The sacred month of Shravan holds a special place in Hindu dharma, serving as a center of spiritual energy and religious devotion. While the worship of Lord Shiva is of particular importance during this month, the upcoming Sankashti Chaturthi is also considered exceptionally auspicious and fruitful. This is due to its falling on a Monday of Shravan, making this fast even more impactful and meritorious.
Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as 'Ganesh Sankatnashak Chaturthi', is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This fast is observed on the Chaturthi of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of each month, but its significance increases manifold when it falls in the month of Shravan. Let's explore in detail why this Sankashti Chaturthi is special this time, including its date, timings, and the puja rituals.
Sankashti Chaturthi 2025: Date, Time, and Auspicious Timings
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: July 13, 2025, Sunday at 1:02 AM
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: July 14, 2025, Monday at 11:59 PM
- Auspicious Time for Puja: July 14, from 9:00 AM to 10:43 AM
- Moonrise Time: 9:55 PM
Devotees observing the fast on this day complete their puja after seeing the moon. Offering special Aarti to Lord Ganesha and Arghya (water offering) to the Moon God are the main components of this fast.
The Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi in Sawan
This Chaturthi is especially significant during the month of Sawan because it provides an opportunity to receive the blessings of both Lord Shiva and his son, Ganesha. Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day is believed to alleviate suffering, diseases, and financial obstacles. Particularly, this time, Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Shravan Monday, a rare combination that allows one to receive the blessings of both Shiva and Ganesha. According to astrologers, this conjunction, which occurs after many years, is highly auspicious for auspicious activities and the attainment of Siddhi (spiritual accomplishments).
Benefits of the Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi Fast
Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles and the giver of success. Observing the Sankashti Chaturthi fast specifically provides the following benefits to a person:
- Attainment of mental peace and self-confidence
- Resolution of obstacles in work
- Liberation from financial difficulties
- Progeny and increased wisdom
- Elimination of health-related problems
- Protection from negative energies
The Mystery of Gajanana's Form: Why is He Called Gajanana?
The word 'Gajanana' literally means 'Gaja' (elephant) and 'Anana' (face); therefore, the one with an elephant's face. According to Puranic tales, when the demon Lobhasura began to terrorize the earth, and the gods were also troubled by him, they all prayed to Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha incarnated in the form of Gajanana and defeated Lobhasura in battle. This is why worshipping in the form of Gajanana is believed to provide freedom from troubles.
Fasting Procedure and Puja Materials
The Sankashti Chaturthi fast should be observed with devotion, discipline, and simplicity.
- On this day, one should take a bath in the morning and take a vow to fast. Then perform the puja with the following materials:
- Idol or picture of Lord Ganesha
- Durva grass, Modak (sweet dumpling), red flowers, Roli, Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Diya (lamp), ghee (clarified butter), camphor
- Water and rice to offer Arghya to the Moon God
- After the puja, offer Modak to Lord Ganesha and recite the 'Sankatnashan Ganesha Stotra'. The fast is completed after offering Arghya to the moon at night.
Religious Signals: If You See a Snake in Sawan, Understand These are Auspicious Signs
Seeing snakes in Sawan is also considered very auspicious from a religious perspective. The Nagas (snakes) are the ornaments of Lord Shiva, and if someone sees a snake in their dream or real life during the month of Sawan, the following are considered to be signs:
- Possibility of financial gain
- Signs of completion of pending tasks
- Arrival of happiness in the family
- Fruits of good deeds from previous births
- The potential to be freed from any major obstacle or danger
Therefore, do not be afraid of such a vision but consider it as a blessing from God. The Sankashti Chaturthi of Sawan 2025 is a very sacred occasion when devotees can worship Lord Ganesha and be freed from the troubles of their lives. This conjunction, when Chaturthi falls on a Shravan Monday and the special moonrise timings are available, is considered to be extremely rare and fruitful.
