Vighnaraja Sankashti Vrat Katha

Yudhishthira asked - "O Lord Shri Krishna! I have heard that Krishna Chaturthi of Ashwina month (Amanta Bhadrapada month) is called Sankata Chaturthi. How should Lord Ganesha be worshipped on this day? O Lord of the Universe, kindly describe it to me in detail."

Lord Shri Krishna said, "In the past, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Ganesha a question that 'How is Lord Ganesha worshipped during the month of Ashwina, and what results can be obtained from such worship? I am very eager to learn about this.'

Lord Ganesha said - 'O Mother! A person desiring accomplishment should worship Ganesha with the name Vighnaraja during the month of Ashwina, following the previously described rituals. On this day, one should abstain from food and renounce desires, anger, greed and hypocrisy, focusing solely on meditating upon Lord Ganesha while performing the worship. The fast of Ashwina Krishna Chaturthi is capable of eliminating all hardships. Performing a Havana with turmeric and Durva grass on this day grants dominion over the entire earth.

Once Usha , the daughter of Banasura , once dreamt of Aniruddha , and the vision left her deeply enchanted and restless in his absence. Consumed by love and longing, she turned to her close friend Chitralekha for help. Chitralekha used her remarkable artistic skills to create portraits of beings from the three realms. When Usha identified Aniruddha's image among them, her heart rejoiced, and she fervently declared - 'This is the man I saw in my dream - the one I married there. Dear friend, please find him and bring him to me. If I cannot unite with him, I cannot bear the pain of separation and will forsake my life.'

Moved by her friend's request, Chitralekha embarked on a journey through various regions in search of the man, eventually arriving in Dwarakapuri. Chitralekha with her mystical abilities as a demoness, instantly recognised Aniruddha and abducted him along with his bed. Under the cover of twilight, Chitralekha transported Aniruddha to Banasura’s city. Overwhelmed by the grief of his son’s abduction, Pradyumna fell gravely ill. On hearing about the anguish suffered by Pradyumna and the capture of his grandson Aniruddha, Lord Shri Krishna was deeply troubled, while Goddess Rukmini grew increasingly anxious. Consumed by despair, Rukmini pleaded with Lord Shri Krishna - 'O Lord! Has someone taken our beloved grandson, or did he leave voluntarily? The sorrow of his absence is unbearable. I cannot survive this separation and will forsake my own life.'

Listening to such words from Goddess Rukmini, Lord Shri Krishna appeared in the Yadavas' assembly. In the assembly, Lord Shri Krishna had the privilege of meeting the great ascetic, Sage Lomasha . Bowing to the sage, Lord Shri Krishna narrated the entire incident, saying - 'O great sage! Who has abducted our grandson, Aniruddha ? Or has he left of his own will? I am unaware of who has abducted our virtuous grandson. His mother is grief-stricken due to her separation from her son.'

Listening to Lord Shri Krishna's words, Sage Lomasha said - 'O Shri Krishna! Banasura's daughter Usha's friend Chitralekha has abducted your grandson and hidden him in Banasura's palace. This information was conveyed to me by Sage Narada . You should perform the ritual of Ashwina Krishna Chaturthi Sankata. Through the effects of this fast, your grandson will surely return.' Saying this, Sage Lomasha departed into the forest.

Lord Shri Krishna followed Sage Lomasha's instructions and observed the fast. O Devi! As a result of this fast, He defeated His enemy, Banasura. Although in that fierce battle, my father, Lord Shiva, protected Banasura, he was still vanquished. In His fury, Lord Shri Krishna severed Banasura's thousand arms. This supreme fast was the reason behind His victory.

There is no other fast as effective as this one to gratify Lord Ganesha and eliminate all kinds of obstacles. For undertaking journeys around the world or visiting pilgrimage sites, no other fast is as auspicious and beneficial as this one."

॥Iti Shri Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi Katha Sampurnah॥

Mahatmya

Lord Shri Krishna said - "O King! To overcome all kinds of adversities, this fast must certainly be observed. Through the effects of this fast, you will defeat your enemies and reclaim your kingdom. O son of Kunti! I speak the truth to you; the greatness of this fast cannot be described even by the most learned scholars. I have personally experienced its magnificence."