Akhuratha Sankashti Vrat Katha

Goddess Parvati asked - "O Son! Which form of Lord Ganesha is worshipped in the month of Pausha and what is its procedure? What food should be consumed on that day?"

Lord Ganesha said - "O Jagadambe! The Chaturthi of Pausha month (Amanta Margashirsha month) is known for removing all types of obstacles. On this day, Akhuratha form of Lord Ganesha is worshipped. Traditionally, only Gaumutra is consumed as food, and one should observe a fast without eating throughout the day. During the fast, one should refrain from sleeping during the day and practice celibacy. After the evening worship, it is customary to feed Brahmins. On this auspicious day, mixing pure Ghee into Kheer made from milk and offering it in a Havana ceremony while reciting the Ganapati Mantra can even help subdue a ruler. I will share with you an ancient story about this.

Once, Ravana , intoxicated by the pride of his strength, defeated all the gods. After that, he attacked the Vanararaja Bali , who was absorbed in his evening prayers. Bali possessed a boon that caused any enemy who confronted him to have half of their strength transferred to him. Therefore, Bali defeated Ravana using his own strength, captured him and tucked him under his arm as he flew through the sky to Kishkindhapuri . Bali then handed over Ravana to his son, Angada , to play as a toy. Angada began dragging Ravana around the city by putting a rope around his neck. As they witnessed Ravana's plight, all the residents of the city began to mock him. Observing his miserable condition, Ravana's pride melted away and he mentally called out to his maternal grandfather, Shri Pulastya Muni. Hearing his grandson's call, Pulastya Muni appeared and was surprised to see why his powerful grandson was in such a state. He asked Ravana the reason for invoking him.

Ravana said - 'O Pitamaha, I have become arrogant after defeating the gods, and as a result, I am suffering this plight. I encountered a Vanararaja who was absorbed in his evening prayers on the coast of the western ocean and attempted to attack him from behind. However, he captured me instead. He tied a rope around my neck and gave me to his son to play with. Now, seeing my condition, everyone is mocking me. I am distressed by this misfortune, and this rope has weakened me. O Lord, what should I do now? Only you can protect me.'

Pulastya Muni said - 'O Ravana! Do not worry. I will surely free you.' This Bali was born from the semen of Devaraja Indra and is more valiant and powerful than you. His death is destined to be at the hands of Lord Shri Rama , the eldest son of Maharaj Dashratha. O King of Demons! If you want to be freed from Bali's bondage, then, according to my words, observe the fast of Vighnaharta Ganesha. In ancient times, Devaraja Indra observed this fast as an atonement for the killing of Vritrasura . Therefore, you should also observe this crisis-destroying fast. By the effect of this fast, all your suffering will soon be alleviated. Saying this, Rishi Pulastya walked toward the forest.

Following his maternal grandfather's instructions, Ravana observed the ritual of fasting. O Mother! As a result of this fast, Ravana was freed from bondage and regained the pleasures of his kingdom."

॥iti Shri Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi Katha Sampurnah॥

Mahatmya

Lord Shri Krishna says - "O Yudhishthira! You also observe this fast. By the effect of this fast, you will surely be victorious over your enemies in this war and regain the splendor of your kingdom." According to Lord Shri 's instructions, Yudhishthira observed the fast of Pausha Krishna Chaturthi with all the prescribed rituals and by the effect of this fast, he regained his kingdom.