Sankashti Chaturthi 2025: Puja Vidhi, Angaraki Significance, Fasting Rules & Benefits

Sankashti Chaturthi: A Complete Guide to Puja, Benefits, and its Powerful Angaraki Form

Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity, is revered as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta) and the lord of beginnings. Among the many rituals dedicated to him, the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It is a day of fasting and prayer, observed to overcome life's challenges and seek wisdom and prosperity.

This month brings a particularly rare and auspicious occasion for devotees. The upcoming Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi on Tuesday, 12 August 2025 (Click here to know for other places around the globe), is an Angaraki Chaturthi, a powerful alignment that multiplies the spiritual benefits of the fast.

This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of this sacred observance, from its core meaning to the detailed rituals and profound benefits.

Difference between Sankashti and Vinayaka Chaturthi

A common point of confusion for many is the difference between the two Chaturthi fasts observed each month. Both are dedicated to Lord Ganesha but occur on different lunar phases and have distinct significance.

Sankashti Chaturthi:

• Lunar Phase: Observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) after the Full Moon, during the dark fortnight of the moon (Krishna Paksha).
• Meaning: The name "Sankat-hara" means "the dispeller of hardships." This fast is primarily observed to remove obstacles, solve problems, and reduce difficulties in life.
• Key Ritual: The fast is strictly observed from sunrise until moonrise. It is broken only after sighting and making an offering to the Moon.

Vinayaka Chaturthi:

• Lunar Phase: Observed on the fourth day after the New Moon, during the bright fortnight of the moon (Shukla Paksha).
• Meaning: This fast is observed to gain wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity.
• Key Ritual: The main puja for Vinayaka Chaturthi is performed during the midday (Madhyahna). Fasting devotees generally avoid looking at the moon on this night, as it is associated with a myth of carrying a false blame.

The Rare and Powerful Angaraki Chaturthi Significance

When a Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday (Mangalwar), it is celebrated as Angaraki Chaturthi. This alignment is considered exceptionally sacred and potent.

• Astrological Power: Tuesday is ruled by the planet Mars (Mangal), the celestial body associated with energy, courage, and overcoming conflict and debt. Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day is believed to pacify the malefic effects of Mars and provide immense strength to overcome life's battles.
• Multiplied Blessings: It is widely believed that observing the fast on a single Angaraki Chaturthi can bestow the same spiritual merits as observing the vrat for an entire year.
• Auspicious for New Beginnings: Devotees often choose this day to start the year-long Sankashti Vrat cycle or to pray for the successful resolution of long-standing issues, particularly those related to debt, property, and health.

Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Morning Preparations

• Brahma Muhurta: Wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.
• Sankalpa (Vow): Face the east, hold some water and flowers in your palm, and take a vow to observe the fast with full sincerity for Lord Ganesha to resolve your problems and grant his blessings.
• The Day-long Fast: Abstain from all regular food and grains. You may observe a strict fast with only water (Nirjal Vrat) or a partial fast (Phalahar Vrat) where you consume fruits, milk, and other vrat-approved foods.

Evening Puja Ritual

This is the main puja, performed after a second bath in the evening, usually around sunset.

• Prepare the Altar: Place a clean cloth on a raised platform (chowki). Install an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha.
• Light the Diya: Light a lamp (diya) with ghee or sesame oil, along with incense sticks (agarbatti).
• Offerings:
  • Fresh flowers, especially red hibiscus
  • A garland of Durva Grass (ideally 21 strands)
  • Tilak of sandalwood paste (chandan) and vermillion (kumkum)
  • Seasonal fruits
  • Modak or Ladoo as the main sweet offering
• Chant Mantras: Chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" (ॐ गं गणपतये नमः) at least 108 times.
• Read the Vrat Katha: Read or listen to the Sankashti Vrat Katha specific to the month, or the general story of the potter’s son.
• Perform Aarti: Sing the Ganesha Aarti (Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva).

Breaking the Fast

• Arghya to the Moon: Once the moon is visible, make an offering of water mixed with sandalwood paste, flowers, and rice.
• Prasad: Offer your final prayers to Lord Ganesha, partake in the prasad, and break your fast with a light, sattvic meal.

Benefits of Observing Sankashti Vrat

• Spiritual Benefits: Removes obstacles, pacifies planetary doshas, enhances wisdom and devotion.
• Personal & Mental Benefits: Builds willpower, reduces stress and anxiety, enhances inner peace and mental clarity.
• Fulfillment of Desires: Helps in achieving success, prosperity, health, and harmony in personal life.
• Health Benefits: Promotes detoxification, better digestion, and healthy eating habits through periodic fasting.

Conclusion

The Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat is a holistic spiritual practice. It is an opportunity to cleanse the body, focus the mind, and connect deeply with the divine grace of Lord Ganesha, ensuring his guiding light helps us navigate the complexities of life.