Chaturthi (Sanskrit: चतुर्थी, romanizedCaturthī) refers to the fourth day of a lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar.[1]

Chaturthi is associated with the worship of Hindu deity Ganesha (pictured).

Festivals edit

  • Karak Chaturthi (Karvā Chauth): It is celebrated on Chaturthī of Krishna Paksha (waning lunar phase) of Kārtika Month as per the Purnimanta calendar. During this vrata, Parvati and Shiva are worshipped, along with Kartikeya and Ganesha. The day is also known as Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi.[2]
  • Bahula Chaturthi (Bol Chauth): This Vrat is observed on Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month as per Purnimanta calendar. The festival is characterized by worshiping Dhenu/Gau Mata (holy cows) & their calves and decorating them. The day is also known as Heramba Ganpati Sankashti Chaturthi.[3]
  • Sankashti Chaturthi is the Chaturthi (4th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning lunar phase) after Purnima (full moon). If this Chaturthi falls on a Mangalvara (Tuesday) it is called Angarki Chaturthi. On this day, the devotees observe strict vrata (fast). They conclude the fast at night after having darshan (auspicious sighting) of the moon preceded by prayers to Ganesha. Devotees believe their wishes would be fulfilled if they pray on this auspicious day. The Ganapati Atharvashesha is recited to seek the blessings of Ganesha.

During each month, Ganesha is worshiped with a different name and peeta (lotus petals). On the Charturti day (4th day after new moon) of each month, the 'Sankashta Ganapathi Pooja' prayer is performed. Each ‘Vratha’ (strict fast) has a purpose and is explained to us by a story known as the ‘Vrata Katha’. This prayer offering has 13 Vrata Kathas, one for each month and the 13th story is for 'athika' (The Hindu calendar has one extra month every 4 years). The uniqueness of this vrata is that the story pertaining to that month alone has to be recited.

MonthName of Ganesh in which the pooja is performedName of the peeta
Chaitra MasaVikata Maha GanapatiVinayaka Peeta
Vaishaka MasaChanakra Raja Ekadanta GanapathiSrichakra Peeta
Jeshta MasaKrishna Pingala Maha GanapatiSri Shakthi Ganapathi Peeta
Ashada MasaGajanana GanapatiVishnu Peeta
Shravana MasaHeramba Maha GanapatiGanapathi Peeta
Bhadrapada MasaVignaraja Maha GanapatiVigneshwara Peeta
Ashweeja MasaVakrathunda Maha GanapatiBhuvaneshwari Peeta
Karthika MasaGanadipa Maha GanapatiShiva Peeta
Margashira MasaAkuratha Maha GanapatiDurga Peeta
Pushya MasaLambodara Maha GanapatiSoura Peeta
Maga MasaDvijapriya Maha GanapatiSamanya deva Peeta
Palguna MasaBalachandra Maha GanapatiAgama Peeta
Adika MasaVibhuvana Palaka Maha GanapatiDoorva Bilva Patra Peeta
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi is the Chaturthi after Amavasya or new moon. Devotees observe the fast for full day and night and meal is consumed the next day.
This fast is mostly observed in Western and Southern India especially by the Brahmin community (Smarta or Shaiva). The fast is supposed to be strict and only fruit, roots or vegetable products are supposed to be consumed.

References edit

  1. ^ www.wisdomlib.org (2018-05-19). "Caturthi, Caturthī: 7 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2022-11-23.
  2. ^ Sharma, Yash Karan. Encyclopedia of Astrological Remedies. All India Federation of Astrologers' Societies.
  3. ^ "Bahula Chaturthi 2022: श्री कृष्ण को समर्पित है बहुला चतुर्थी का व्रत, संतान प्राप्ति के लिए इस विधि से करें पूजा | bahula chaturthi 2022 vratd date tithi and shubh muhurat puja vidhi of krishna chauth | Hindi News". zeenews.india.com. Retrieved 2022-10-14.