Today, April 16, 2025, the festival of Vikat Sankashti Chaturthi is being celebrated across India, marking a significant day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and remover of obstacles. This auspicious occasion falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Vaishakh, a time considered particularly powerful for devotees seeking relief from difficulties.
According to Hindu tradition, Vikat Sankashti Chaturthi is observed with great reverence and devotion. The day is believed to be auspicious for worshipping Lord Ganesha, as it is said that sincere prayers and fasting on this day can remove all obstacles and bring peace, prosperity, and wisdom. The significance of this day is underscored by the belief that it can help devotees overcome various challenges in their lives, whether they relate to health, finances, or personal relationships.
The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 1:16 PM today and will last until 3:23 PM tomorrow, April 17, 2025. The moonrise, which is an essential part of the rituals, is expected at 10 PM tonight. This timing is crucial, as devotees traditionally break their fast after offering prayers to the moon, symbolizing the end of their vrata (fast).
For the worship of Lord Ganesha on this day, specific auspicious timings have been identified. The Brahma Muhurta, considered the most favorable time for worship, is from 4:26 AM to 5:11 AM. Additionally, the Vijaya Muhurta, which is also deemed favorable for conducting important rituals, falls between 2:30 PM and 3:21 PM. The Amrit Kaal, another auspicious period, is from 6:20 PM to 8:06 PM, providing ample opportunity for devotees to perform their rituals.
As per the established rituals, devotees are advised to wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. The worship begins with setting up an altar for Lord Ganesha. Offerings such as Durva grass, modaks (sweet dumplings), and flowers are presented to the deity. The recitation of mantras, including 'Om Gan Ganpataye Namah,' is integral to the prayer process. Furthermore, devotees often chant the Sankashti Vrat Katha, a narrative that highlights the importance of Lord Ganesha's blessings.
Another significant aspect of the Vikat Sankashti Chaturthi is the offering made to the moon. After the moon rises at 10 PM, devotees prepare a mixture of water, Ganga water, and white flowers to perform the Chandrodaya Puja, which involves offering the mixture to the moon while chanting prayers. This act is believed to bring blessings and prosperity into their lives.
The spiritual significance of Vikat Sankashti Chaturthi lies in its association with Lord Ganesha's Vikat form, which represents a fierce yet protective aspect of the deity. This form is invoked by devotees seeking to overcome severe obstacles and spiritual ignorance. The day encourages introspection and cleansing, leading to divine intervention in the lives of devotees.
Moreover, the act of fasting on this day is said to promote mental harmony and emotional clarity, aligning with the moon's cycle. It is believed that such practices can cleanse previous karmas, particularly those that have led to persistent failures or distress. Many devotees also believe that the blessings received on this day can lead to improved academic performance, career success, and overall family well-being.
As the day progresses, various rituals are performed, and devotees are encouraged to engage in acts of charity, such as donating to cow shelters or feeding cows, which is considered auspicious and beneficial for family harmony. The belief is that these acts can help alleviate problems and bring about a positive change in one’s life.
In summary, Vikat Sankashti Chaturthi is a day of deep spiritual significance for many Hindus. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and the seeking of blessings from Lord Ganesha. As devotees engage in rituals and offer their prayers, they hope to eradicate obstacles in their lives and invite prosperity and wisdom into their homes.
With the moonrise approaching tonight, many will gather to complete their rituals and celebrate the blessings of Lord Ganesha, confident that their prayers will be heard and their obstacles removed.
