Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Sankashti Chaturthi

Vibhuvana Sankashti Chaturthi

Also called: Vibhuvana Palaka Chaturthi

Vibhuvana Sankashti is the Sankashti Chaturthi of Adhik Maas, the extra lunar month that is added to the calendar roughly once every three years, so it is the rarest Sankashti of all. On this day Ganesha is worshipped as Vibhuvana Palaka, the protector of the worlds. As on every Sankashti, devotees fast through the day for the removal of obstacles and break the fast after moonrise.

Key facts

Paksha
Krishna Paksha
Lunar month
Adhik Maas (only in years with an extra lunar month)
Deities
Lord Ganesha (Vibhuvana Palaka Maha Ganapati), Chandra Dev

The story

Adhik Maas is also called Purushottam Maas, and it is widely kept as a month for extra prayer, charity and vows. A Sankashti that falls inside it comes only in such a year, which is why devotees treat it as a rare chance to worship Ganesha.

Practices

  • Fasting through the day and breaking the fast after moonrise with Arghya to the moon
  • Worship of Ganesha with durva grass, flowers and modaks
  • Reciting the 108 auspicious names of Lord Ganesha

Common questions

Why is Ganesha called Vibhuvana Palaka?
Palaka means protector. The name honours Ganesha as the guardian who protects and keeps order across all the worlds.
How often does Vibhuvana Sankashti come?
Only in a year with Adhik Maas, roughly once every three years. Such a year has thirteen Sankashtis instead of twelve.

Types of Sankashti Chaturthi