Akhurutha Sankashti Chathurthi Vrat is observed by invoking Bhagwan Ganesha. This Sankashti Chathurthi Vrat occurs in the Krishna Paksha Chathurthi of Margashira month as per Amantha and Karthika month as per Purnimantha calendars.
The general form of Sri Sankashti Ganapathi as the destroyer of troubles is of golden hue, attired in blue dress sitting on red lotus. He is in varadha mudra bestowing abundance and is holding a goad, a noose and a bowl of payasam.
The word ‘’Akhuratha” means “the one who has the mouse as his charioteer”. As Bhagwan Ganesha has the mouse as His vahan, He is worshipped in this form for this festival.
For the Year 2023, Akhuratha Sankashti Chathurthi is on Saturday, 30th December 2023. The exact duration of the Chathurthi Tithi and the time of the moon rise are to be ascertained from the respective regional calendar.
The form of Sri Vinayaka for worshipping in this Vrat is Sri Akhuratha Maha Ganapathi. The Peeta is Sri Durga.
Legend
As per the legend and beliefs, Bhagwan Shiva and Goddess Parvathi Devi wished to play a game named Chausar which is a board and dice game. To facilitate the monitoring of the game, Bhagwan Shiva had created a boy through His powers and asked the boy to observe the game.
The boy accepted to do so. The Holy couple were playing the game and Goddess Parvathi had won the three rounds. However, the referee boy continued to announce that only Bhagwan Shiva as the winner.
Maa Parvathi Devi was infuriated and cursed the erring boy to live only in marshland. The boy repented for his mistake and apologized to the Goddess for forgiveness.
Then the Matha told him to approach Naga Kanyas (snake maids) and learn about the Akhuratha Sankashti Chathurthi Vrat. She also asked him to observe the vrat for 21 days to get rid of the curse. The boy did so.
Bhagwan Shiva also wanted to placate His angry wife. Hence. He Bhagwan Karthikeya, the brother of Bhagwan Ganesha had also observed this vrat.
Rituals
The devotees wake up early in the morning. After bathing, the puja place at home is cleaned. The vigraha or the picture of Sri Ganapathi is decorated with flowers. Chandan and Kumkum are applied. Lamps and Dhup are lit.
Slokams / Stotrams invoking Sri Ganapathi are recited. The story concerned with the Sankashti Chathurthi Vrat is read and recited.
Some people observe fasting for the day. By the evening, special abhishekams and archanas are done at Ganapathi temples.
After having the darshan of Chandra, the moon, they partake the prasadam which was offered to God as Neivedyam. The Neivedyam mostly consists on modhakam, sundal, payasam and other related rice preparations.
Giving daan of food (Annadanam) to the poor and needy is of utmost importance.
The ardent devotees of Bhagwan Ganesha consider the Sankashti Chathurthi festivals as highly auspicious.
Benefits
It is believed that sincere observation of all the Sankata Hara Chathurthi Vrats shall
-result in fulfillment of the wishes;
-bless progeny;
-alleviate all problems in life;
-bring in prosperity;
-assure no re-birth; and
-ensure attainment of salvation in Ganesh Loka.
The particulars of Sankashti Vrats in general, Vikata Sankashti Chathuthi, Eka dhantha Sankashti Chathurthi, Krishna Pingala Sankashti Chathurthi, Gajanan Sankashti Chathurthi, Heramba Sankashti Chathurthi, Vigna Raja Sankashti Chathurthi, Vakra Thunda Sankashti Chathurthi and Ganadhipa Sankashti Chathurthi are narrated in the previous articles.
The rest of the Sankashti Vrats shall be narrated in the subsequent articles of the series.
