Sankashtahara Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles is worshipped every month on Chaturthi thithi of Krishna Paksha.  Devotees break their fast after sighting Moon. Due to unpredictable weather, chances of sighting moon may  be not possible. In such situations, one can break their fast by verifying the Moon-rise timings as per Panchang.  Some staunch devotees break their fast the next day (morning), after offering prayers to Ganesha. 

Offering Argya (Oblation with Water, Chandan and flowers) to Moonis a part of Sankashti Vrata.

Sankashti or Sankashtahara Chaturthi  Rules - TELUGU:

Sankashti rules in English:

1. One must observe vrat on Chaturthi thithi of Krishna Paksha.

2. Generally devotees begin this vrat on Shravana Bahula Chaviti, take  early morning bath, chant  stotras on Ganesha like Sankashtahara Ganesha stotra.  "Shree Namo Herambha Mama Sankashtam Nivaraya Nivaraya" a powerful prayer request to Ganesha is also chanted for  twenty-one(21)  times. Those who do not observe the vrat can also chant this prayer request. It is a good practise to chant this short phrase whenever possible. It does wonders!

3. This vrata helps in getting rid of all kinds of calamities, health problems, fear, graha doshas (adversities due to improper  alignment of planets in one's horoscope).

4. One must observe Upavasa  during morning. Pregnant women, aged persons and those who are on medication or taking medical treatments are exempted  from keeping fast.

5. In the evening, Ganesha should be worshipped with twenty-one( 21) fresh grass-blades and flowers. Abhishekam can also be performed.   A special food offering called modak (sweet dumplings made of wheat flour, coconut and jaggery) is to be offered.  Those who cannot prepare modak, can  offer a small piece of Jaggery, roasted dal, poha (beaten rice) and fruits.  It is  Bhakti-True love for God that does count, not the number of food items offered.

6. Gigantic Swallow wort flowers ,  Fresh grass-blades(Garika), Hibiscus flowers and Bilva Leaves are sacred in Ganesha's worship.

7. Generally the vrat is observed for 21 months (#21 is auspicious for Ganesha).  Some devotees observe vrat for six(6) months or a Year. After completion of designated months,  conclude the vrata withUdyapan by sponsoring or performing Ganesha homa,  Give away 21 modaks to a Vedic Scholar. (Udyapana is a must).

8. Devotees also chant Shree Ganeshaya Namaha or Aum(Om) Ganeshaya Namaha 108 times. To chant Ashtakshari mantra japa, one must  compulsorily need to take initiation from a Guru. 

Sankalpam Text (Short version):

mama sakutumbasya iha janmani janmaantare cha sambhuthaanaam dhurithaanaam kshaya dwaara - Shree Parameshwara Preethyardham apicha mama vidya, putra, poutra prapthyardham - sakala duritha sankashta nivarana siddhyartham shree ganapati devata preethyartham sankashta hara chaturthi vrata maham karishye!! then continue with the vratha...

Sankashtahara Ganesha Stotra:

Sankashtahara Ganesha Stotra - English

Narada Uvacha

Pranamya sirasa devam gowri putram vinayakam

bhaktya vyasa smaren nityam Ayuh Kamaartha sidhaye

Prathamam vakra thundamcha ekadantham dwitheeyakam

tritheeyam krishna pingaksham gajavakthram chaturdhakam

Lambodharam panchamancha shastam vikatamevacha

sapthamam vighnarajamcha dhoomra varnam thadhastamam

Navamam phaala chandram cham dasamamthu vinayakam

ekadasam ganapathim dwadasamthu gajananam

Dwadashaitani naamaani trisandhyam yah patennaraha

na cha vighna bhayam thasya sarva siddhi karakam prabho

Vidyarthi labhathe vidyam dhanarthi labhathe dhanam

putrarthi labhathe puthran moksharthi labhathe gathim

Japeth ganapathi stotram shadbhir masai phalam labeth

samvatsarena sidhim cha labhathe natra samsaya

Ashtebhyo bhramanebhyasya likhithwa yah samarpayeth

thasya vidhya bhaveth sarva ganeshasya prasadathaha

Ithi Sri Narada Purane Sankashta Nashana Ganesha Stotram Sampoornam.