Magh Sankashti Chaturthi | Sakat Chauth
Sankashti Chaturthi is an auspicious day dedicated to Ganesha. This day is observed in every lunar month of the Hindu calendar on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha (dark lunar phase or the waning phase). The Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Magh is also observed as Sakat Chauth.
Ganesh Ji is referred to as remover of obstacles so on this day he takes away your Sanket or woes and makes the child achieve prosperity. According to another legend, the day is called Sakat Chauth as it is dedicated to Goddess Sakat. Sakat Chauth Vrata is very popular in the North Indian States such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and even in Maharashtra. On Sakat Chauth, Goddess Sakat is worshipped along with Lord Ganesha seeking happiness and prosperity.
Lord Ganesh devotees observe Sankashti Chaturthi fasting on each Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. However, the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Magh is celebrated as Magh Sankashti Chaturthi or Sakat Chauth. Sakat Chauth is also known as Sankat Chauth, Til-Kuta Chauth, Vakra-Tundi Chaturthi, Maghi Chauth, and Sankashti Chaturthi.
Sakat Chauth Vrat (सकट चौथ व्रत) in 2024 is on January 29th, Monday.
Sakat Chauth Vrat Puja Vidhi
On Sankashti Chauth (Chaturthi), after bathing in the morning, women worship Lord Ganesha and fast the whole day (Nirjal Vrat). In the evening, Lord Ganesha is worshipped with rituals and, flowers, sesame, jaggery, etc. Remember to provide a gur ladoo in the worship of Ganesha. On this day, the fast is opened only after offering prayers to the moon in the evening. After this, the prasad of tilkut is distributed. Some even read Vrat Katha on this auspicious day of Sakat Chauth.
Married women pray for the health, wealth, and well-being of their children. Fasting on Sakat Chauth is considered very auspicious. Mothers observe fast on this day so the hurdles from the life of their kids are removed.
Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha in English
There was a potter in the kingdom of King Harishchandra. He used to make clay pots and used to harden them in a kiln, but they were always left raw. He tried to harden the pots many times but always the pots would come out unbaked. He tried hard but could not find any solution. The potter got disheartened and approached the King for help. The royal priest advice him to offer a Bali (sacrifice) of a child every time the kiln is prepared to make utensils.
As suggested by the royal priest the king ordered every family to send one child for sacrifice. After few days passed the turn of an older woman who got only one son came, she was an ardent devotee of Goddess Sakat Mata and prayed to Goddess for the life of her son. As a symbol of protection against the fire in the furnace, she handed her son a betel nut of Sakat and a ‘Dub ka Beeda’ to him, and asked him to recite the name of Goddess Sakat. The child was seated in the kiln overnight for the furnace to get heated, but when the potter checked the furnace in the morning, he was astonished to see the son of the older women safe and sound. Other children who were sacrifice earlier were also alive.
When the king asked the older woman the power who saved his son she told about her trust in Goddess Sakat. Since that day all mothers fast for Goddess Sakat and pray to save their children from any untoward incidents. They pray to Goddess Sakat and Lord Ganesh for the long life, well being, and success of their sons.
Sakat Chauth was recognized as the day for offering gratitude and thanksgiving for Sakat Mata. Mothers started worshiping Sakat Mata and prayed for the well being and long life of their children.
Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha in Hindi
सतयुग में राजा हरिश्चंद्र के राज्य में एक कुम्हार था। एक बार तमाम कोशिशों के बावजूद जब उसके बर्तन कच्चे रह जा रहे थे तो उसने यह बात एक पुजारी को बताई।
उस पर पुजारी ने बताया कि किसी छोटे बच्चे की बलि से ही यह समस्या दूर हो जाएगी। इसके बाद उस कुम्हार ने एक बच्चे को पकड़कर आंवा में डाल दिया। वह सकट चौथ का दिन था।
काफी खोजने के बाद भी जब उसकी मां को उसका बेटा नहीं मिला तो उसने गणेश जी के समक्ष सच्चे मन से प्रार्थना की। उधर जब कुम्हार ने सुबह उठकर देखा तो आंवा में उसके बर्तन तो पक गए लेकिन बच्चा भी सुरक्षित था।
इस घटना के बाद कुम्हार डर गया और राजा के समक्ष पहुंच पूरी कहानी बताई। राजा ने बालक की माता से इस चमत्कार का रहस्य पूछा तो उसने गणोश पूजा के विषय में बताया। तब राजा ने सकट चौथ की महिमा स्वीकार की तथा पूरे नगर में गणेश पूजा करने का आदेश दिया। तभी से महिलाएं अपनी संतान और परिवार के सौभाग्य और लंबी आयु के लिए व्रत को करने लगीं।
