Significance of Angaraki Sankatahara Chaturthi

**ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः**

*Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada*

Angaraki Sankatahara Chaturthi is a highly auspicious observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (*Vighnaharta*) and the bestower of wisdom, strength, and prosperity. The term Sankatahara signifies the divine grace that relieves devotees from difficulties and adversities. This sacred vrata is observed on the fourth lunar day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha, and when it falls on a Tuesday, it is known as Angaraki Sankatahara Chaturthi, which is regarded as the most powerful among all Sankatahara Chaturthis.

Tuesday is associated with Angaraka (Mars), symbolizing courage, discipline, and inner strength. Worship offered to Lord Ganesha on Angaraki Chaturthi is believed to yield enhanced spiritual merit and to remove long-standing obstacles related to health, family welfare, finances, and professional life.

Spiritual Significance

Angaraki Sankatahara Chaturthi emphasizes devotion, self-discipline, and surrender to divine will. Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of intellect and righteousness, blesses devotees with clarity of thought, steadiness of mind, and resilience in the face of challenges. Observing this vrata is believed to reduce fear and anxiety, remove persistent difficulties, and bestow peace and confidence.

Observance and Temple Rituals

Devotees traditionally observe a fast from sunrise until moonrise (Chandrodaya), according to their capacity and health. In the evening, *special Ganesha puja* is performed along with abhishekam, alankaram and archanai is offered to Lord Ganesha. Devotional offerings of 108 modakam (modagam) prepared by our devotee volunteers at the temple kitchen along with fruits, and flowers were made, as they are dear to Him. The vrata is concluded after moon darshan and prayers.

All devotees who were able to participate in the Angaraki Sankatahara Chaturthi special puja on 6th Jan 2026 had an amazing divine evening at the temple.

We request our devotees to come together in prayer and devotion, seek the blessings of Sri Ganesha, and receive His grace for obstacle-free progress, harmony, and spiritual well-being, during every month Sankata Hara Chathurthi. Please contact the temple office at 613-316-6245 to join the group puja.