Krishnapingala Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Krishnapingala Sankatahara Chathurthi

Krishnapingala Sankatahara Chathurthi: Ganapati Vratham in Jyeshtha

Krishnapingala Sankatahara Chathurthi is the Chavithi of Jyeshtha Bahula (Krishna) Paksha. Sankatahara Chathurthi is observed every month on Bahula Chavithi, and in Jyeshtha Lord Ganesha is worshipped under the name Krishnapingala. Devotees fast through the day, perform Ganapati puja in the evening and break the fast after offering arghya to the Moon at moonrise.

Meaning of the Name

"Krishna" means dark and "Pingala" means a tawny, golden-reddish hue. The name describes Ganesha glowing with a blend of dark and golden shades. Devotees meditate on this form as the Lord of both darkness and light, who stands with us in hard times and happy times alike. In the Sankashta Ganapati tradition each month has its own name of Ganesha, and Krishnapingala is the name for Jyeshtha.

Why Sankatahara Chathurthi?

"Sankata" means trouble and "Hara" means one who removes. Worshipping Vinayaka, the remover of obstacles, regularly on Bahula Chavithi is believed to clear hurdles and ease worries. In many Telugu families, devotees make a wish, tie a mudupu (a small offering bundle) and observe the vratham for a set number of months, such as three, five or eleven Sankatahara Chathurthis in a row.

How to Perform the Puja

Take a head bath in the morning and make a sankalpam to fast.
In the evening, light a lamp before a Ganesha idol or picture and worship with red flowers and 21 blades of garika (durva grass).
Chant Ganesha Ashtottaram and the Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram, and read the Sankatahara Chathurthi vratha katha.
Offer undrallu, kudumulu or modakams and bananas as naivedyam.
After moonrise, offer arghya to the Moon with water, milk and akshatalu, then take prasadam and end the fast.

Fasting Rules

Jyeshtha is a hot month, so drinking water, buttermilk and eating fruit during the fast is perfectly fine. Those who cannot fast fully may take fruits and milk. If the day falls on a Tuesday, it becomes Angaraka Sankatahara Chathurthi and is considered extra auspicious. If possible, visit a well-known Ganapati kshetram such as Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka or a nearby Vinayaka temple.

May Krishnapingala Ganapati remove every hardship from your life.

Frequently asked questions

When is Krishnapingala Sankatahara Chathurthi?

It falls on the Chavithi tithi of Jyeshtha Bahula Paksha. The vratham is kept on the day when Chavithi prevails at moonrise.

What does Krishnapingala mean?

Krishna means dark and Pingala means a tawny, golden-red colour. The name describes a form of Ganesha glowing with a blend of dark and golden shades.

When should the Sankatahara fast be broken?

The fast is broken only after the evening Ganapati puja and offering arghya to the Moon after moonrise. If clouds hide the Moon, arghya can be offered after the moonrise time given in the panchangam.

What naivedyam is offered on Sankatahara Chathurthi?

Ganesha's favourite undrallu, kudumulu, modakams and bananas are offered. Offering 21 blades of garika (durva grass) is an important part of the puja.

How many months should Sankatahara Chathurthi vratham be done?

Some devotees observe it every month, while others make a wish and observe three, five or eleven consecutive Sankatahara Chathurthis. Following your family custom is best.

Krishnapingala Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

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