As per the Hindu calendar, Sakat Chauth in 2014 is on 19th January. Fast is observed by the married women and prayers are made to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Sakat and Moon. For the Tamil Hindus, the day is observed by the name of Sankatahara Chaturthi or Ganesh Sankatahara.
On the day of Sakat Chauth, Lord Ganesha and Moon are worshipped. Fast is observed by mothers for the future, fortune, health and wealth of their children. Let’s read this article to know the origin and importance of this day.
Also Known As
- Mahi Chauth
- Mai Chauth
- Tilkuta Chauth
- Ganesh Chauth
- Sankatahara Chathurthi
Sakat Chauth Story
Once there was a potter in a village who used to make very beautiful pots. After making the pots, he used to harden them in a kiln (furnace). Once, while putting the pots in kiln, he noticed that the flame was not able to ripen them. After listening to Rajpurohit, King decreed that each family should offer one child whenever kiln is prepared. All families, one by one, started giving one of the children to obey decree of the King. After trying multiple times he failed to ripe the kiln. At last he got fed up and went to the king for help. The king in order to help the potter called the Rajpurohit (royal pandit) and asked him for some solution. On this, Rajpurohit suggested the potter to offer Bali of a child, before preparing any kiln.
The potter agreed to the Rajpurohit and followed his suggestion. One day, it was the turn of an old lady who had only one son. Coincidently, it was Sakat Chauth on that same day and the lady was scared that she would lose her only child on that auspicious day. She was a pure devotee of Goddess Sakat. As a protection guard, she gave her son one betel nut and ‘Dub Ka Beeda’. She told her son to chant the name of the lord while he would be put in the kiln.
As the boy was made to sit in the kiln, her mother started worshipping Goddess Sakat to save the life of her son. The kiln was then lit and left for few days. Due to the magic and grace of the Goddess, the kiln got ripened in a single night. The next morning when the potter came to see the kiln, he was surprised to see it prepared. He was astonished when he saw the lady’ son absolutely fir and fine along with the other children whom he had offered as Bali earlier.
After this magical incident, everybody started believing the existence and power of Goddess Sakat. From that day, mother worship Goddess Sakat along with Lord Ganesha for the healthy and long life of their children.
Puja Procedure
Generally, Sakat Puja is performed in the evening. Let’s have a look on how to perform the rituals of the day:
- After taking shower in the morning, Chant Ganesha Ashtottara
- In the evening, place an idol of Lord Ganesha on a neat and clean platform
- Decorate it with flowers and Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon)
- Light incense stick (Agarbatti) and lit a lamp (Diya)
- Offer Til Ladoos, banana, coconut and sweet potato to the deity
- Perform Lord Ganesha’s Aarti
- Now, offer worship Moon with Durva grass, Til (sesame) Ladoos, and Arghya (offering mixture of water and milk to Moon). Arghya is offered thrice: for Chaturthi Tithi, for Mahaganapati and for Sankashtanashan Sri Ganeshji.
Sakat Chauth is the day to please Lord Moon also, click here to know how to overcome the negative effects caused by Chandra - Chandra Puja, Mantra & Remedies
Sakat Chauth Fast
Person observing strict fast do not eat throughout the day and depend only on water. They break the fast the following morning after worshipping Lord Ganesha. While, partial observers consume Sabudana Khichdi (sago), milk, fruits, nuts and curd. Lord Ganesh is known as Vighnaharta (one who takes away all the troubles of life). Therefore, it is believed that observing this fast brings all the hurdles of life to an end and blesses the observer with Lord’s blessings and grace. Some devotees also visit Lord Ganesha’s temple and recite or listen Sri Mudgalapurana.
Sweet Of The Day
Til Ladoos (made from sesame seeds and jaggery) are the specialty of this day which are prepared by the mothers. 5 Ladoos are then offered to Lord Ganesha, 1 to the Moon and 5 are offered to the Brahmins.
You may also like: Ask Ganesha & Get Answers
Lord Ganesha’s Mantras
- Ganesha Ashtottara
- Vakratunda Mahakaya
- Sankashtnashana Sthothra
Benefits Of Sakat Chauth Fast
Observing Sakat Chauth fast helps in:
- Removing hurdles of life
- Bringing wealth, wisdom, knowledge and prosperity
- Reducing the malefic effects of Budha (Mercury)
Observing Sakat Chauth fast will help you fetch the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Let Sankat Haran take away all the negativities from your life.
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