observe partial fast.
Sankashti Chaturthi Morning Puja
- After early morning bath, prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha in the usual way by lighting a lamp or Aarti.
- Start the puja with the mantra गं गणपतये नम: Always do a simple puja avoid complicated rituals.
- Anyone of the prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesh is chanted. The fasting begins after puja.
Food that can be eaten by those observing Partial Fasting
Those people observing partial fast can eat Sabudana Khichadi or fruits or curd rice.
Sankashti Chaturthi Evening Puja
- The puja is usually performed after sighting the moon. If moon is not sighted, the puja is performed as per the moonrise time given in the Panchang or calendar.
- Start puja by chanting ‘गं गणपतये नम:’
- After sighting the moon, an idol or painting or photo of Lord Ganesh is decorated using flowers and Durva grass.
- A lamp is lit.
- While doing evening puja offer 21 Durva grass blades to Ganesha. Two leaves by chanting the name of Ganesha
The names to be chanted are:
ॐ गणाधिपाय नम:
ॐ उमापुत्राय नम:
ॐ विघ्ननाशनाय नम :
ॐ विनायकाय नम:
ॐ ईशपुत्राय नम:
ॐ सर्वसिद्धिप्रदाय नम:
ॐ एकदंताय नम:
ॐ इभवक्ताय नम:
ॐ मूषकवाहनाय नम:
ॐ कुमारगुरवे नम:
The last remaining one blade of Durva grass should be offered after chanting all the ten names together.
(If Durva grass is not available you can think of it in mind and make the offering - such offering is always accepted)
The last remaining one blade of Durva grass should be offered after chanting all the ten names together.
(If Durva grass is not available you can think of it in mind and make the offering - such offering is always accepted)
- A coconut, banana, and flowers are offered to Lord Ganesh.
- Usually, a Prasad (Modak or any other sweet) is prepared and offered.
- Modak is prepared as Prasad. 21 Modak is usually offered.
- Aarati is performed. Other usual puja procedures like chanting mantras, lighting incense or agarbattis are done.
- After the Puja, the Prasad is distributed.
- Some people opt for a more elaborate Shodashopachara puja – 16 steps.
Sankashti Chaturthi Evening Puja to Moon
- Special pujas are offered to Chandra or moon god.
- The puja involves sprinkling water, sandalwood paste, flowers and consecrated rice in the direction of the moon.
Mantras Chanted During Sankashti Vrat Day
- Sankashtnashana sthothra
- Ganesha Ashtottara
- Vakratunda mahakaya or any of the popular mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesh is chanted.
Note - If moon is not visible you end the fast by looking the moonrise time in your calendar.