Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha: The Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha of every month is called Sankashti Chaturthi and the Chaturthi Tithi falling in the month of Paush is called Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi. This day is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and on this day Ganpati is worshipped with rituals. According to the Panchang, Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi fast is being observed today i.e. on 18 December. The fast of Sankashti Chaturthi is considered very important in Hinduism. By observing this fast, all the troubles of the person are removed and success is achieved in life. Vrat Katha must be read after the puja on this day.

akhurath chaturthi fast story

According to mythology, once Ravana had conquered all the gods of heaven and while he was doing his evening prayers, he caught Bali from behind. The monkey king Bali was much more powerful than Ravana. He grabbed Ravana by the armpits and brought him to Kishkindha and gave him to his son Angad to play with like a toy. Angad also considered Ravana a toy and tied him with a rope and started moving him here and there. Due to which Ravana was suffering a lot.

One day Ravana remembered his father Rishi Pulastya with a sad heart. Rishi Pulastya was very sad to see Ravana in such a condition and he found out why Ravana was in such a condition. He thought in his mind that this is the fate of all gods, humans and demons when they become arrogant. Still, being in love for his son, he asked Ravana that why did you remember me? Ravana said, that grandfather, I am very sad, the people here curse me, please protect me and get me out of this sorrow.

Hearing Ravana's words, Pulastya Rishi said that you should not worry, soon you will be freed from this bondage. He advised Ravana to observe a fast of Lord Ganesha and told him that in the past, Indradev also observed this fast to get freedom from the murder of Vritrasura. This fast is very fruitful and by observing it all troubles are removed. On the advice of his father, Ravana observed the fast of Sankashti Chaturthi and went to his kingdom after getting free from the bondage of Bali.