Margashirsha Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha depicts the glory of Lord Ganesha and his miracles. This story is considered inspirational for the fasting people and it mentions that the troubles of the devotees are resolved by the grace of Lord Ganesha. A brief description of the story is as follows:
Vrat Katha
In ancient times, a pious Brahmin named Sumanta lived in a city. His wife's name was Diksha and they had a son named Sumukh. Sumukh was extremely intelligent, humble and an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha. Once the king of the city organized a yajna and invited all the Brahmins to it. Sumanta and Sumukh also went to the yajna. In a special ritual during the yajna, the king gave gifts to all the Brahmins. Unfortunately, Sumukh was not given a gift. The reason for this was that he was financially weak and had little influence in the society. Sumukh tolerated this insult and returned home and immersed himself in the worship of Lord Ganesha. He started fasting on Margashirsha Sankashti Chaturthi. He worshipped Lord Ganesha ritually and observed this fast with full devotion. After some time, the king faced a serious crisis. Due to the incomplete work of the yagna, there was a drought in the city, and unrest spread among the people. The king asked the learned Brahmins for a solution. They told him that the king would have to apologize to his insulted subjects, especially Sumukh, and observe a fast of Lord Ganesha. The king apologized to Sumukh and observed the Ganesh Chaturthi fast with him. As soon as the fast was completed, it started raining in the city, crops flourished, and prosperity returned.Importance of the fast
This story gives the message that all troubles are removed by true devotion towards Lord Ganesha and observing the fast. Observing the fast of Margashirsha Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.Vrat Vidhi
- Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
- Light a lamp and worship Lord Ganesha's idol or picture.
- Offer durva, modak, and fruits to Ganesha.
- Fast throughout the day and chant Ganesha's mantras.
- Complete the fast by offering water to the moon at night.
