Do you know what Vinayaka Chaturthi is all about and why it is celebrated at least once a month? This blog highlights the aspects of this sacred day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which falls every month of the lunar calendar. So, let’s explore all about it.
What is Vinayaka Chaturthi? Let’s Understand!
Vinayak Chaturthi, also commonly known as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a day of fasting in honor of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the god of wisdom and prosperity and is also worshiped as the god of the removal of obstacles. There are two Chaturthi Tithis in each lunar month in the Hindu calendar. As per the Hindu scriptures, both of these Chaturthi tithis are related to Lord Ganesha.
The Chaturthi that occurs after the Amavasya (new Moon) in the Shukla Paksha, or the bright half of the lunar calendar, is called Vinayaka Chaturthi.
The one that occurs after the Purnima (full Moon) comes under Krishna Paksha, or the waning phase of the Moon, and is known as Sankashti Chaturthi.
While Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed every month, the most important Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), which is known as the Ganesha Chaturthi. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha.
Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja Time and Date List for 2024
January 14, 2024, Sunday, from 11:27 AM to 01:33 PM
February 13, 2024, Tuesday (celebrated as Ganesha Jayanti), from 11:29 AM to 01:42 PM
March 13, 2024, Wednesday, from 11:19 AM to 01:42 PM
April 12, 2024, Friday, from 11:05 AM to 01:11 PM
May 11, 2024, Saturday, from 10:57 AM to 01:39 PM
June 10, 2024, Monday, from 10:57 AM to 01:44 PM
July 9, 2024, Tuesday, Vinayaka Chaturthi, from 11:03 AM to 01:50 PM
August 8, 2024, Thursday, from 11:06 AM to 01:46 PM
September 7, 2024, Saturday (celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi), from 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM
October 6, 2024, Sunday, from 10:58 AM to 01:19 PM
November 5, 2024, Tuesday, from 10:59 AM to 01:10 PM
December 5, 2024, Thursday, from 11:09 AM to 12:49 PM
Note: Based on the lunar calendar, the Vinayaka Chaturthi timings and dates for the monthly observances may vary every month. To ensure its correct observance, you must confirm the precise dates and times for your area.
What’s the Significance of Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja?
In Hinduism, Vinayaka Chaturthi holds great significance for several reasons, such as the following:
Divine Blessings: It is believed that observing certain customs and fasting on this day honoring Lord Ganesha will bestow wisdom, patience, and prosperity.
Fulfillment of Desires: The word 'Varad' literally means to seek God's blessings to fulfill one's desires and goals. It’s believed that Lord Ganesha blesses all who observe this fast, and their wishes come true.
Spiritual Growth: Fasting and praying to Lord Ganesha is believed to enhance spiritual growth and also acts as a way of ridding the devotees of obstacles in life.
The rituals involved in Vinayaka Chaturthi Pooja or Puja include several steps to pay respect to Lord Ganesha. Here are some of the steps to follow:
Preparation: Clean your home and place an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha to establish a small altar. Ensure that flowers, garlands, and rangoli are placed on the altar.
Sankalp (Resolution): Make a vow that you’ll follow all the rituals and customs with the utmost devotion.
Perform Pran Pratishtha: Chant mantras to invoke the Ganesha idol or image, inviting the deity to reside within it.
Offerings: Offer flowers, fruits, Boondi Laddoo or Modaks (sweet delicacies), coconut, jaggery, and Durva grass to Lord Ganesha. These are his favorite items.
Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing Aarti, which includes a process of waving small lighted lamps in front of the deity while singing or reciting hymns and prayers.
Break the Fast: Those observing a fast can break it after Arghya (the offering of water) to the Moon God.
Note: Those unable to perform the Vinayak Chaturthi Puja at home can go to a temple to pray, seek Ganesha’s blessings, and make offerings.
Vinayak Chaturthi Katha: The Legend Behind the Festival!
The legends associated with the Vinayaka Chaturthi festival also give it substance. Hindu mythology has it that Goddess Parvati shaped Ganesha out of soil and sandalwood and infused him with life. She put him in charge of guarding the door while she showered.
When Lord Shiva, the husband of Parvati, arrived and was refused entry by Ganesha, this led to a scuffle between the two. In anger, Shiva beheaded Ganesha. When he realized his error and wanted to calm the weeping Parvati, Shiva provided life to Ganesha by attaching an elephant head to the torso, thus resurrecting the deity.
And this way, Ganesha was identified as the god with an elephant head.
It is a blessing that Lord Ganesha visits our home every month, allowing us to pray to him for wisdom, patience, and prosperity in our lives. When you understand the meaning of Vinayaka Chaturthi and participate in its customs with enthusiasm, you foster receptiveness to encouraging energies while removing obstacles.
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