Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi
Also called: Ganadhipa Chaturthi
Dedicated to Ganadhipa Ganesha ('the commander of celestial hosts').
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Kartik (Amanta); Margashirsha (Purnimanta)
- Deities
- Lord Ganesha (Ganadhipa Peetha), Chandra Dev
The story
Texts recount how the diverse celestial beings (Ganas) chose Ganesha as their leader due to his supreme wisdom and balance. Worshipping Ganadhipa instills leadership qualities, harmonious relations among groups, and peace in community life.
Practices
- Offering sweet laddoos, betel leaves, and supari
- Chanting of the Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotram
- Prayers for guidance, leadership, and protection against lethargy
Common questions
- What is the symbolism of Ganesha riding a mouse?
- The mouse represents restless desires and stealthy distractions. Ganesha riding the mouse symbolizes complete mastery of wisdom over chaotic impulses.
Types of Sankashti Chaturthi
- Lambodara Sankashti ChaturthiKrishna Chaturthi of Pausha/Magha
- Dwijapriya Sankashti ChaturthiMagha (Amanta); Phalguna (Purnimanta)
- Bhalachandra Sankashti ChaturthiPhalguna (Amanta); Chaitra (Purnimanta)
- Vikata Sankashti ChaturthiChaitra (Amanta); Vaishakha (Purnimanta)
- Ekadanta Sankashti ChaturthiVaishakha (Amanta); Jyeshtha (Purnimanta)
- Vibhuvana Sankashti ChaturthiAdhik Maas (only in years with an extra lunar month)
- Krishnapingala Sankashti ChaturthiJyeshtha (Amanta); Ashadha (Purnimanta)
- Gajanana Sankashti ChaturthiAshadha (Amanta); Shravana (Purnimanta)
- Heramba Sankashti ChaturthiShravana (Amanta); Bhadrapada (Purnimanta)
- Vighnaraja Sankashti ChaturthiBhadrapada (Amanta); Ashwin (Purnimanta)
- Vakratunda Sankashti ChaturthiAshwin (Amanta); Kartik (Purnimanta)
- Ganadhipa Sankashti ChaturthiKartik (Amanta); Margashirsha (Purnimanta)
- Akhuratha Sankashti ChaturthiMargashirsha (Amanta); Pausha (Purnimanta)
- Angarki Sankashti ChaturthiTuesday (Mangalwar) coinciding with Krishna Chaturthi