Gajanana Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Gajanana Sankatahara Chathurthi

Gajanana Sankatahara Chathurthi: The Ashadha Bahula Chavithi Vratham

Gajanana Sankatahara Chathurthi is the Chavithi of Ashadha Bahula Paksha. In this month's Sankashtahara vratham, Vinayaka is worshipped as Gajanana, the elephant-faced Lord. Devotees fast from morning, worship Ganapati in the evening and end the fast after offering arghya to the Moon.

The Story of Gajanana

Before her bath, Parvati shaped a boy from turmeric paste and placed him at the door as a guard. When Shiva tried to enter, the boy stopped him, and Shiva in anger cut off his head. Seeing Parvati's grief, Shiva had the head of an elephant brought from the north, placed it on the boy and restored his life. Shiva then made Gajanana the leader of the ganas and the deity to be worshipped first in every puja. The elephant head stands for wisdom, a broad vision and patience.

Why This Vratham Is Special in Ashadha

Chaturmasya begins in Ashadha with Tholi Ekadashi, and the monsoon gathers strength. In Telugu homes this is the month when newly married daughters visit their parents, and there is the colour of Bonalu and gorintaku. Worshipping Gajanana on Bahula Chavithi in this sacred period is believed to clear obstacles from the work we begin.

How to Perform the Puja

Bathe in the morning, bow to Ganapati and make the sankalpam to fast.
In the evening, spread a red cloth on a peeta and place a Ganesha idol or a turmeric Ganapati.
Do archana with garika, jilledu (calotropis) flowers and red hibiscus while chanting the name Gajanana.
Offer kudumulu, undrallu and chana dal with jaggery, then read the vratha katha.
After moonrise, offer arghya to the Moon with water, milk, sandal paste and akshatalu, and only then take food.

Benefits of the Vratham

Devotees believe that regular observance of Sankatahara Chathurthi clears obstacles in studies, work and family life. Fasting is not about punishing the body but about keeping the mind on God, so those with health concerns may fast on fruits and milk. Speaking gently and spending the day calmly is also part of the vratham.

May Gajanana Ganapati's blessings make all your endeavours free of obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

When is Gajanana Sankatahara Chathurthi?

Gajanana Sankatahara Chathurthi falls on the Chavithi tithi of Ashadha Bahula Paksha. The vratham is kept on the day Chavithi prevails at moonrise.

How did Ganesha get an elephant head?

According to the Puranas, Shiva cut off the head of the boy Parvati had created, and then, moved by her grief, restored him with an elephant's head. From then on he has been worshipped as Gajanana.

How do I offer arghya to the Moon on Sankatahara Chathurthi?

After moonrise, take water mixed with a little milk, sandal paste and akshatalu, look at the Moon, bow and pour it out as arghya. Then take prasadam and break the fast.

Can Sankatahara Chathurthi be observed at home?

Yes, the vratham is easily done at home before a Ganesha picture or turmeric Ganapati with garika, flowers and naivedyam. Reading the vratha katha and offering arghya to the Moon are the key steps.

What can I eat during the Sankatahara fast?

Those who cannot fast completely may take fruits, milk and buttermilk. A simple sattvic meal is eaten after offering arghya to the Moon.

Gajanana Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

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