Vibhuvana Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Vibhuvana Palaka Sankatahara Chathurthi

Vibhuvana Palaka Sankatahara Chathurthi: The Vratham of Adhika Masa

Vibhuvana Palaka Sankatahara Chathurthi is the Chavithi of Bahula Paksha in an Adhika Masa (extra lunar month). Since Adhika Masa comes only about once in two and a half to three years, this Sankatahara Chathurthi is a rare and special day. Ganapati is worshipped as Vibhuvana Palaka; devotees fast during the day and complete the vratham with arghya to the Moon after moonrise.

Meaning of the Name

"Bhuvana" means world and "Palaka" means protector. Vibhuvana Palaka is the form of Ganapati who rules and protects all the worlds. In the Sankashtahara Ganapati tradition, each of the twelve months has its own Ganesha name, and the Adhika Masa, as the thirteenth month, has this special name. It carries the idea of a God who protects everyone, in every season.

Ganapati Worship in Adhika Masa

Adhika Masa is also called Purushottama Masa. Weddings and gruhapravesham are generally avoided in this month, but japa, puja, charity and vrathams are considered highly meritorious. So devotees believe Ganapati worship on this Sankatahara Chathurthi brings special blessings. Those who keep the vratham every month make sure not to miss this Adhika Masa Chathurthi.

How to Perform the Puja

Bathe early, light a lamp before Ganapati and make the sankalpam to fast.
In the evening, make a turmeric Ganapati or place an idol, and worship with garika, red flowers and akshatalu.
Chant Ganesha Ashtottaram and the Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram, and read the Sankatahara Chathurthi vratha katha.
Offer undrallu, modakams, jaggery and fruits as naivedyam.
After moonrise, offer arghya to the Moon, give harathi and break the fast.

Good Practices

Charity is especially valued in Adhika Masa, so annadanam, giving fruits to the poor or books to students is a good way to mark the day. Those who cannot fast fully may take fruits and milk. If the day is a Tuesday, it becomes Angaraka Sankatahara Chathurthi and is considered even more auspicious.

May Ganapati, protector of all the worlds, always watch over your family.

Frequently asked questions

When is Vibhuvana Palaka Sankatahara Chathurthi?

It falls on the Chavithi tithi of Bahula Paksha in an Adhika Masa. It occurs only in years that have an extra lunar month.

What does Vibhuvana Palaka mean?

Bhuvana means world and Palaka means protector. Ganapati is worshipped under this name as the one who rules and protects all the worlds.

Can Sankatahara Chathurthi be observed in Adhika Masa?

Yes. Although auspicious ceremonies are avoided in Adhika Masa, puja, vrathams and charity in this month are believed to bring special merit.

How is the Sankatahara Chathurthi fast observed?

Make a sankalpam in the morning, fast through the day, do Ganapati puja in the evening and break the fast after offering arghya to the Moon. Fruits and milk are fine for those with health concerns.

What charity is good on this day?

Charity is especially valued in Adhika Masa, so annadanam or giving fruits or books to those in need is recommended. Charity done sincerely within your means is best.

Vibhuvana Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

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