Angarki Chaturthi: A Comprehensive Guide to Performing the Puja and Observing the Fast
Angarki Chaturthi, a sacred observance of the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to the worship of the revered deity, Lord Ganesha. It is believed that observing this fast and performing the puja with devotion brings blessings and favors from the elephant-headed God. In 2024, Angarki Chaturthi will be celebrated on June 25th, and this detailed guide will provide you with all the necessary information to properly perform the puja and observe the fast.
Step-by-Step Puja Guide for Angarki Chaturthi
Morning Rituals:
* Begin your day by awakening before sunrise and performing a purifying bath.
* Wear clean, preferably red or yellow, garments to welcome the auspiciousness of the day.
* Gather all the necessary puja materials, including an idol or image of Lord Ganesha, red or yellow cloth, desi cow ghee, wicks, incense sticks, durva grass, sweets (such as yellow boondi laddoo or modaks), kalash, meetha paan, roli, mauli, bananas, supari, akshat, and green elaichi.
Puja Samagri:
* Set up an altar by spreading a red or yellow cotton cloth on a wooden plank.
* Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the altar facing east or north.
* Invoke Lord Ganesha by reciting the “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” mantra.
* Offer water to the idol and bathe it with desi cow ghee.
* Adorn the idol with roli, mauli, and a tilak of sandalwood paste.
* Offer flowers, durva grass, and sweets to Lord Ganesha.
* Light an incense stick and offer it to the deity.
* Recite the “Om Shree Ganeshaye Namah” mantra 108 times.
Recitation of Story:
* Engage in the recitation of a story related to Lord Ganesha, such as the “Bindayak Kahani.”
* Chant Vedic Mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Meditation and Yoga:
* Take some time for meditation and yoga dhyan to connect with your inner self and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
* Meditate on the qualities of Lord Ganesha, such as wisdom, prosperity, and success.
Temple Visit:
* Devotees can visit Lord Ganesha temples to offer prayers and seek blessings.
* Offer laddoo and apply red chandan color tilak to the idol of Lord Ganpati.
Chandra Puja (Worship of the Moon):
* Worship Lord Moon in the evening after moonrise.
* Offer water and Akshat to the moon.
* Chant the mantra dedicated to the Moon: “Om Sram Sreem Srom Saha Chandramase Namah.”
Breaking the Fast:
* Devotees can break their fast in the evening.
* However, it is recommended to consume sattvik food that excludes onion and garlic.
Significance of Angarki Chaturthi
* Angarki Chaturthi is particularly auspicious for individuals facing Mangal Dosha in their astrological charts.
* Observing the fast and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman is believed to alleviate the negative effects of Mangal Dosha.
* It is believed that fasting on Angarki Chaturthi bestows the same benefits as fasting on all Chaturthi days of the year.
* Devotees believe that the blessings of Mars and Lord Ganesha can be obtained through this observance.
Conclusion
Observing Angarki Chaturthi with devotion and sincerity can bring numerous benefits and blessings. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you perform the puja and observe the fast in accordance with traditional practices. May the blessings of Lord Ganesha guide you on the path of success and prosperity.