Sankatahara or Sankashta Chaturthi
The fourth day after new moon and fourth day after full moon in the Hindu calendar is observed as Chaturthi and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Sankashti Chaturti, Sankatahara Chaturthi or Ganesh Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha in a Hindu lunar month.
Most people must be aware of only the Ganesh Chaturti festival that takes place in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). But there are two Chaturthis in a month – Sankashti and Vinayaki – and staunch Ganesha devotees observe a fast on the Chaturthi after full moon.
The monthly Chaturti day which falls after full moon in which a fast (fasting) is observed is known as Sankashti Chaturthi. The fast ends on the day after moonrise. Special Ganesh pujas are done in the evening. When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is known as Angaraki Chatutrhi and it is considered highly auspicious.
The monthly Chaturthi after Amavasi or new moon is known as Vinayaki Chaturthi.
Special Pooja will be performed to Lord Ganesh on every chaturthi day for a donation of $21.00. Please enquire at the temple office for details. Abhishekam - $51.00
SANKATAHARA GANESHA STOTRAM
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं गौरीपुत्रं विनायकं ।
भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यं आयुष कामार्थ सिद्धये । । १ । ।
Pranamya Sirasa devam Gauri Puthram Vinayakam
Bhaktavasam Smarennithyam Ayuh Kamartha Siddaye !
Every day, I bow down to that Lord, the son of Gowri, the Lord one who lives in the heart of the devotees, blessing them always with good health and prosperity.
प्रथमं वक्र-तुंडं च एकदंतं द्वितीयकं ।
तृतीयं कृष्ण-पिंगाक्षं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्थकं । । २ । ।
Prathamam Vakrathundam cha Ekadantham Dvithiyakam
Thrithiyam Krishna Pingaaksham Gajavakthram Chathurthakam
Starting from here the twelve names of Ganesha are mentioned and he is worshipped in those different forms. The first as the Lord with the curved trunk; second, as the one with only one tusk, third, as the one with black (red/brown) eyes, fourth, as the one with giant structure.
लम्बोदरं पंचमं च षष्टम विकटमेव च ।
सप्तमं विघ्नराजं च धूम्रवर्णं तथाष्टमं । । ३। ।
Lambodaram Panchamam cha Shashtam Vikatameva cha
Saptamam Vighna Rajam cha Dhoomravarnam thathashtakam
Fifth, as the one with a big (long) stomach, six, as the one with a huge body Seven, as the remover of obstacles, eight, as the one with smoke gray colour
नवमं भालचंद्रं च दशमं तू विनायकं ।
एकादशं गणपतिं द्वादशं तू गजाननं । । ४ । ।
Navamam Bhala Chandram cha Dasamam thu Vinayakam
Ekadasam Ganapathim Dwadasam thu Gajananam !!
Ninth, as the one with moon on the front of His head, tenth, as the foremost leader, eleventh, as the leader of the ganas, twelfth as the one with elephant face.
