Sankashti Chaturthi Pooja
Fasting and worship of Lord Ganesha to overcome difficulties
Materials Required
- Idol or Picture of Lord Ganesha
- Durva Grass (21 blades)
- Red Flowers (Hibiscus)
- Modak or Ladoo
- Coconut & Fruits
- Incense Sticks & Ghee Lamp
- Sandalwood Paste & Kumkum
- Water in a Kalash
- Arghya Vessel (for Moon worship)
Step-by-Step Procedure
1
Sankalpa (Vow)
Wake up early, bathe, and take a vow to observe a fast (Vrat) for the entire day until moonrise.
2
Evening Puja Preparation
In the evening, clean the altar. Place the Ganesha idol. Light the lamp and incense sticks.
3
Invocation & Offerings
Invoke Lord Ganesha. Offer Durva grass, red flowers, sandalwood paste, and his favorite Modaks.
4
Vrat Katha
Read or listen to the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha specific to the month.
5
Arghya to Moon
After moonrise, offer water (Arghya) to the Moon God (Chandra) mixed with sandalwood paste and rice.
6
Breaking the Fast
After the puja and Arghya, break the fast by consuming satvik food (fruits, milk, or specific vrat meals).
Ganesh Mantra
"Om Gan Ganpataye Namah"
Meaning: Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.