Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2025

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, March 17th. This auspicious day, dedicated to Bhagwan Ganesha, falls on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth lunar day) of the Krishna Paksha every month. It is particularly significant for seeking Bhagwan Ganesha’s blessings to remove obstacles and attain wisdom, prosperity, and success. Devotees observe a vrat (fast) and perform Ganesh puja in the evening, offering durva grass, modaks, and special prayers while chanting Vedic mantras. This Chaturthi is known as Bhalachandra Sankashti, as it honors the form of Bhagwan Ganesha adorned with the crescent moon on his forehead, symbolizing wisdom and divine grace.

Significance of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi

The significance of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi lies in its deep connection to Bhagwan Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, bestower of wisdom, and harbinger of prosperity. The name 'Bhalachandra' refers to the crescent moon adorning Bhagwan Ganesha’s forehead, symbolizing the harmony between intellect and intuition. Observing this day with devotion is believed to enhance mental clarity, inner strength, and spiritual awakening.

Sankashti Chaturthi itself is regarded as highly auspicious, as it is a day when Bhagwan Ganesha’s divine grace is most accessible to devotees. The vrat (fast) observed on this day is a form of self-discipline and surrender, helping individuals purify their minds and detach from material distractions. It is said that those who observe the vrat with sincerity and perform the evening puja with proper rituals receive blessings for the removal of karmic burdens and challenges in life.

According to spiritual texts, worshipping Bhagwan Ganesha in his Bhalachandra form on this specific Chaturthi strengthens one’s ability to balance worldly duties with spiritual growth. The crescent moon represents renewal, peace, and the continuous cycle of life, encouraging devotees to embrace change with wisdom and grace.

Chanting Ganesha mantras, offering modaks, and listening to the Sankashti Chaturthi katha (narrative) elevate one's spiritual consciousness, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Ultimately, Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi is a time for inner reflection, seeking divine guidance, and reinforcing faith in the transformative power of Bhagwan Ganesha.

Story of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi

Once upon a time, in the celestial realms, the moon god, Chandra, was known for his unmatched beauty and radiance. However, his pride and arrogance made him look down upon others, including the gods and sages. One day, during a grand feast organized by Bhagwan Indra, Chandra openly mocked Bhagwan Ganesha’s unique elephant-like form. He laughed at Ganesha’s large belly and curved trunk, failing to realize the divine significance behind his appearance.

Bhagwan Ganesha, known for his wisdom and patience, initially ignored Chandra’s ridicule. However, when the mockery continued, he decided to teach Chandra a lesson in humility. In his divine anger, Ganesha cursed Chandra, saying that his glow would fade, and he would lose all his luster, making him invisible in the night sky. As soon as the curse took effect, the moon started diminishing in size, causing darkness to spread across the universe. The celestial beings, realizing the severity of the curse, pleaded with Bhagwan Ganesha to forgive Chandra.

Seeing Chandra’s remorse, Ganesha relented but did not lift the curse entirely. Instead, he modified it, declaring that the moon would wax and wane in a cycle, regaining its full radiance periodically. As a mark of this divine moment, Bhagwan Ganesha placed a crescent moon on his forehead, symbolizing wisdom, humility, and renewal. Since then, this form of Ganesha has been known as Bhalachandra , meaning 'one who wears the moon on his forehead.'

On Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees remember this story as a lesson in humility, self-control, and the importance of respecting divine wisdom. Worshiping Bhagwan Ganesha on this day is believed to remove obstacles, bring clarity of thought, and bless devotees with knowledge and prosperity.

Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Monday, March 17th, 2025.

Key Timings for Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2025:

• Sankashti Chaturthi Muhurat: 06:30 AM to 08:40 AM (IST)

Duration: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

• Chaturthi Tithi begins at 09:25 PM on March 16th (IST)
• Chaturthi Tithi ends at 11:10 PM on March 17th (IST)

Moonrise time (moment for breaking the fast) is at 10:59 PM (IST)

Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.

How to celebrate Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi is observed with great devotion, beginning with an early morning ritual bath and a heartfelt prayer to Bhagwan Ganesha, seeking his blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Devotees set up a sacred space at home or in temples, placing an idol or image of Bhagwan Ganesha adorned with fresh flowers, durva grass, and sandalwood paste. The presence of the crescent moon on Ganesha’s forehead, which signifies intellect and renewal, is especially revered on this day. Many devotees visit temples dedicated to Ganesha, offering modaks, jaggery, and coconut, while chanting powerful mantras such as the Ganapati Atharvashirsha. Throughout the day, spiritual discourses and bhajans dedicated to Ganesha’s divine qualities are conducted, creating an atmosphere of devotion and positivity.

Fasting is a key aspect of this observance, symbolizing self-discipline and purification of the mind and body. Many devotees observe a phalahar vrat, consuming only fruits, milk, and water, while others undertake a nirjala vrat, abstaining from both food and water until moonrise. The evening puja is the most significant ritual of the day, where devotees light lamps, offer betel leaves, durva grass, and sweet delicacies to Bhagwan Ganesha, believing that these offerings invoke his divine grace. The Sankashti Chaturthi Katha is recited, narrating how sincere devotion to Ganesha has blessed devotees in the past. Chanting the Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed to alleviate troubles and bring about positive transformations in one’s life.

As the moonrise marks the conclusion of the vrat, devotees offer Arghya (water oblation) to the moon, seeking blessings for clarity of thought and success in endeavors. Since Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi highlights the connection between Ganesha and the moon, this ritual holds deep spiritual meaning, reinforcing the theme of balance and renewal. The fast is broken with sattvik food such as fruits, kheer, and simple vegetarian dishes, ensuring the observance remains pure. Acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, or offering food to animals, are encouraged as a way to honor Bhagwan Ganesha’s compassionate nature. Celebrating this Chaturthi with sincerity not only brings divine protection but also strengthens one’s inner resilience, allowing devotees to walk the path of wisdom and righteousness with unwavering faith.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Vidhi

Purification and Sankalpa (Vow of Observance)

Begin the day with a sacred bath before sunrise and wear clean, sattvik (pure) clothing. Cleanse the puja area and set up an idol or picture of Bhagwan Ganesha in his Bhalachandra form, where he is adorned with the crescent moon on his forehead. Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks, and take a sankalpa (vow) to observe the vrat with devotion, seeking Bhagwan Ganesha’s blessings for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles.

Offering of Flowers and Ritual Items

Decorate the idol with fresh flowers, especially durva grass, which is considered highly sacred to Bhagwan Ganesha. Place betel leaves, coconut, jaggery, and modaks as offerings. Applying sandalwood paste and kumkum on Ganesha’s forehead is believed to enhance divine energy. Light a ghee lamp and offer fragrant dhoop (incense) while chanting Ganapati mantras, invoking his presence in the puja.

Recitation of Ganesha Stotras and Sankashti Katha

Chanting sacred hymns like the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra, or Ganesha Ashtottara (108 Names of Ganesha) enhances the spiritual significance of the puja. Listening to or reciting the Sankashti Chaturthi Katha, which narrates divine miracles of Bhagwan Ganesha, is an essential part of the ritual. This ensures that devotees understand the deeper meaning of the vrat and receive Ganesha’s grace.

Evening Aarti and Offering of Naivedya (Sacred Food)

The main puja is performed in the evening, as Sankashti Chaturthi is most effective when observed after sunset. Devotees perform Ganesh Aarti, such as Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva, with a lit camphor lamp. Naivedya (food offerings) like modaks, kheer, fruits, and coconut-based sweets are presented to Bhagwan Ganesha, followed by distributing prasad to family and devotees.

Arghya (Water Offering) to the Moon

The fast is traditionally completed only after sighting the moon, as Bhagwan Ganesha’s association with the moon is central to Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi. Devotees offer Arghya (water oblation) mixed with milk and flowers to the moon while reciting Chandra Dev mantra, seeking blessings for clarity, peace, and prosperity. It is believed that this ritual removes negativity and strengthens one's resolve in life.

Breaking the Fast and Acts of Charity

After completing the moon worship, devotees break their fast with sattvik food, such as fruits, milk, and simple vegetarian meals. Engaging in daan (charity), such as donating food, clothes, or offering grains to the needy, is an important aspect of this vrat. Observing Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi with sincerity and discipline not only grants divine blessings but also brings peace, prosperity, and protection from hardships.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Mantras

Chanting sacred mantras on Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi enhances spiritual vibrations and invokes Bhagwan Ganesha’s blessings for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles.

Below are some powerful mantras for this occasion:

1. Dhyana Mantra (For Meditation Before Puja)

This mantra is chanted to invoke Bhagwan Ganesha’s divine presence and meditate upon his Bhalachandra form:

ॐ वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभः।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥

Om Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada.

(Oh Bhagwan with a curved trunk and a mighty form, whose brilliance is like a million suns, remove all obstacles from my path, always and in all endeavors.)

2. Ganapati Beej Mantra (To Remove Obstacles)

This powerful beej mantra invokes Bhagwan Ganesha’s energy to clear hurdles in life:

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.

(I bow to Bhagwan Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom.)

3. Bhalachandra Ganesha Mantra (For Moon-Related Blessings)

As this Sankashti Chaturthi is associated with Bhagwan Ganesha’s Bhalachandra form (one who wears the crescent moon), this mantra is recited for divine grace and mental clarity:

ॐ श्री गणाधिपतये नमः। चन्द्रशेखराय नमः॥

Om Shri Ganadhipataye Namah, Chandrashekaraya Namah.

(I bow to Bhagwan Ganesha, the supreme leader of all divine beings, and to the one who adorns the crescent moon.)

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Vidhi

Observing Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat begins with a sacred morning bath before sunrise, symbolizing purification of the body and soul.

• Devotees wear clean, sattvik (pure) clothing and set up a dedicated space for Bhagwan Ganesha’s worship, preferably adorned with an idol or image of Bhalachandra Ganapati, the crescent-moon-adorned form of Ganesha.
• A sankalpa (vow) is taken, wherein devotees resolve to observe the fast with devotion, seeking the removal of obstacles and the attainment of wisdom, prosperity, and well-being.
• The morning hours are spent chanting Ganapati mantras, meditating upon Ganesha’s divine qualities, and reading sacred texts related to his Sankashti Chaturthi Katha.
• Fasting is an integral part of Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat, and devotees adhere to different levels of observance based on their spiritual discipline. Some observe a nirjala vrat (fasting without water), while others follow a phalahar vrat, consuming only fruits, milk, and water throughout the day. Many devotees completely abstain from grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian food, maintaining a pure sattvik diet.
• The most significant aspect of the vrat is the evening puja, performed after moonrise. Devotees light lamps, offer durva grass, modaks, coconut, and jaggery-based sweets to Bhagwan Ganesha, and chant the Ganapati Atharvashirsha or Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra to invoke his divine blessings. The Sankashti Chaturthi Katha is recited, narrating the importance of this vrat and the past miracles of Bhagwan Ganesha’s intervention in devotees’ lives.
• The fast concludes only after sighting the moon, as Bhagwan Ganesha’s connection with the lunar cycle is integral to this observance. Devotees offer Arghya (water oblation) to the moon, seeking divine blessings for clarity, success, and peace.

Following this ritual, the fast is broken with simple vegetarian food, such as fruits, milk-based dishes, and light meals, ensuring the sanctity of the vrat is maintained. Additionally, acts of charity and feeding the needy are encouraged, as service to others is considered an important aspect of Ganesha’s teachings.

Observing Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat with sincerity is believed to grant wisdom, prosperity, and freedom from all hardships, reinforcing faith in Bhagwan Ganesha’s ever-compassionate presence.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha

In the ancient kingdom of Mayurdhwaj, there lived a noble and pious king named Mayurdhwaj, whose reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and happiness. Every corner of his land flourished, and his subjects were free from sorrow. The king, despite his dedication to dharma and the performance of sacred rituals such as havan, yajna, and charitable deeds, had no heir to continue his lineage. Desiring a son, he undertook numerous religious observances, yet the gods remained silent.

One fateful day, the revered sage Maharishi Yajnavalkya, moved by the king’s devotion, blessed him with a child. A son was born to the royal family, bringing immense joy to the kingdom. Overwhelmed with happiness, King Mayurdhwaj entrusted his vast empire to his trusted minister Dharampal, choosing instead to devote his time to his family and spiritual pursuits. Meanwhile, Minister Dharampal embraced his new responsibility, ruling with wisdom and justice. Over the years, he was blessed with five sons, and as they grew, they married and settled into happy lives.

Among them, his youngest daughter-in-law was unlike the rest. She was deeply devoted to Bhagwan Ganesha, engaging in daily prayers and spiritual practices with unwavering faith. Her devotion shone brightest on Sankashti Chaturthi, when she observed a strict vrat (fast), offering prayers to Bhalachandra Ganapati, the crescent-moon adorned form of the beloved elephant-headed god. However, her mother-in-law, a woman of rigid beliefs, did not approve. Watching her daughter-in-law worship with such dedication, she frowned and questioned her intentions.

'What is this peculiar ritual you perform so secretly?' the mother-in-law accused. 'Are you engaging in Tantrik practices to cast a spell on my son? This must stop at once!'

The young woman, undeterred, humbly folded her hands and replied, 'Mother, this is no dark magic. I fast and pray to Gajanana, the remover of obstacles, for the welfare of this family. His blessings bring peace, prosperity, and protection to all who honor him. How can I abandon such a sacred practice?'

But the mother-in-law would not listen. In her anger, she poisoned her son’s mind against his wife. 'Your wife’s so-called devotion is nothing but deceit,' she whispered to him. 'She performs these strange rites to control you. You must put an end to it before we all suffer misfortune.'

Blinded by his mother’s words, the son began tormenting his wife, commanding her to cease her prayers. Yet, despite the scorn and suffering, the devoted daughter-in-law stood firm in her faith. With tears in her eyes but unwavering devotion in her heart, she knelt before Bhagwan Ganesha and prayed, 'O Parvati Nandan, O merciful one! My husband and mother-in-law are clouded by ignorance. Show them your divine power, so they may understand your greatness!'

Moved by his devotee’s heartfelt plea, Bhaktavatsala Ganesha decided to intervene in his own divine way. That very night, the crown prince of King Mayurdhwaj mysteriously vanished from the royal palace. Panic spread like wildfire. The king, distraught over his missing son, searched the kingdom far and wide. Eventually, his soldiers discovered the prince’s clothing and jewels inside Minister Dharampal’s palace, sparking an uproar.

Rage filled the king’s heart. 'You treacherous minister!' he thundered. 'You dare steal my son? If you do not return him immediately, you shall pay with your life!'

Terrified, Minister Dharampal pleaded, 'Maharaj! I swear upon my honor, I know nothing of this! I have searched every corner of my palace, and the prince is nowhere to be found!'

But the king’s patience had run thin. 'Then prepare for your punishment!' he declared.

Seeing her father-in-law in distress, the young daughter-in-law stepped forward with calm assurance. 'O respected father,' she said, 'the prince has not been stolen by any mortal hand. He has vanished due to Bhagwan Ganesha’s divine will. He alone can return him. You must observe the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat and offer prayers to Bhalachandra Ganapati. Only then will the prince be restored.'

Shaken by these words, Minister Dharampal realized his folly. He fell at his daughter-in-law’s feet, his voice trembling. 'I have been blind to Bhagwan Ganesha’s power,' he admitted. 'Please guide me, so that I may make amends.'

That night, under the guidance of the devoted daughter-in-law, the entire royal court, including King Mayurdhwaj, Minister Dharampal, and his family, observed the Sankashti Chaturthi fast. They performed the puja with great reverence, chanting sacred mantras and offering sweet modaks to the benevolent deity.

Pleased with their devotion, Bhagwan Ganesha appeared before them in a divine vision and, with a wave of his hand, restored the missing prince to his father’s arms. The kingdom rejoiced, and King Mayurdhwaj, overjoyed, proclaimed that all his subjects must observe Sankashti Chaturthi so they too could receive Bhagwan Ganesha’s boundless grace.

From that day forward, Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi became a widely honored festival, a sacred day on which devotees fast and pray to Bhagwan Ganesha, seeking his blessings for wisdom, protection, and the removal of all obstacles.

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Conclusion

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi is a deeply spiritual and significant festival that highlights Bhagwan Ganesha’s divine role as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom, prosperity, and inner strength. Observing this day through fasting, prayers, and devotion allows devotees to purify their minds and bodies, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. The association of Ganesha with the crescent moon in his Bhalachandra form symbolizes balance, renewal, and the harmony of intellect and intuition. Through the observance of this vrat, devotees not only seek protection from hardships but also embrace discipline, patience, and unwavering faith. Ultimately, this sacred day serves as a reminder that through devotion and righteousness, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve success in all aspects of life.