Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2025: Date and Timings
Introduction
India is a place of vivid celebrations. Of these, Sankashti Chaturthi is particularly dear to Lord Ganesha followers. One such a fortunate day is Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi. This day honors Lord Ganesha in his incarnation as Bhalachandra, sometimes known as “One Who Wears the Moon on His Forehead.”
In 2025 Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Saturday, January 18. Devotees show great dedication to this day, asking Lord Ganesha for blessings in wisdom, success, and the clearing of challenges.
What is Sankashti Chaturthi?
Every month, Sankashti Chaturthi—the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon—is observed. Sankashti is the word meaning deliverance in trying circumstances. It is said that fasting and celebrating Lord Ganesha on this day guarantees wealth and releases suffering.
Known as Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi among the several Sankashti Chaturthi days, this one happens in Magha month (as per the Amavasyant calendar) or Pausha month (as per the Purnimant calendar).
Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Date and Timings
- Date: Saturday, 18th January 2025
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 02:38 AM on 18th January 2025
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 04:25 AM on 19th January 2025
- Moonrise Timing: 08:53 PM (IST)
Significance of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi
1. Symbolism of Bhalachandra Form
Because he sports a crescent moon on his forehead, Lord Ganesha is known as Bhalachandra. This kind represents knowledge, peace, and emotional control.
2. Blessings of Lord Ganesha
Devotees say that celebrating Sankashti Chaturthi enables them to overcome obstacles. Vighnaharta, which means the remover of challenges, Lord Ganesha is Honoring him yields success, pleasure, and calm.
3. Moonrise and Its Importance
This vrat (fast) depends much on Moonrise. Devotees break their fast just upon viewing the moon. It is thought that praying Lord Ganesha under the moonlight magnifies the advantages of the vrat.
4. Connection with Lord Shiva and Parvati
Hindu mythologies hold that Lord Ganesha is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. On his brow, the crescent moon marks his mystical link with Lord Shiva, who likewise adorns his moon.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi
1. Fasting (Vrat Vidhi)
- Devotees fast strictly from sunrise till moonrise.
- While some eat fruit and milk, others observe a nirjala vrat—without water.
- Devotees break their fast with prasad following their moon sighting.
2. Early Morning Rituals
- Get early and have a holy bath.
- Prepare for the puja and wear neat traditional attire.
- Arrange a Ganesha image or picture on the puja altar.
3. Ganesh Puja and Mantras
- Send fresh flowers, durva grass, sandalwood, incense, and lamps.
- Retiter Ganesh Atharvashirsha and Sankashti Ganesh Stotra.
- “Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva, Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada,” says the mantra.
- Present laddoos, modaks, any sweet food as prasad.
4. Evening Moonrise Rituals
- Wait for the moon to rise and perform Chandra Darshan (viewing the moon).
- Offer water (Arghya) to the moon, along with prayers.
- Conclude the vrat by consuming prasad.
Benefits of Observing Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi
- Removes Obstacles: Lord Ganesha blesses devotees by eliminating challenges in their path.
- Brings Prosperity: The vrat brings wealth and success in personal and professional life.
- Health Benefits: Fasting detoxifies the body and mind, promoting good health.
- Improves Focus: Chanting Ganesh mantras enhances concentration and mental clarity.
- Spiritual Growth: The day is spiritually uplifting and brings inner peace.
Interesting Facts About Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi
- Two words— “Bhala,” (forehead) and “Chandra,” (moon)—derived from each other define Bhalachandra.
- Lord Shiva allegedly gave Ganesha the crescent moon as a sign of celestial might.
- Many of the followers see Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi with equal fervour when Sankashti falls on a Tuesday.
- Considered as strong as Ekadashi Vrat, the Sankashti Chaturthi fast
- Special Ganesha temples like Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai enjoy large celebrations on this day in Maharashtra.
Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi in Different States
- Maharashtra: Temple Grand pujas are carried out. Devotees swarm Ganpati temples to ask blessings.
- Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: With particular bhajans and kirtans, the vrat is seen with tremendous energy.
- Families in North India do pujas at home and present prasad to friends and relatives.
Stories Related to Sankashti Chaturthi
Legend of King Shursen
Once, a monarch called Shursen struggled with ongoing mistakes. He should see Sankashti Chaturthi vrat, said a wise man. Following the rites with dedication helped him to recover his kingdom and wealth.
The Story of Lord Indra’s Curse
Another myth holds that Indra was cursed once, causing problems at Swargaloka. Sage Narada proposed Sankashti Chaturthi puja. Following it with belief, Lord Indra brought harmony back into his domain.
Conclusion
One great day to ask for Lord Ganesha’s blessings is Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi. The fast is well-known for clearing hurdles, besting poverty, and guaranteeing spiritual development. Devotees who follow the rites with dedication discover fulfillment in life, success, and tranquility.
Set January 18, 2025 on your calendars and honor this holy event fervently and with confidence. May Lord Ganesha bestow upon you knowledge, pleasure, and a life free of obstacles!
Bappa Morya, Ganpati!
