Vinayaka Chaturthi – Monthly Worship of the Remover of Obstacles
Vinayaka Chaturthi, observed every lunar month on the fourth day after Amavasya, is a sacred vrat devoted to Lord Ganesha that bestows wisdom, patience, and liberation from all vighnas (obstacles).
In the Hindu calendar, each lunar month contains two Chaturthi Tithis. The one after Amavasya (New Moon) during Shukla Paksha is called Vinayaka Chaturthi, while the one after Purnima (Full Moon) during Krishna Paksha is known as Sankashti Chaturthi. Both are sacred to Lord Ganesha.
While Ganesha Chaturthi in Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha is the grandest celebration of Ganesha’s birth, Vinayaka Chaturthi or Varad Chaturthi is a monthly vrata performed to seek the Lord’s blessings for wish-fulfillment, wisdom, and peace. The term “Varad” signifies the grantor of boons.
Deities Associated
This vrat venerates Shri Ganesha, son of Bhagavan Shiva and Mata Parvati. Known as Vighnaharta, Buddhipradaayaka, and Varad Vinayaka, Ganesha is worshipped for initiating new beginnings, clearing doshas, and attaining spiritual clarity.
“Vinayaka Vratam yathaavidhim yah karoti, tasya sarva-vighna vinaashanam bhavati.” “He who worships Vinayaka rightly, sees all his obstacles destroyed.”
Origin, Significance & Vedic Astrological Relevance
Pauranik Origin:
As narrated in various Puranas including Narasimha Purana, Bhavishya Purana, and Ganesha Purana, this vrat has been glorified by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira as the supreme vrata to destroy sins and fulfill desires.
When Devi Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste to guard her, he was beheaded by Mahadev during a misunderstanding. On realizing the truth, Lord Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant, granting him immortality and the first place in all pujas.
Tatvik Significance:
Vinayaka Chaturthi purifies karma, enhances one’s satvik tendencies, and strengthens buddhi (intellect). It is particularly beneficial for:
- Students seeking education
- Couples desiring progeny
- Business people overcoming obstacles
- Devotees with Mangal or Rahu-Ketu dosha
Monthly vrata fosters dharmic discipline and ensures chitta-shuddhi (purity of mind).
Vedic Jyotisha Relevance:
- Rahu’s Day: Chaturthi is governed by Rahu. Ganesha removes Rahu-induced illusions and instabilities.
- Mangal Dosh Remedy: Fasting on Tuesday Chaturthi (Angarak Yog) is a powerful remedy for Mars-related afflictions.
- Chandra Darshan: Moon is not seen on this day due to the Chandra-Ganesha curse. Fasting concludes post moonrise, with mantra or Tulsi as Chandra darshan remedy.
- Nakshatra Speciality: When Vinayaka Chaturthi falls on Rohini, Hasta, or Shravana nakshatra, its potency is manifold.
Ganesha is Muladhara Adhipati. This vrat helps awaken the root chakra, grounding the sadhaka in strength and spiritual clarity.
Customs, Traditions & Rituals
Vrat & Upavasa:
Upavasa is from sunrise to moonrise. Bhaktas take sankalpa early morning and refrain from grains, onion, garlic, and tamasic food. Fruit, milk, coconut water, and vrat-friendly items are allowed.
Puja Vidhan:
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a holy bath.
- Clean the puja altar, decorate it with rangoli.
- Place Ganesha Murti or picture on a red/yellow cloth.
- Light a ghee diya and incense.
- Offer Durva (21 strands), red flowers, sandalwood, modak, banana, and boondi laddoo.
- Recite Vinayaka Katha and 108 Names of Ganesha.
- Chant “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” or Sankata Nashana Stotram.
- Perform Ganesha Aarti with full devotion.
- Offer paan, coconut, and dakshina to Brahmins.
- After moonrise, break fast with sattvik bhojan.
Puja Katha
The legend behind Chaturthi Vrata is symbolic. When Parvati Devi created Ganesha to guard her privacy, Mahadev was denied entry. Furious, he severed Ganesha’s head. Parvati’s grief made Shiva promise his revival. The first head found was that of an elephant. Since then, Chaturthi is celebrated for obstacle removal, protection, and new beginnings.
Celebrations Across Bharat
- Maharashtra: Atharvashirsha chanting, Modak offering, home pujas
- Tamil Nadu: Vinayagar temple visits, coconut and jaggery offerings
- Karnataka: Special abhisheka in Ganesha temples
- North India: Fasting and storytelling by elders, group aartis
Temples Where This Festival Is Prominent
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
- Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, Pune
- Ucchi Pillayar Koil, Tiruchirapalli
- Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Karpaga Vinayakar Temple, Pillayarpatti
How to Observe
- Take sankalpa early morning.
- Observe Nirjala or Phalahar vrat.
- Perform Vinayaka Puja during Madhyahna.
- Avoid Chandra Darshan without mantra.
- Break fast post-moonrise with prayers.
Benefits of Celebrating
- Fulfillment of material and spiritual desires
- Removal of obstacles in marriage, job, exams
- Pacification of Mangal, Rahu, and Ketu doshas
- Granting of children and harmony in relationships
- Stabilization of mind and cleansing of karmic baggage
