Dwijapriya Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

In Hindu tradition, Sankashti Chaturthi is an extremely special and powerful fast. Observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi Tithi every month, this fast means "Chaturthi that removes difficulties". "Sankashti" means troubles, problems, obstacles. Devotedly worshipping Sri Maha Ganapati, fasting, awaiting moonrise, viewing the moon, and breaking the fast on this day removes all life's troubles and obstacles. The Sankashti Chaturthi falling on Phalguna Month Krishna Paksha Chaturthi is called Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi. 

Meaning of Dwijapriya - Beloved of Brahmins

The word "Dwijapriya" carries deep meaning. "Dwija" means "twice-born". First birth through parents, second birth through Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) - this is spiritual birth. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas receive Upanayana, hence called Dvijas. Especially Brahmins are called Dvijas. "Dwijapriya" means "beloved of Dvijas" - beloved of Brahmins, Vedic scholars, saints, and learned ones - Sri Ganeshwara.​

Another meaning: "Dwija" also means birds - because birds are first born as eggs, then the egg breaks and they're born as actual birds - two births. Ganapati's vehicle is Mushika (mouse), but he's beloved of all creatures, especially Brahmins and birds. Vasanta Ritu (spring season) begins in Phalguna month - the time when birds lovingly chirp. Hence Ganapati worshipped this month is Dwijapriya Ganapati.​

Difference Between Sankashti and Vinayaka Chaturthi

Many confuse Sankashti Chaturthi with Vinayaka Chaturthi. But these are two different observances. Every lunar month in the Hindu calendar has two Chaturthi tithis:

1. Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (Chaturthi after Amavasya) - Called Vinayaka Chaturthi. Dedicated to regular Ganapati worship. Fasting not mandatory. Simple worship, offering modakas, distributing prasad.

2. Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (Chaturthi after Purnima) - Called Sankashti Chaturthi or Sankathara Chaturthi. This is a special fast. Fasting is mandatory. Fast from sunrise to moonrise. Break fast only after viewing the moon. Sankashti Chaturthi is a special observance specifically for removing troubles and obstacles.​

Yearly there are 12/13 Sankashti Chaturtis in 12 months (sometimes 13 with Adhika month). Each month's Sankashti Chaturthi has a special name and specific Ganapati form. Phalguna month's Sankashti Chaturthi is Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi - worshipping Dwijapriya Maha Ganapati form.​

12 Sankashti Chaturtis and Ganapati Forms

Each month's Sankashti Chaturthi has a special name and specific Ganapati form:

1. Chaitra Month - Vigheshwara Ganapati - remover of all obstacles
2. Vaishakha Month - Ekadanta Ganapati - single-tusked, lord of wisdom
3. Jyeshtha Month - Krishna Pingala Ganapati - dark-colored, powerful
4. Ashadha Month - Gajanana Ganapati - elephant-faced, bestower of prosperity
5. Shravana Month - Heramba Ganapati - five-headed, supremely powerful
6. Bhadrapada Month - Vighnaraja Ganapati - king of obstacles, controller
7. Ashwayuja Month - Vakratunda Ganapati - curved trunk, problem-solver
8. Kartika Month - Ganadhipa Ganapati - lord of ganas, commander
9. Margashirsha Month - Akurata Ganapati - mouse chariot rider, swift
10. Pushya Month - Lambodara Ganapati - large belly, symbol of completeness
11. Magha Month - Vinayaka Ganapati - leader of leaders, guide
12. Phalguna Month - Dwijapriya Ganapati - beloved of Brahmins, bestower of knowledge
13. Adhika Month (if present) - Vibhuvana Palaka Ganapati - protector of all worlds

Each Sankashti Chaturthi requires meditation and worship of that month's specific Ganapati form.​

Puranic Legend - Ganesha and Moon Incident

An intriguing Puranic story relates to Sankashti Chaturthi. Once Sri Ganeshwara consumed numerous modakas (sweet coconut dumplings) offered by devotees and was traveling on his vehicle Mushika (mouse) with his large belly (Lambodara). Having eaten many modakas, his belly grew large. The small mouse struggled carrying the weight.

Suddenly a snake (serpent) appeared on the path. The frightened mouse stopped. Ganapati lost balance and fell from the mouse. With the impact, Ganapati's belly burst, modakas spilled out. Ganapati immediately took a snake and tied it around his belly like a belt - the belly closed again.

Chandra (Moon God) in the sky witnessed this scene and laughed loudly. He mocked seeing Ganapati's large belly burst and retie. Enraged, Ganapati broke his tusk (Ekadanta) and hurled it at Chandra. It struck Chandra. Then Ganapati cursed Chandra: "Chandra! You laughed at me! Whoever views you on Chaturthi Tithi will suffer Mithya Dosha (false accusations, wrongful allegations)!".​

Frightened, Chandra apologized to Ganapati. All deities also mediated and prayed. Ganapati is compassionate. He softened the curse: "Henceforth, those who devotedly worship me on Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna Paksha Chaturthi), fast, and view the moon in the evening will have all troubles removed. The moon transforms from curse to auspiciousness and blessing for you. But on Vinayaka Chaturthi (Shukla Paksha Chaturthi), avoid moon viewing."​

Since then, Sankashti Chaturthi observance began. Fasting on this day, viewing the moon after moonrise, praying to Ganapati, and breaking the fast is highly meritorious. The moon transforms from curse to auspiciousness.​

Significance

Devotedly worshipping Ganapati, fasting, awaiting moonrise, viewing the moon, and accepting prasad on Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi yields countless benefits. Life's all troubles, difficulties, and obstacles are removed. "Sankashti Nashana" - problems are destroyed. "Sankathara" - Ganapati's grace that removes difficulties is attained.​

Since Dwijapriya means beloved of Brahmins, scholars, and saints, worshipping on this day grants educational progress, knowledge growth, and intellectual sharpness. Especially significant for students. Phalguna month marks spring season's beginning - auspicious for new beginnings. Worshipping on this day ensures new ventures, businesses, and projects succeed.​

Comprehensive Puja Rituals

Sankashti Chaturthi observance is very special. Follow it scripturally with devotion.

Fasting Rules:

On Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi, observe strict fast from sunrise to moonrise. This fast requires abstaining from both food and water - this is the strictest Nirahar, Nirjala fast. However, for health reasons, elderly people, small children, and pregnant women may consume milk, fruits, and milk payasam - called Phalahar fast. But avoid rice, bread, salt, and oil-cooked food.​

Break the fast only after moonrise (February 16 evening 9:38 PM). View the moon, pray to Ganapati, accept prasad, and conclude the fast.​

Morning Rituals:

Rise during Brahma Muhurta (5:16 AM to 6:07 AM) and bathe. Wear clean clothes. Clean the puja room and draw rangoli. Abhijit Muhurta (12:13 PM to 12:58 PM), Godhuli Muhurta (6:10 PM to 6:35 PM), Amrit Kala (9:48 AM to 11:36 AM) are auspicious times - worshipping during these periods is highly favorable.​
 Place Ganapati idol or picture on a platform covered with red cloth. Establish Kalash. Meditate on Dwijapriya Maha Ganapati form - he appears in Brahmin attire, white clothes, holding a book, as an embodiment of knowledge.​

Ganapati Abhishekam and Worship:

Perform Panchamrita abhishekam to Ganapati. Panchamrita (mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar), Ganga water, coconut water, and fragrant substances for abhishekam. Wipe with clean cloth, apply turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood.​

Offer 21 Durva grass blades (Ganapati's most beloved). Offer red flowers (hibiscus, roses) and yellow flowers. Modakas (Ganapati's most beloved sweet) are the primary offering. Alternatively, offer sweet dumplings, coconut laddus, or milk payasam. Offer fruits (banana, apple, coconut).​

Ganapati Stotras and Mantras:

Chant the Sankashta Nashana Mantra mentioned in Narada Purana:

Pranamya Shirasa Devam Gauriputram Vinayakam
Bhaktavasam Smarennityam Ayuh Kamartha Siddhaye

Meaning: "I bow to Vinayaka, son of Gauri, refuge of devotees. I remember him daily for longevity, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires."

Recite Ganapati's 12 Names - these are names of Ganapati forms for all Sankashti Chaturtis:

Om Vakratundaya Namaha
Om Ekadantaya Namaha
Om Lambodaraya Namaha
Om Gajananaya Namaha
Om Vighneswaraya Namaha
Om Dwijapriyaya Namaha
Om Ganadhipaya Namaha
Om Herambaya Namaha
Om Krishna Pingalaya Namaha
Om Vighnarajaya Namaha
Om Akurataya Namaha
Om Vibhuvana Palakaya Namaha

Primary Ganapati Mantra:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Chant this mantra 108 times.​

Vakratunda Ganapati Mantra:

Om Sri Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada

Ganapati Gayatri Mantra:

Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayat

Recite Ganapati Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names). Reciting Ganapati Atharvashirsha is highly meritorious. Meditate.​

Evening Moon Viewing:

In the evening after sunset, await moonrise (9:38 PM). When the moon appears in the sky, go outside, look at the moon and say this mantra:

Om Chandraya Namaha
Ganapataye Namaha
Sankatam Nivaraya

Meaning: "O Moon God! O Ganapati! Remove my troubles."

Offer water arghya to the moon. Perform camphor aarti to Ganapati. Distribute prasad (modakas, payasam). Devotees accept prasad and break the fast.​

Things to Avoid on Sankashti Chaturthi:

Abstain from meat, alcohol, smoking, tobacco. Avoid anger, hatred, jealousy, ego. Don't lie. Don't quarrel with anyone. Stay away from negative thoughts. Spend the day with complete devotion, faith, and positive mindset. Don't sleep in the afternoon. Constantly remember God.​

Special Remedies for Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi

For Education and Knowledge: Since Dwijapriya means beloved of scholars, students, exam aspirants, and competitive exam candidates should worship Ganapati on this day. Offer yellow flowers and books. Chant "Om Gam Ganapataye Buddhim Dehi Me." Place books before Ganapati for blessings. Also worship Goddess Saraswati. This grants academic progress, exam success, knowledge growth, and intellectual sharpness.​

For Work Success and Business Victory: Those starting new businesses, undertaking new projects, job seekers, or those whose work is stalled should worship Ganapati on Sankashti Chaturthi. Offer red flowers and modakas. Chant "Om Ganadhipataye Namaha." This removes obstacles, ensures work success, and business growth.​

For Financial Prosperity and Debt Relief: Those facing financial problems, debts, or loan burdens should worship Lakshmi Ganapati form on Sankashti Chaturthi. Offer turmeric, kumkum, yellow flowers, coconut, and yellow cloth. Chant "Om Shreem Gam Ganapataye Namaha." Donate to Brahmins and the poor. This grants Lakshmi's grace, wealth gain, and debt relief.​

For Marriage Obstacles: Those facing marriage delays, obstacles, or lack of marriage prospects should worship Siddhivinayaka on Sankashti Chaturthi. Offer durva grass, red flowers, and yellow cloth. Chant "Om Gauriputraya Namaha Siddhim Dehi Me." Donate food and clothes to married couples. This removes marriage obstacles and grants a good life partner.​

For Health and Disease Prevention: Those with health issues, chronic diseases, or mental stress should worship Arogya Ganapati and Maha Ganapati forms on Sankashti Chaturthi. Offer tulsi leaves, bilva leaves, and durva grass. Donate medicines and fruits to patients. Chant "Om Gajananaya Namaha Arogyam Dehi Me." This improves health and reduces diseases.​

For Family Problems: Those facing family conflicts, lack of understanding, marital problems, or children's issues should worship Vigheshwara Ganapati on Sankashti Chaturthi. All family members should worship together. Chant "Om Vighneswaraya Namaha Shantim Dehi." This increases family harmony, peace, and love.​

Benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi Vrata

Devotedly fasting, worshipping Ganapati, and viewing the moon on Sankashti Chaturthi yields countless benefits. Life's all troubles are completely removed. Difficulties, obstacles, and problems are destroyed. "Vighnaharta" (remover of obstacles) Ganapati's grace makes life smooth.​

Intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom increase. Ability to make right life decisions is attained. Students gain academic progress and exam success. Work succeeds. Business victory and job promotion are achieved. New opportunities arise.

Financial wealth increases. Lakshmi's grace is attained. Debts are cleared. Income sources multiply. Marriage obstacles are removed. Good life partner is found. Marital harmony increases. Family peace and happiness prevail.

Health improves. Diseases reduce. Mental peace and spiritual progress are attained. Enemy fears vanish. Victory in legal matters is achieved. Griha Dosha and Vastu Dosha are removed. Complete protection is granted. Life succeeds in all dimensions. Complete grace of Sri Ganeshwara is attained.​

Concluding Blessings

Dwijapriya Sankathara Chaturthi is the most powerful and special observance for receiving Vigheshwara Sri Maha Ganapati's grace. May Ganapati Bappa shower infinite compassionate grace upon every devotee who devotedly fasts, worships Dwijapriya Maha Ganapati, and views the moon on this sacred day!

May all troubles in your life be destroyed! May obstacles be removed and work succeed! We pray that knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, financial prosperity, family happiness, health, longevity, and all auspiciousness be attained! May Ganapati always reside in your home! May every task you undertake be victorious!

Ganapati Bappa Morya! Mangal Murti Morya! Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha!