Heramba Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Heramba Sankatahara Chathurthi

Heramba Sankatahara Chathurthi: The Protector Ganapati of Shravana

Heramba Sankatahara Chathurthi is the Chavithi of Shravana Bahula Paksha. Devotees worship Vinayaka by the name Heramba and fast during the day, completing the vratham with evening Ganapati puja and arghya to the Moon after moonrise. Falling in Shravana, the month of vrathams, this Sankatahara Chathurthi holds a special place.

The Form of Heramba Ganapati

Heramba Ganapati is one of the thirty-two forms of Ganesha. He is described with five faces, seated on a lion, holding weapons in many hands and showing the abhaya and varada mudras. The name Heramba is explained as the protector of the weak and helpless. Devotees pray to this form for courage when they feel fearful or powerless.

Ganesha and the Moon

Once, after happily eating the undrallu and kudumulu offered by devotees, Vinayaka slipped and fell while riding his mouse. The Moon laughed, and an angry Ganesha cursed him. When the Moon repented and sought forgiveness, Ganesha softened the curse. That is why the Moon is not to be seen on Bhadrapada Shukla Chavithi, yet on Bahula Chavithi seeing the Moon and offering arghya is the very heart of the Sankatahara vratham. The custom recalls the reconciliation between Ganapati and Chandra.

How to Perform the Puja

Bathe in the morning, clean the home and make the sankalpam to fast.
In the evening, offer sandal paste, kumkum, red flowers and 21 blades of garika to Ganapati and chant the Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
Offer undrallu, palathalikalu or jaggery kudumulu as naivedyam.
Read the Sankatahara Chathurthi vratha katha and offer camphor harathi.
After moonrise, offer arghya to the Moon, bow, and accept prasadam.

Good Practices

Shravana is busy with Mangala Gowri and Varalakshmi vrathams in Telugu homes, so praying to Heramba Ganapati for these vrathams to go smoothly is a fitting thought this month. Those who cannot fast fully may take fruits and milk. Elders say that giving books to needy students and sweets to children pleases Ganapati.

May Heramba Ganapati, friend of the helpless, grant you courage and success.

Frequently asked questions

When is Heramba Sankatahara Chathurthi?

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

What does Heramba Ganapati look like?

Heramba Ganapati is described with five faces, seated on a lion, with many arms showing abhaya and varada mudras. He is worshipped as the protector of the weak and helpless.

Why is the Moon seen on Sankatahara Chathurthi when it is avoided on Vinayaka Chavithi?

The rule against seeing the Moon applies only to Bhadrapada Shukla Chavithi. On Sankatahara Chathurthi, which is a Bahula Chavithi, seeing the Moon and offering arghya is the main part of the vratham.

Which stotram should be read on Sankatahara Chathurthi?

Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali and the Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram are traditionally chanted. The Sankatahara Chathurthi vratha katha should also be read.

What charity suits Heramba Sankatahara Chathurthi?

Giving books to needy students, sweets to children or food to the hungry is considered pleasing to Ganapati. Any charity done sincerely within your means is best.

Heramba Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

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