Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi
Also called: Vikata Ganesha Chaturthi
Dedicated to Vikata Ganesha ('the formidable and unusual form'). The Mudgala Purana describes Vikata as the vanquisher of Kamasura (the demon of lust and delusion), riding a peacock. The fast inspires mastery over sensory impulses and inner clarity.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Chaitra (Amanta); Vaishakha (Purnimanta)
- Deities
- Lord Ganesha (Vikata Peetha), Chandra Dev
The story
When gods were afflicted by the demon Kamasura, who clouded their intellect with uncontrollable infatuation, they invoked Lord Ganesha in his Vikata form. Vikata subdued the demon and restored harmony, symbolizing the victory of wisdom over desire.
Practices
- Chanting the Ganesha Kavacham for self-control and resilience
- Offering 21 durva blades to the deity
- Prayers for mental discipline and overcoming detrimental habits
Regional variations
- Celebrated as the opening Sankashti of the spring harvest season across western India
Common questions
- What is the spiritual meaning of Vikata Ganesha?
- Vikata represents divine courage that conquers self-delusion and uncontrolled desire, guiding seekers toward truth.
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