Vinayaka Chaturthi विनायक चतुर्थी
Dedicated to Ganesha
About Vinayaka Chaturthi
Vinayaka Chaturthi is the monthly observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, falling on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon) of every Hindu month. While Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapada is the grand annual festival, every month's Shukla Chaturthi is considered auspicious for Ganesha worship and is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings, is traditionally worshipped first before any new endeavor. The monthly Chaturthi offers a regular opportunity to seek Ganesha's blessings for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles. Devotees observe a fast, worship Ganesha with modak (sweet dumplings), durva grass, and red flowers, and recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha or Ganpati Stotra. The observance is simpler than the grand Ganesh Chaturthi but carries significant spiritual value for regular practitioners.
विनायक चतुर्थी भगवान गणेश को समर्पित मासिक व्रत है, जो प्रत्येक हिंदू माह की शुक्ल पक्ष चतुर्थी (बढ़ते चंद्रमा का चौथा दिन) को पड़ती है। भाद्रपद की गणेश चतुर्थी भव्य वार्षिक उत्सव है, लेकिन हर माह की शुक्ल चतुर्थी गणेश पूजा के लिए शुभ मानी जाती है। विघ्नहर्ता और शुभारंभ के स्वामी भगवान गणेश की पारंपरिक रूप से किसी भी नए कार्य से पहले पूजा की जाती है। मासिक चतुर्थी बुद्धि, सफलता और बाधा निवारण के लिए गणेश का आशीर्वाद लेने का नियमित अवसर प्रदान करती है। भक्त व्रत रखते हैं, गणेश को मोदक, दूर्वा घास और लाल पुष्पों से पूजते हैं, और गणेश अथर्वशीर्ष या गणपति स्तोत्र का पाठ करते हैं।
Spiritual Significance
Vinayaka Chaturthi is a monthly opportunity to worship Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Regular observance is believed to ensure smooth progress in all endeavors and bring wisdom, prosperity, and protection from impediments.
विनायक चतुर्थी विघ्नहर्ता भगवान गणेश की मासिक पूजा का अवसर है। नियमित पालन सभी कार्यों में सुगम प्रगति सुनिश्चित करने और बुद्धि, समृद्धि तथा बाधाओं से रक्षा प्रदान करने वाला माना जाता है।
Key Rituals & Practices
- Observe a fast and worship Lord Ganesha with modak, durva grass, and red flowers
- Recite Ganesha Atharvashirsha, Ganpati Stotra, or Sankatnashan Ganpati Stotra
- Offer 21 blades of durva grass tied together as a sacred offering
- Chant Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha 108 times
- Avoid looking at the moon on Chaturthi evening (Chandra Dosha tradition)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you not look at the moon on Chaturthi?
According to the Puranic story, Lord Ganesha once stumbled and fell while riding his mouse (Mushak), and the moon laughed at him. Angered, Ganesha cursed the moon that anyone who looks at it on Chaturthi will face false accusations (Mithya Dosha or Mithya Kalank). This tradition is most strictly followed on Bhadrapada Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi) but is observed monthly by strict practitioners. If you accidentally see the moon on Chaturthi, the traditional remedy is to recite the story of the Syamantaka Gem (Syamantaka Mani Katha) from the Bhagavata Purana, which is believed to remove the dosha.
What is the difference between Vinayaka Chaturthi and Sankashti Chaturthi?
Both are monthly Ganesha observances but fall on different lunar phases. Vinayaka Chaturthi is on Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waxing moon) and is associated with joy, new beginnings, and Ganesha's blessings for success. Sankashti Chaturthi is on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waning moon) and is specifically focused on removing difficulties (sankat = difficulty). Sankashti requires a stricter fast that is broken only after moonrise. Both are important for Ganesha devotees, and observing both monthly is considered a complete Ganesha worship practice.
Why is durva grass special for Ganesha worship?
Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon) holds a unique place in Ganesha worship based on a Puranic legend. A powerful demon named Analasura was terrorizing the three worlds, and when Lord Ganesha swallowed the demon to destroy him, the intense heat caused great discomfort. The gods offered various remedies, but only the coolness of durva grass (placed on Ganesha's head) soothed him completely. Since then, durva grass became Ganesha's most beloved offering. Traditionally, 21 blades of three-leafed durva are tied together and offered to Ganesha. The grass also symbolizes growth and resilience, qualities associated with Ganesha's blessings.
Festival Details
- Deity
- Ganesha
- Category
- Vrat & Fasting
- Regions
- All India
- Calendar Basis
- Monthly Recurring
- Importance
- normal