The festival of Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated every month on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight). This day is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the symbol of auspiciousness, and the bestower of good fortune. The Vinayak Chaturthi of the Ashadha month falls on June 28, 2025. It is considered highly significant to observe a fast and worship Lord Ganesha on this day.
According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Ganesha himself is the presiding deity of the Chaturthi Tithi. Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day is believed to remove all troubles and bring prosperity into one's life. During the puja on this Chaturthi, a special mythological story is recited, which is considered essential for the completion of the fast. This story highlights an incident involving a boy's penance, a curse, and the grace of Lord Ganesha.
The Beginning of the Story Associated with Vinayak Chaturthi
According to mythological beliefs, once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were resting on the banks of the Narmada River. To pass the time, they decided to play a game of Chaupad (a board game). However, during the game, it was not clear who would win and who would lose. To resolve this confusion, Lord Shiva created a clay figure and infused it with life, making it the judge.
During the game between Shiva and Parvati, Goddess Parvati won, but the figure, which was to announce the result of the game, declared Lord Shiva as the winner. This angered Goddess Parvati, and in her fury, she cursed the figure to become disabled.
The Period of Curse and Penance
Suffering from Parvati's curse, the boy began to weep and pleaded for forgiveness from Mother Parvati. He explained that he had made a mistake in his judgment, but Goddess Parvati said that the curse could not be undone. However, the Mother also suggested a solution: in the future, when the Nag Kanyas (serpent maidens) come to worship Lord Ganesha, he should learn the method of the fast from them and perform it properly, which would free him from the curse.
After this, the boy suffered from the curse for many years. But one day, as Goddess Parvati had mentioned, the Nag Kanyas came there and began to worship Lord Ganesha. The boy humbly learned the method of the fast of Lord Ganesha from them and observed the fast with a sincere heart.
Liberation through the Grace of Ganpati
Pleased by the worship and fast, Lord Ganesha himself appeared before the boy. He asked him to ask for a boon. The boy requested that he be able to walk to Mount Kailash, as he had become disabled due to the curse. Lord Ganesha granted him the boon and said that he could now walk and be healthy.
The boy immediately became healthy and then proceeded towards Mount Kailash. Upon reaching there, he narrated his entire story to Lord Shiva. He explained that he was freed by the grace of Ganpati and how effective this fast is.
Lord Shiva also Observed the Fast
Influenced by the boy's words, Lord Shiva also decided to observe this fast of Ganpati. He fasted continuously for 21 days for Lord Ganesha. Due to the effect of this fast, Goddess Parvati's anger subsided, and harmony was re-established between them.
Why the Story is Recited on Chaturthi
It is said that reciting this story not only helps the observer of the fast to obtain the full benefits of the fast but also provides guidance in complex life situations. By observing the Vinayak Chaturthi fast and listening to or reading this story with complete devotion, obstacles are removed from the devotee's life.
Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of sorrows and the giver of wisdom, conveys through this story that a fast observed with true faith and devotion can liberate one from any kind of trouble.
The Significance of Vinayak Chaturthi
Vinayak Chaturthi is not just a festival; it is a monthly occurrence when a person can free themselves from negativity and gain positive energy. Reciting this story before worshipping Lord Ganesha is considered essential, as it completes the purpose of the puja.
This mythological story deeply portrays the power of faith, penance, and the grace of God. That is why this story is still read with full emotion by devotees on every Vinayak Chaturthi and gives completeness to the worship.
