The ten day festival of Ganeshotsav has just gone by and within a week there is another significant coming up, the vrat of Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi. It is a very important fast observed by the Hindus. Praying and seeking blessings of Lord Ganesha on this day is considered very auspicious. Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi 2019 will be observed on September 17 this year. A day of Chaturthi falling on a Tuesday is refered as Angarki Chaturthi. So while, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every lunar month, the Angarki Chaturthi has extra importance. We tell you more about the history, significance, legends and puja vidhi of the Angarika Vrat. From Vinayaka to Shri Vighneshwaraya, Check All 108 Names of Lord Ganesha.

Legend of Angarki Chaturthi

There are several legends of Lord Ganesha associated with Angarki Chaturthi. One of them explains a meeting between Sage Durvasa and Lord Indra. When Sage Durvasa was travelling from Vaikuntha to Kailasa he met Lord Indra, who was with his apsara Rambha. After Indra bowed down to the great sage, he offered Indra with a flower of Parijata. Sage Durvasa had blessed the flower with all might and blessings to be loved by one and all. But Lord Indra was intoxicated by Rambha. He placed the flower on the head of his elephant. Thus all the qualities in the Parijata flower were transferred to the elephant. The elephant left Lord Indra as he defeated all other elephants too. It is said that this elephant later became the form of Lord Ganesha. Happy Sankashti Chaturthi July 2019 Wishes and Ganpati HD Images: WhatsApp Stickers, GIF Image Messages, Ganesha Wallpapers and Greetings to Send on Auspicious Day.

Significance of Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi

A certain story states that Angarak, the son of Mother Earth and Bharadwaj Rishi was a great devotee of Lord Ganesha. He prayed to him regularly. On the day of Magh Krishna Chaturthi, which was a Tuesday, he was blessed by a wish from Lord Ganesha. All Angarak asked was to be associated with Lord Ganesha’s name for forever. His wish was granted and thus everyone believes that worshipping Lord on Angarki Chaturthi will grant their wishes.

On this day, devotees keep a strict day long fast. Keeping a fast on this day is said to give the same blessings and benefits like the fast of Sankashti Chaturthi, which is observed all around the year.

Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi Puja and Vrat Vidhi

Devotees have to wake up early and take a clean bath. They worship an idol of Lord Ganesha and special offerings are made for him. Ganesha's favourite sweet Modak is also prepared for prasad on this day.

Special mantras and prayers of Lord Ganesha are chanted while performing a puja. Reading the "Ganapati Atharvashesha" on this day is considered auspicious.

The vrat of Angarki is kept from sunrise to moonrise. One should eat only fruits, roots and vegetables which are specially prepared for fasting. Drinking excessive fluid is equivalent to breaking the fast.

After the moon sighting, devotees offer a prasad and break the fast by consuming vegetarian food.

The day of Angarki Chaturthi is also mentioned in religious scriptures like Ganesha Purana. Seeking blessings of Lord Ganesha on this day is said to bring joy and prosperity in one's life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2019 05:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).