Sankashtachaturthi vrat

Contents

• 1. Sankashtachaturthi vrat
  • 1.1 Importance of Chaturthi tithi
  • 1.2 The environment around Sri Ganesh temples on the day of Sankashtachaturthi
  • 1.3 Actions to be performed in Sankashtachaturthi vrat
  • 1.4 The steps in the vrat of Sankashtachaturthi (vratavidhan)
  • 1.5 The evening worship of Sri Ganeshji
  • 1.6 The worship of the moon on Sankashtachaturthi
  • 1.7 Vratangabhojan of Sankashtachaturthi

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1. Sankashtachaturthi vrat

1.1 Importance of Chaturthi tithi

Sri Ganeshji is Vighnesha, that is, One who overcomes the dangers. He is Sidhhidata, that is, One who bestows the desired supernatural power. He is Chintamani, that is, One who bestows faith, intellect and Knowledge. He is Mangalmurti, that is, One who makes everything auspicious (mangal).

Molecules or subtle particles of Nitrogen, Oxygen etc. are present in the environment. Similarly, subtlest Ganesh Principle is present in the entire Universe. As compared to other days, on the day of Chaturthi tithi of every month, Ganesh Principle is 100 times more active on Earth. Chaturthi falling in the bright (Shukla) and dark (Krushna) fortnight of the month is known as ‘Vinayaki’ and ‘Sankashti’ Chaturthi respectively.

Vinayaki Chaturthi: Fast is observed throughout the day of Vinayaki Chaturthi. ‘Sri Sidhhivinayak’ is the Deity of this vrat.

Sankashti Chaturthi: Chaturthi falling in the dark fortnight is known as ‘Sankashti’. This vrat is observed to be free of dangers. Deity of this vrat is Sri Vighnavinayak Ganeshji.

    We are surrounded by 360 types of subtle frequencies coming from Earth. During the dark fortnight, these 360 types of frequencies are active in higher proportion. Due to this, the flow of that part of the Divine Consciousness that governs the functioning of the mind and body (Chetanashakti) through the channels (nadis) in the body is blocked. To eradicate this danger, Sri Ganeshji is worshipped through the medium of Sankashti Chaturthi vrat. Sri Ganeshji controls these frequencies. The distress caused by these frequencies is overcome due to His worship.

Angaraki Chaturthi: Chaturthi falling on Tuesdays is known as Angaraki Chaturthi. ‘Angar’ means planet Mars. Sri Ganeshji has control over Earth as well as on Mars. Colour of Sri Ganeshji and planet Mars is also identical. Therefore, the fruit of observing ‘Angaraki Vinayaki’ and ‘Angaraki Sankashti’ is equal to the fruit of Vinayaki or Sankashti respectively observed throughout the year. Angaraki vrat is not observed for day and night like the other two vrats. This vrat is observed for 5 prahars; 4 prahars of the day and 1 prahar of the night. Having a meal after rising of the moon is an important aspect of the vrat and does not mean the completion of the vrat. Rarely will one find a person who has not heard about the Sankashtachaturthi vrat.

1.2 The environment around Sri Ganesh temples on the day of Sankashtachaturthi

Sri Ganesh temples at various places look different than on other days. On this day, vendors selling substances like flowers, Durva etc. and people crowding for darshan is a common sight. Some Ganesh temples have queues of people from every strata of society come for darshan. Men, women, children, elderly people are all seen in the queue. The presence of young people is also significant. Without any fuss and publicity, social unity and integration is seen based merely on spiritual emotion of the faithful. The sattvikta, joy and serenity evident in any Ganesh temple, be it famous or average, on Sankashtachaturthi day is extraordinary. Many of us must have visited and experienced the sattvikta, serenity and bliss evident in these temples on Sankashtachaturthi day. Despite the crowd and inconveniences, we try to remain focused on the contemplation of God. The crowd seen in all the temples of Sri Ganeshji on the day of Sankashtachaturthi, is a symbol of the faith of people.

1.3 Actions to be performed in Sankashtachaturthi vrat

• Fasting throughout the day
• Ritualistic worship of Sri Ganeshji in the evening
• Darshan of the moon
• Worship of the moon (Chandrapujan)
• Vratangabhojan

Along with this, as a way of worship, people having faith in Sri Ganeshji perform various actions as per their ability like:

• Going for darshan to the temple on foot or going on bare feet.
• Listening to or reciting Sri Mudgalapurana, Sri Ganeshsahasranamavali etc..
• Reciting the stotras
• Chanting etc.

Daily routine of the faithful associated with observing Sankashtachaturthi vrat: My entire family observes Sankashti vrat. We also observe fast. On the day of Sankashti I get up early in the morning and recite Atharvashirsha 21 times and then ritualistically worship Sri Ganeshji. I complete the daily ritualistic worship by 7 to 7.30 a.m. This helps the children to do the ritualistic worship and proceed for their daily activities. – Sadhak

Devotion increases, thoughts become pure and many experience peace of mind after faithfully observing this vrat on the day of Sankashtachaturthi.

1.4 The steps in the vrat of Sankashtachaturthi (vratavidhan)

In order to vanquish the adversities, the worship of Sri Ganeshji, the One who vanquishes the obstacles has been recommended on the day of sankashti. Sometimes this tithi falls on two days. Then, the tithi on which the moon rises is the day of the vrat.

The main parts of the vrat are the fasting, the ritualistic worship of the Deity concerned, the recitation of stotra etc. In the morning of the sankashti, after bathing and sandhya, the usual worship of the Deity is performed. Some people offer red flowers and Durva at this time itself and worship Sri Ganeshji.

On this day the recitation of Sankashtanashan stotra, Sri Ganapati Atharvashirsha, Brahmanaspatisukta etc. associated with Sri Ganeshji, the chanting of the Name of Sri Ganeshji, His darshan etc. assume importance. The benefit of any vrat is acquired only when it is done with the body, speech and mind.

The fasting associated with the Sankashtachaturthi vrat: On the day of Sankashtachaturthi, if possible, one should live without food. If at all food is required, only sattvik diet like water, fruit, roots, milk etc. should be consumed.

1.5 The evening worship of Sri Ganeshji

In the Sankashtachaturthi vrat, one takes a bath in the evening and arranges the ritualistic worship of Sri Ganeshji with sixteen substances. The idol of Sri Ganeshji used in the daily worship is installed for the worship. If there is no idol in the daily worship, a betel nut is kept on a mound of rice as a symbol of Sri Ganeshji and it is ritualistically worshipped. The red Hibiscus and Durva are kept along with the leaves of various other plants.

The worship is begun with sipping of water from the palm (achaman), pranayam and making a resolve. Thereafter the worshipper purifies his body along with all the substances to be used in the worship by sprinkling water on them.

The Deity of Varun invoked in the water in the copper pitcher (kalash) is worshipped and thereafter Sri Ganeshji is invoked. The idol of Sri Ganeshji is kept in a copper platter. Water is released on the feet of this idol and arghya and achaman are offered.

After this, the idol of Sri Ganeshji is given panchamrut snan, that is, a bath with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar. Thereafter a bath is given with water mixed with sandalwood paste. Now the recitation of Sri Ganapati Atharvashirsha is done and the idol of Sri Ganeshji is consecrated with water.

After consecration with water, the idol is washed with pure water, wiped with a cloth and kept on the seat. Now Sri Ganeshji is offered cotton clothes. Thereafter a Holy thread is offered. After this, red sandalwood paste, turmeric powder and vermilion are offered. Scent is also offered.

The red Hibiscus flowers are especially offered to Sri Ganeshji. After offering the flowers, the idol of Sri Ganeshji is worshipped with various types of leaves. In this, along with the Durva, the leaves of twenty-one plants like Malati, Bhrungaraj, Ber, Jasmine, Ashok, Shami, Kadamba, Pomegranate etc. are offered.

After the worship with leaves, a Durva is offered along with each of the Names of Sri Ganeshji as given in the booklet of Sri Ganeshasahasranamavali. If it is not possible to offer one thousand Durva, one can offer one hundred Durva and if even that is not possible, at least twenty one Durva are offered.

In order to gain more benefit of the Ganesh Principle, modak which attract this Principle is offered as a Holy sacrament (naivedya). If it is not possible to prepare modak, jaggery and dry coconut should be offered. Arati of Sri Ganeshji is performed. After the worship of Sri Ganeshji, the priest is offered the modak. To complete the offering, money as dakshina along with betel leaf, betel nut and dry coconut is offered.

The mantra of Sri Ganeshji is recited 21 times, the consecrated rice is offered for immersion of Varun Deity and the darshan of the moon is taken.

1.6 The worship of the moon on Sankashtachaturthi

The worship of the moon assumes special importance in the Sankashtachaturthi vrat. If possible, one should go out of the house and take darshan of the moon. The substances are offered to the moon in a copper platter. If for some reason the moon is not visible in the sky, an image of the moon is made as a symbol and worshipped. If this is not possible, a picture of the moon is drawn with rangoli on a wooden seat or a stool and it is worshipped. Sandalwood paste and flowers are offered to the moon. Incense stick and lamp are waved in front of it. Now Holy sacrament (naivedya) is offered to the moon.

After the worship of the moon, arghya is offered three times – once for the Chaturthi tithi, once for Mahaganapati and thereafter once for sankashtanashan Sri Ganeshji. In the end the fourth arghya is offered to the moon. After praying for the welfare of all, the worship is concluded.

1.7 Vratangabhojan of Sankashtachaturthi

The host can consume food after the evening worship of Sri Ganeshji and the worship of the moon. The host should consume food prepared as the Holy sacrament as a prasad. It is the ritual of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat to take meals at the time of moon rise. Hence, this meal is not for breaking the fast, but as a part of the vrat, that is, Vratangabhojan.

The meaning of consuming a meal means consuming cooked rice along with other items of food. The reason for consuming rice is that the Scriptures have given the status of ‘anna’, that is, food, only to rice.

 

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Ananta Chaturdashi Vrat

Bhadrapad Shukla Ekadashi, Kaliyug Varsha 5111

 

Contents

• 1. Ananta Vrat
  • 1.1 Objective of Ananta vrat
  • 1.2 Ananta vrat pujan
  • 1.3 Ritualistic worship of Sheshanag
  • 1.4 Reason underlying the ritualistic worship of Sheshnag in Ananta vrat
  • 1.5 Ritualistic worship of the thread symbolic of Ananta
  • 1.6 The importance and science underlying the Ananta thread of 14 knots
  • 1.7 Science underlying offering sweet puris made of pumpkin in Anantpujan
  • 1.8 The teaching gained from Ananta Chaturdashi

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Ananta – Bhagawan Sri Vishnuji

1. Ananta Vrat

The implied meaning of Ananta is the Energy in the form of Chaitanya that has no end. The date as per the Hindu lunar calendar (tithi) of Sri Ganesh Chaturthi is Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi. During the period from this tithi to Ananta Chaturdashi, the energy is emitted in higher proportion from Sri Ganeshji. Similarly, on this day the Ganesh Principle is also emitted 10% more in the Universe.

The duration of Ananta vrat is fourteen years. Thereafter the vrat is concluded. This vrat is undertaken on the advice of someone or getting the thread of Ananta easily.

1.1 Objective of Ananta vrat

Ananta vrat is observed with the intention of fulfillment of worldly desires (‘kamya vrat’). This vrat is mainly observed for regaining lost prosperity. On the day of Ananta Chaturdashi, the frequencies of Sri Vishnu are active in the Universe. It is easy for average people to attract and absorb these frequencies on this day. Doing Anantapujan means absorbing the action-energy of Sri Vishnu.

The presiding Deity of Ananta vrat is Ananta, that is, Bhagawan Sri Vishnu. The Deities Yamuna and Shesha also accompany Sri Vishnuji.

1.2 Ananta vrat pujan

As far as possible, the ritualistic worship of Ananta should be performed by a couple. In exceptional cases, a man or a woman alone can perform the worship.

• Before commencing the vrat pujan, the resolve to perform this pujan for regaining the lost prosperity is made.

• Thereafter, in the Yamunapujan, Sri Yamuna Devi is worshipped ritualistically with sixteen substances.

• First Sri Yamuna Devi is offered a seat.

• The ritual of washing the Holy feet of Sri Yamuna Devi is done.

• Thereafter, arghya is offered.

• Thereafter, the ritual of giving a bath with five substances is performed.

• The Devi is consecrated with water.

• The lady doing the vrat offers turmeric powder and vermillion to Sri Yamuna Devi

• Later unbroken rice grains are put in a kalasha and body-worship (anga-puja) of Sri Yamuna Devi is done.

• The worship is concluded by offering substances like incense-cake (dhup), arati, Holy sacrament (naivedya) etc.

Subtle-process taking place on invoking Yamunaji in the kalasha filled with water during the ritualistic worship of Ananta vrat: By invoking Yamunaji, the frequencies of Srikrushna in the water are awakened. These frequencies are obtained by the worshipper and they destroy the black, round, spiral-shaped raja-tama-dominant frequencies in the worshipper’s body. With this, the body of the worshipper is purified. The ritualistic worship done with a pure body gives more benefit.

1.3 Ritualistic worship of Sheshanag

Shri Vishnu on the Sheshanag

In this the cobra (nag) with seven hoods made of the sprouts of a type of grass called darbha is ritualistically worshipped as a symbol of Sheshanag.

• First the Deity Sheshanag is invoked.

• The ritual of offering a seat to Sheshanag is performed. After this, the rituals like washing of Holy feet, offering of water etc. are performed.

• The body-worship (anga-puja) of the Deity Sheshanag is done.

• His seven hoods are worshipped.

• Thereafer His Name-worship (nampuja) is done.

• At the end, incense, lamp, Holy sacrament etc. are offered.

1.4 Reason underlying the ritualistic worship of Sheshnag in Ananta vrat

On the day of Ananta Chaturdashi, action frequencies associated with Sri Vishnu principle are emitted in the Universe. Deity Sheshnag is an excellent carrier of these frequencies.

The task of Energy of Action (Kriyashakti) associated with human body:

The action energy present in human body maintains his gross body through the medium of the Absolute Earth Principle and the shape of the body through the medium of the Absolute Water Principle. Sheshadevata provides energy required for the various tasks of that part of the Divine Consciousness that governs the functioning of the mind and body (Chetanashakti).

The action frequencies in the form of the Absolute Fire Principle present in the darbha circulate in active form. Through the symbol of Sheshanag made of darbha, the round spiral action frequencies of Sri Vishnu present in the Universe are attracted. These frequencies spread at the place of ritualistic worship. They touch the worshipper and spread in his body.

1.5 Ritualistic worship of the thread symbolic of Ananta

After the ritualistic worship of Sheshanag, the worship of the thread, the symbol of Sri Vishnu, that is, Ananta is done. Before worshipping the thread is purified by reciting mantras. For the consecration of Ananta, Madanant Deity, that is, Bhagawan Sri Vishnuji is invoked. Among the two threads in the glass (fulpatra), the thread on the left of the worshiper is the male thread and thread to his right is the female thread.

• After the consecration of the thread, to offer seat to Ananta. Unbroken rice grains smeared with vermillion (akshat) are offered from below upwards on the 14 knots on the male thread. Thereafter, akshat are offered on the female thread in a similar way.

• Gandhodak snan – Bathing the deity with water mixed with sandalwood paste (gandh).

• Pushpodak snan – Bathing the deity with water containing flowers.

• Phalodak snan – Bathing the deity with fruit juice.

• Thereafter the deity is bathed with water containing precious stones.

• Then the threads are placed for ritualistic worship.

• The threads are ritualistically worshiped with five substances (panchopachar) using substances like gandh, flower etc.

• Thereafter dwadash avaran ritualistic worship is performed. Thereafter, leaves like Bel, Karavir, Shami, Tulasi, Apamarg, Datura and Tadini are offered and patrapuja is performed. After Anantapujan, the special naivedya of sweet puris made of pumpkin is offered. The threads placed in the glass are taken out and tied on the arm and the old threads are discarded.

1.6 The importance and science underlying the Ananta thread of 14 knots

There are 14 main knots (granthis) in human body. These knots are connected to each other through the flow of Chetanashakti. As a symbol of which, the thread with 14 knots is ritualistically worshipped with recitation of mantras.

The action frequencies of Sri Vishnu present in the Universe are attracted towards the Ananta threads, after its ritualistic worship and the thread is charged with these frequencies. By tying the thread on the arms, the entire body of the person is charged with these energy frequencies. Thus, the flow of Chetanashakti present in his body gains momentum.

1.7 Science underlying offering sweet puris made of pumpkin in Anantpujan

Naivedya of sweet puris made of pumpkin is offered in Anantpujan and the Deity of vrat is immersed. The vrat is concluded (udyapan) after 14 years.

Subtle air sheaths of pumpkin have the capacity of attracting and storing the action energy frequencies of the Universe. Hence, the active frequencies of Energy of Action are attracted in the puris made of pumpkin in a short time.

Sanatan Hindu Dharma includes observation of particular vrats on particular tithis, various actions associated with that vrat, observation of rituals and restrictions etc. In Hindu Dharma, rules are laid down in the Scriptures for enabling the humans to be strong, competent and to gain all necessary energies.

1.8 The teaching gained from Ananta Chaturdashi

Be it the Ananta vrat observed on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi or immersion of Sri Ganeshji on the same day, a common point is learnt.

During the period of 10 days, from Sri Ganesh Chaturthi to Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesh principle descends on Earth and spreads in so many homes and merges into infinity (Ananta) with immersion of the Ganesh idol. In short, Celebrating Ananta Chaturdashi means remembering the ultimate goal of God-realisation and reaching Vaikunth.

Jyeshtagouri Vrat

Bhadrapad Shukla Dwitiya, Kaliyug Varsha 5111

Contents

• 1. Jyeshthagouri Vrat
  • 1.1 Spiritual reason underlying invocation of Gouri
  • 1.2 Science underlying invocation of Gouri during the pre-determined time
  • 1.3 Method of vrat
  • 1.4 The ritualistic worship of the metal pot (kalash) during Gouripujan

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Jyeshthagouri

1. Jyeshthagouri Vrat

All the wives of Deities harassed by the battle between the Deities and the demons prayed to Srimahalakshmi. Appeased by the prayer, Srimahalakshmi vanquished the demons on Ashtami, that is, the eighth day of Bhadrapad and relieved the Deities of the danger. In the memory of this incident and for the protection of their husbands by Srimahalakshmi, the women perform the vrat of Jyeshthagouri on the day of Shukl Ashtami of Bhadrapad

1.1 Spiritual reason underlying invocation of Gouri

The spiritual science underlying the invocation of Gouri is the welcome of the Deity of Knowledge and the supernatural powers which accompany Sri Ganeshji and to surrender to them with a sense of gratitude. Gouri is invoked to conserve the frequencies of energy generated in the house by the worship of Sri Ganeshji. The worshipper gets the benefit of these frequencies with the worship of Gouri.

1.2 Science underlying invocation of Gouri during the pre-determined time

According to the Scriptures, the time of invocation of Gouri is pre-determined. Gouri is to be invoked during that time only. The principle of a specific Deity comes on Earth in higher proportion during a specific time. On invocation of the Devi principle in the time pre-determined by the Scriptures, the principle is attracted at the venue of the worship in higher proportion and the family members get its benefit for a longer period.

1.3 Method of vrat

Gouri is installed on the Mul constellation that comes after Rushipanchami. This vrat is observed for three days. On the first day, when Gouri is invoked, the replicas of the Holy feet of Gouri are drawn on the main gate and everywhere in the house. For this turmeric powder-vermilion or rangoli is used.

In some regions, Devi is ceremoniously installed on the first Friday of the month of Shravan. On the day of Gouripujan that comes after Sriganeshpujan in the month of em>Bhadrapad, Jyeshthagouri is ceremoniously installed.

In some regions on the day of Gouri invocation, women worship the Deity of Water, that is, Jaladevata near the source of water. A kalash, that is, a copper pitcher is filled with water and the leaves of mango tree, champak tree etc. are placed in it. Five stones are also put into it. They worship the kalash. This is also called ‘Gangagouri’.

On the second day, Gouri is worshipped and offered ‘mahanaivedya’.

On the third day, Gouri is immersed in flowing water.

Married women are invited to the home as per convenience on one of the three days for the ceremony of haldi-kumkum.

Spiritual experience – While taking darshan of the consecrated Gouri, experiencing one Gouri in a saviour form and the other in a destroyer form and being advised by the Gouri in the saviour form to do sadhana with full dedication: On 2^nd August 2006, during Gouripujan when I took darshan of Gouri, I experienced one Gouri in a saviour form and the other in a destroyer form. The Gouri in the saviour form said, “Get detached from the materialistic world, that is, Maya and do sadhana with full dedication”. She told me this same thing 3-4 times. At that time, my spiritual emotion was awakened and I began to go into a meditative state. – Lata Dhavalikar

1.4 The ritualistic worship of the metal pot (kalash) during Gouripujan

• In the metal pot of Gouripujan there is 1 % Divine principle, 2 % Chaitanya and 2 % Energy (Shakti).

• A flow of Divine principle and Chaitanya in the form of Apa-tattva is attracted in the metal pot of Gouripujan.

  A. Spirals of Divine principle and Apa-tattva are generated in the metal pot of Gouripujan.

• A flow of Energy (Shakti) is attracted.

  A. A spiral of Energy (Shakti) is generated and it moves in active form.

  B. A flow of Energy (Shakti) is emitted into the environment.

  C. Particles of Energy spread into the environment.

 

Other points:

• At the time of Gouripujan two types of Gouri, namely Jyeshtha and Kanishtha are worshipped. It was perceived that Jyeshtha and

  Kanishtha are the saviour (tarak) and destroyer (marak) Energies of Sri Ganeshji respectively.

• Gouri does the task of sustaining the Ganesh Principle in the environment after Ganesh Chaturthi.

• Due to the masks made in the metal pot, the married woman is benefitted of the presence of the Deity. The Sagun form of the Deity was

  perceived in the masks made in the metal pot. Hence, the Nirgun principle of the Deity is attracted in the metal pot in the Sagun form and

  the woman who worships it is benefitted.

• Due to Gouripujan Energy is emitted in a greater proportion into the environment.

Sankashtachaturthi vrat – For fullfillment of wishes

Sankashtachaturthi vrat – For fullfillment of wishes

Contents

• 1. Fulfilling of wishes through Sankashtachaturthi vrat
• 2. Spiritual science underlying the fulfilment of the wishes by observing the Sankashtachaturthi vrat
• 3. Spiritual science underlying the consecration of Sri Ganeshji’s idol by sprinkling water (abhishek) and reciting Sri
  Ganapati Atharvashirsha
• 4. The importance of ritualistically worshipping the moon (Chandra-pujan) in Sankashti vrat
• 5. Spiritual science underlying offering modak and money to the priest
• 6. Importance of making a resolve of conclusion after the ritualistic worship
• 7. Udyapan (ritualistic conclusion) of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat
  • 7.1 Effects of installation of the ritualistic metal pot (kalash)
  • 7.2 Effects of worship of Sri Ganeshji’s idol
  • 7.3 Effects of utterance of mantras by the priest
  • 7.4 Spiritual science underlying the act of touching the worshipped kalash to the Adnya-chakra of the host husband-wife
  • 7.5 Effects of sprinkling consecrated rice and Holy water (tirtha) on the host husband-wife by the priest
  • 7.6 Sacrificial fire (havan)

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1. Fulfilling of wishes through Sankashtachaturthi vrat

Many people perform Sankashtachaturthi vrat for the fulfilment of their worldly desires. The Sankashtachaturthi vrat is recognised for providing Adhidaivika solutions to the problems in life. Acquiring solutions to problems in life through the grace of a Deity is known as ‘Adhidaivika-upaya’. Many people feel it is inappropriate to do ritualistic worship like vrat for acquiring something concrete materialistically. One can have a question as to what is appropriate, doing Adhidaivika-upaya or making worldly efforts ?

The difference between making worldly efforts for fulfilment of material desires and performing vrats for the same: While making worldly efforts for the fulfilment of material desires the person gets trapped in vices. He loses his basic sattvik temperament. By performing vrats, that is, by taking the course of Adhidaivika-upaya he is able to fulfil his desires maintaining his sattvik temperament.

Our Sages undertook the vrats and themselves experienced the spiritual science underlying them. They elucidated the vrats to the society so that it derives benefit from the vrats.

In this context, benefits derived by some devotees, from Maharashtra and Goa, after performing Sankashtachaturthi vrat is given below:

“I am fifty four years old. I have been observing Sankashti vrat for the last 30 years. Those days my husband was very ill. At that time, on the day of Sankashti I said, I will observe Sankashti vrat on twenty one Sankashtachaturthis so that my husband’s health comes back to normal. After that my husband was fit for 25- 30 years. Even now I observe the vrat.” – One devotee

“We are observing Sankashti vrat for the last five years and benefitting from it. Life has become stable. My son gets good marks. He also got admission for further studies.” – Mr. and Mrs. Verma ji

“When I was studying, my parents told me that by worshipping the Deity one acquires good intellect, one’s studies go well and one remains in good company. They also told me how to perform the Sankashti vrat. With the faith that everything is going on smoothly in life by God’s grace, I took up this vrat.” – Mr. Santosh Gurav

“In our class everyone found the Secretarial Practice paper very difficult. On the day of the examination of this subject, I went to Sri Ganeshji’s temple and narrated my concerns. That day I was able to answer the entire paper and scored good marks in the subject. Since then I have been observing this fast. The state of all of us was alike. By praying to Sri Ganeshji, the Secretarial Practice exam becomes easy, that is why we observe a fast too.” – One student

“I was to get admission in Diploma at the Government College at Pen. Instead of that I got admission at the Polytechnic College at Khopoli. The day I began fasting was Sankashtachaturthi. On that day itself I got admission in Government College at Pen. That is why, my faith in the Ballaleshwar’s Ganeshji was augmented. Since then I have been observing the Sankashti vrat regularly."

Through these spiritual experiences one understand that by observing the Sankashtachaturthi vrat the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled.

2. Spiritual science underlying the fulfilment of the wishes by observing the Sankashtachaturthi vrat

By ritualistically worshipping Sri Ganeshji, the Ganesh Principle gets activated. Also, Ganeshji’s Riddhi and Siddhi Shakti or Energy get activated. In reality amongst these Principles, the wishes are understood by Riddhi and fulfilled by Siddhi.

Difference between Riddhi and Siddhi:

• The Riddhi Shakti is known as the left Energy channel (Nadi) or the Moon Channel of Sri Ganeshji. Siddhi Shakti is known as the right Energy channel (Nadi) or the Sun Channel of Sri Ganeshji.

• One comes to know about the objective of the desire through the Riddhi Shakti. Through Siddhi Shakti the objective is fulfilled.

• The Riddhi Shakti complements the mission indirectly. Siddhi Shakti directly provides strength to the mission.

• Riddhi Shakti works at a Nirgun level. Siddhi Shakti works at a Sagun level.

By ritualistically worshipping Sri Ganeshji, the Ganesh Principle gets activated. Also, Ganeshji’s Riddhi and Siddhi Shakti or get activated. Amongst these Principles, the wishes are understood by Riddhi and completed by Siddhi. By the ritualistic worship of Sri Ganeshji, through the medium of these two Energy Principles, the desired wish of the one observing the vrat is fulfilled. Due to the combined function of the two Energies, the result, that is, wish fulfilment is acquired. That is why the collective noun ‘Riddhi-Siddhi’ is used for these two Energies.

3. Spiritual science underlying the consecration of Sri Ganeshji’s idol by sprinkling water (abhishek) and reciting Sri Ganapati Atharvashirsha

On the day of Sankashtachaturthi, Sri Ganapati Atharvashirsha is recited. Sage Ganaka wrote the Atharvashirsha, that is why it has His resolve. Due to the Energy of the mantra of Atharvashirsha, Divinity is awakened in Sri Ganeshji’s idol.

After consecration of the idol by sprinkling water, various types of leaves are offered to Sri Ganeshji, also known as Patra-puja. In this sacred grass (Durva) is also offered.

The subtle effects of the ritualistic worship with leaves (Patra-puja): Through the Durva and other leaves, the worshipper’s body is touched by Ganeshji’s activated Principle. Also, a protective sheath of this Principle is formed around his body.

4. The importance of ritualistically worshipping the moon (Chandra-pujan) in Sankashti vrat

The spiritual reasons underlying taking darshan of the moon (Chandradarshan) on the day of Sankashtachaturthi:
Moon instigates the mind to work. In Sankashtachaturthi vrat spiritual practice (sadhana) is done the whole day and at night the darshan of the moon is taken. This marks the completion of spiritual practice and in worldly life the commencement of mental activities.

Moon is the symbol of activation of Energy of Desire (Icchha-shakti). The importance of ritualistically worshipping the moon is 70 %.

The effect of ritualistically worshipping an image of the moon: In the ritualistic worship of Sankashtachaturthi vrat, an image of the moon is made with wet sandalwood on the Nagawalli leaf and it is ritualistically worshipped. The ‘Riddhi-Siddhi’ bestowing Energies are created from the two ends of the crescent of the moon by ritualistically worshipping the moon. These Energy Principles are activated on the basis of the strength of the void in the moon and they function in a Nirgun form in the Universe.

Why is arghya offered after Chandrapujan in the Sankashtachaturthi Vratapujan?: By the action of offering arghya after the worship, one becomes conscious of discarding ego. He gains full benefit of this action at spiritual level.

5. Spiritual science underlying offering modak and money to the priest

In order to absolve onerself of some mistake in the action of the Deity’s worship or an act of sin that might have happened inadvertently, modak and money are offered to a priest.

6. Importance of making a resolve of conclusion after the ritualistic worship

By concluding the ritualistic worship, the Deity’s Principle, which has come in the Sagun form due to the worship, takes a Nirgun form. On conclusion of the worship, the Deity’s Principle leaves the place of worship and is again installed at its original place.

7. Udyapan (ritualistic conclusion) of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat

According to the Scriptures, ritualistic conclusion of any vrat is an integral part of a vrat. Normally the faithful undertake the vrat for twenty-one Sankashtachaturthis. Whatever be the duration of the vrat, the ritualistic conclusion of the vrat is essential. If the day of the ritualistic conclusion of Sankashtachaturthi is on a Sankashta-chaturthi only, it is more beneficial.

In the ritual of Udyapan of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat, the Deities of the nine planets, the seven Sages and Brahma etc. are worshipped. Sri Ganeshji is consecrated with water and offered purnahuti. Mahanaivedya, that is, the meal is offered. The meal is partaken at night at the time of Moon rise and the next day, a priest and a married woman are served meals.

7.1 Effects of installation of the ritualistic metal pot (kalash)

In the Udyapan ritual of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat, a kalash is installed on wheat to offer a seat to the Deities. Pouring water in it, Mango leaves are kept in it. Some rice is kept in a copper platter.

• By installing a kalash on the wheat and worshipping it, destroyer energy is attracted in the wheat.

• When the kalash kept on the wheat is filled with water and Mango leaves are put in it, the stem of the leaves attract the sattvikta and Chaitanya of the water in the kalash and emit them from the edges of the leaves.

• By keeping a copper platter full of rice on the kalash, the sattvikta, Chaitanya and saviour Principle are attracted in the rice at the time of worship of the Deity.

In the Udyapan ritual of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat, the Deities of the nine planets, seven Sages and Lord Brahma etc. are worshipped followed by Sri Ganeshji.

7.2 Effects of worship of Sri Ganeshji’s idol

After performing rituals like padya, that is, washing feet, arghya etc. the idol of Sri Ganeshji is consecrated with water. During consecration, the sattvikta of the idol increases by the touch of the water. Beaded cotton (vastra) is offered. The frequencies of the Principle of Sri Ganeshji emanating from the idol are absorbed in the vastra, which benefits the worshipper. With the offering of turmeric powder, vermilion and Durva, 2 percent Ganesh Principle is attracted in the idol.

7.3 Effects of utterance of mantras by the priest

When the priests utter mantras in the Udyapan ritual of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat:

• Golden and silver particles of sattvikta and Chaitanya are spread in the environment. This purifies the environment.

• Various Deity Principles are attracted in the form of light rays in the betel nuts installed in the worship ritual.

• The heat of the gross and subtle bodies of the host husband-wife increases.

7.4 Spiritual science underlying the act of touching the worshipped kalash to the Adnya-chakra
of the host husband-wife

By touching the worshipped kalash on the Adnya-chakra by the host, the sattvikta and coolness in the kalash is spread in the bodies of the host husband-wife through their Adnya-chakra.

7.5 Effects of sprinkling consecrated rice and Holy water (tirtha) on the host husband-wife by the priest

During the ritualistic worship, the priest sprinkles rice on the host husband-wife with the recitation of mantras. With this the gross and subtle bodies of the host husband-wife are purified. Similarly, the sattva particles active in the subtle bodies of the host husband-wife become steady.

7.6 Sacrificial fire (havan)

In the Udyapan ritual of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat, the sacrificial fire (havan) is performed. Effects of the substances and performance of havan:

• When Durva is offered in the sacrificial pit, the Ganesh Principle is attracted in the fire.

• When black sesame seeds are offered, they emit destroyer energy which destroys the negative energies in the environment.

• By offering white sesame seeds, the sattvikta of the fire increases

• By offering sesame oil, the sattvikta, destroyer energy and Chaitanya collectively become active.

After giving the purnahuti, the flames of the fire become 10 percent more radiant. By performing havan in this manner:

• There is an increase in the sattvikta in the environment.

• Heat and coolness are experienced in the environment as per requirement.

• After the purnahuti, the subtle fragrance of sandalwood and turmeric powder-vermilion spreads in the environment and lasts for a long time.

After the purnahuti at the time of arati, the Ganesh Principle and the Lakshmi Principle are present in the environment. Similarly, the frequencies of Chaitanya and Anand are also spread in the environment. All the persons present there gain from the Udyapan ritual of the Sankashtachaturthi vrat performed with Bhav. Some people do the Sankashtachaturthi vrat for 4 years whereas some people for 13 years also. There are also the faithful persons who perform this vrat for life long.