Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed on the fourth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Hindu month of Shravana according to the Amavasyant calendar. In the Purnimant calendar, commonly followed in northern India, it falls during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of Bhadrapada month. In the Gregorian calendar, this festival typically falls between August and September, aligning with the Karkadika Masam in the Malayalam calendar. Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is one of the 13 Sankashti Chaturthi observances and is celebrated with devotion to seek an end to life's troubles.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Date and Shubh Muhurat

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 falls on Thursday, August 22. Below, is the Chaturthi Tithi details you should follow:

  • Sunrise: 6:09 AM

  • Sunset: 6:49 PM

  • Chaturthi Tithi Begins: August 22, 1:46 PM

  • Chaturthi Tithi Ends: August 23, 10:39 AM

  • Moonrise: August 22, 8:51 PM

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi: Rituals and Customs

Fasting and Prayers: On Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise until moonrise. The fast is broken after the moon is sighted and prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha in the evening. Some devotees may opt for partial fasting, consuming only fruits or Sabudana Khichadi. Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Dates: When Is Ganeshotsav? Know Start and End Dates, Shubh Muhurat and Significance of the Auspicious Festival. 

Morning Preparations: The day begins with an early bath at sunrise, followed by usual prayers to Lord Ganesha. Devotees prepare for the main puja in the evening, which involves sighting the moon and also offering prayers to Chandra (the Moon God).

Evening Puja: In the evening, Lord Ganesha's idols are adorned with Durva grass and flowers. Special offerings include Modak (a sweet), bananas, and coconuts. A lamp is lit, and Aarti is performed to conclude the puja. After the ritual, Prasad is distributed among the devotees.

Chanting and Mantras: Reciting "Ganesha Ashtothara" and "Sankashtnashana Stotra" is highly auspicious on Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi. Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha is believed to bring significant rewards and blessings on this day.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi Significance

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is particularly significant for devotees of Heramba Maha Ganpati, an uncommon form of Lord Ganesha. Unlike the more familiar forms of Ganesha, Heramba Maha Ganpati is depicted with five faces and ten hands. Each hand represents a different attribute or object: a boon-giving posture, a blessing posture, and eight hands holding a Rudraksha, rope, goad, Modak, apple, mala (garland), axe, and a tuck respectively. This form of Ganesha is one of the 32 distinct forms described in Hindu mythology and is often shown riding a lion.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is a day of deep devotion and reverence for Lord Ganesha. By observing fasting, performing puja, and reciting sacred mantras, devotees seek to overcome obstacles and bring positive changes into their lives. The unique worship of Heramba Maha Ganpati adds a special dimension to this auspicious occasion, reflecting the rich diversity of Ganesha's forms and attributes in Hindu tradition.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2024 04:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).