Sankatahara/Sankashti Chaturthi At Chinmaya Saraswati Ashram 393 Derby Ave, Orange, CT 06477
Lord Ganesha is worshiped before the beginning of all actions including any new rituals. He symbolizes the removal of all obstacles and supreme lord of intelligence. Each lunar month in Hindu calendar has two Chaturthi Tithis. The one after Purnimasi or full moon during Krishna Paksha is known as Sankashti Chaturthi. Sankata means problems or worries and Hara means removing. So observing Sankatahara Chaturthi is believed to help in removing all difficulties and obstacles in life. Fasting on Sankatahara Chaturthi is considered very auspicious and extremely beneficial. On this evening the Ganapati Atharva Sheersham श्रीगणपति अथर्वशीर्षम् is recited to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha. This mantra occurs in Atharva Veda and is considered to be most important text on Lord Ganesha . Atharva means firmness,oneness of purpose, while Sheershma means intellect (directed towards liberation).


