Mumbai: Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi is a highly significant festival in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. Observed on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Paush, this festival marks the last Sankashti Chaturthi of the year. On this day, devotees worship Lord Ganesha with special rituals and observe fasting to seek his blessings for peace, prosperity, and the resolution of life’s challenges.
According to the Vedic Panchang, Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi in 2024 will begin on Wednesday, December 18, at 10:43 AM, and conclude on Thursday, December 19, at 10:02 AM. Devotees are advised to observe the fast and perform rituals on December 18.
Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Auspicious time
Here are the auspicious timings for performing the rituals on this sacred day:
| Muhurat | Timings |
| Brahma Muhurat | 5:19 AM to 6:04 AM |
| Vijay Muhurat | 2:01 PM to 2:42 PM |
| Godhuli Muhurat | 5:25 PM to 5:52 PM |
| Amrit Kaal | 6:30 AM to 8:07 AM |
Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
To perform the Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi Puja, follow these steps:
Early Morning Preparations:
- Wake up early, clean the house, and take a bath.
- Meditate on Lord Ganesha and take a vow (Sankalp) to observe the fast.
Sanctify the Puja Area:
- Clean the home temple or prayer area thoroughly.
- Sprinkle Gangajal (holy water) to purify the space.
Setup for Puja:
- Spread a red or yellow cloth on a raised platform.
- Place an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha on it.
- Light a lamp with pure ghee and incense sticks in front of the idol.
Offerings and Worship:
- Offer kumkum, sandalwood paste, flowers, and fruits to Lord Ganesha.
- Prepare offerings like Modak, Durva grass, and sweets.
- Chant Ganesh mantras and listen to or recite Ganesh Katha (stories).
Completion:
- Conclude the Puja with an Aarti.
- Observe fasting throughout the day and break it only after sighting the moon.
- Offer Arghya (water offering) to the moon before ending the fast.
Importance of Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi
Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi holds immense spiritual significance. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day brings peace, prosperity, and resolution of problems. It is said that:
- Lord Ganesha, as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), eliminates all hindrances from one’s life.
- The worship enhances intellect and wisdom, as Ganesha is the deity of knowledge.
- Prayers on this day ensure fulfilment of desires, wealth, and success in ventures.
- Observing this fast purifies the home by removing negative energies and ushering in positive vibes. It also grants blessings of long life and good health.
Dos and Don'ts for Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi
| Of the | Don’ts |
| Perform rituals during the auspicious timings. | Avoid consuming onion, garlic, or tamasic food. |
| Offer fresh flowers and clean Puja items. | Do not skip moon sighting before breaking the fast. |
| Chant Ganesha mantras with devotion. | Avoid engaging in negative or harmful activities. |
Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi is a divine opportunity to connect with Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for a prosperous and obstacle-free life. By observing the rituals with devotion and maintaining purity in thoughts and actions, devotees can experience the spiritual and material benefits of this sacred day.
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