Ekadanta Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

Ekadanta Sankatahara Chathurthi is the Sankatahara Chathurthi that falls on Vaishakha Bahula Chavithi. In this month Vighneshwara is worshipped as "Ekadanta", the one with a single tusk. A daytime fast, Ganapati puja in the evening and arghyam to the moon after moonrise are the key parts of the vratham.

The Story of Ekadanta

The Puranas offer different stories for Ganapati's single tusk. In a well-known account, when Vyasa Maharshi dictated the Mahabharata on the condition that the writing must never stop, Ganapati broke off his tusk and used it as a pen. Another story says the tusk broke in a fight with Parashurama, whom Ganapati stopped from entering Kailasa to see Shiva. Either way, the single tusk symbolises sacrifice, wisdom and one-pointed focus beyond dualities. Ekadanta is the second of Vighneshwara's sixteen names.

Vratham Steps

• Bathe early, take sankalpam and begin the fast.
• In the evening, place Ganapati on a peetham in the puja room and worship him with garika, jilledu (calotropis) flowers and red flowers.
• Chant "Om Ekadantaya Namaha" 108 times; the Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali may also be read.
• Offer undrallu, modakalu, vadapappu and panakam; panakam and vadapappu suit the Vaishakha heat well.
• Listen to the Sankatahara Chathurthi vratha katha and offer harathi.
• After moonrise, offer arghyam to the moon, take prasadam and break the fast.

Rules

Some devotees keep a nirjala fast, while most take milk and fruit. Since Vaishakha is high summer, it is wise to take enough water and buttermilk with your health in mind. Avoid anger and gossip on this day. Moonrise time varies by location.

Benefits

Devotees believe that worshipping Ekadanta Ganapati brings concentration in studies, success in work and steadiness of mind. Students, writers and those starting new ventures keep this vratham with special devotion.

May the grace of Ekadanta remove all your troubles.