The ten days of Ganesh Utsav close with the immersion of the beloved idols on Anant Chaturdashi. The songs fade, the drums go silent, and streets once overflowing with devotion suddenly feel empty. But just when you think the Ganesh festival is over, another sacred observance arrives: the first vrat after Visarjan, Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi.

This day is not just about remembering Ganesha, but honouring him as Vighnaraja, the remover of obstacles, the Lord who transforms hurdles into steps toward progress. Across centuries, devotees have believed that observing the Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi vrat clears the path of life and fills it with health, prosperity, and peace. It is both a personal vow and a cosmic dialogue with Ganapati.

So, how do we connect with this powerful day in 2025? Let’s decode the Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi date, puja vidhi, stories, and astrological significance together.

Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 date and timings

This year, Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 3:37 pm on September 10

Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 12:45 pm on September 11

Morning Puja Muhurat: 6:04 am – 9:11 am

Evening Puja Muhurat: 4:58 pm – 6:32 pm

Moonrise for Sankashti Vrat: 8:06 pm

As per tradition, the fast is broken only after sighting the moon and offering arghya to Chandra Dev.

The story and significance of Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi

Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi is a highly auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha’s powerful form, Vighnaraja: the remover of obstacles. Legends tell that a demon named Vighnasura caused chaos and disrupted rituals. Lord Ganesha appeared, defeated him, and, moved by his surrender, granted that his name would be forever linked with his own. This is how Bappa became Vighnaraja, the King of obstacles, worshipped on this sacred Chaturthi for relief from troubles and success in endeavours.

The Mudgal Purana describes Ganesha defeating the demon Mamtasura as Vighnaraja, and even Lord Krishna is said to have observed this vrat for victory over adversity. These stories highlight that worshipping Ganesha on Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to transform one’s life path by removing challenges.

How to observe Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi vrat (Puja Vidhi)

The vrat is observed with devotion and discipline. Here is a simple guide for home puja:

• Morning Preparation: Begin with a purifying bath, wear clean clothes, and set up your puja space with flowers, a ghee lamp, and a Ganesh idol or picture.

• Sankalpa (Vow): Sit before Ganapati and take a vow (sankalpa) to observe the fast with sincerity, praying to overcome obstacles and attract auspiciousness.

• Offerings: Present durva grass, red flowers, modaks, and fruits. Avoid Tulsi leaves for Ganesha. Offer sweet prasad as an essential part of the ritual.

• Mantra Chanting: Recite the Ganesh Dwadesha Stotram with devotion. You can listen and chant along on AstroSure.ai to deepen focus and invite Ganesha’s blessings into your life.

• Moonrise Ritual: At moonrise, offer arghya (water with rice and flowers) to Chandra Dev, then break the fast with prasad.

• Fasting Rules: Most devotees keep a strict fast with only fruits, milk, or water until moonrise; some may consume phalahar (light, grain-free food). Focus on devotion over strictness.

Astrological and spiritual benefits of Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi

Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi is especially significant as it follows Ganesh Visarjan, reminding devotees that Ganesha’s grace continues beyond the festival. Observing this vrat is believed to strengthen Mercury’s influence in the natal chart, supporting wisdom, communication, clarity, and the removal of karmic blocks.

• Family Prosperity: Couples longing for children, those facing financial struggles or career stagnation, and individuals desiring peace are advised to keep this vrat faithfully.

• Personal Growth: Devotees report inner harmony, clarity, and courage as obstacles are released.

• Education and Success: In Vedic astrology, a strong Mercury and Ganesha-related practices boost learning, exam results, interviews, and creative work.

Importance of the first Sankashti after Ganesh Utsav

After Visarjan, hearts may feel emptier, but Vighnaraja Sankashti, falling just after Anant Chaturdashi, symbolises Ganesha’s continued presence in daily life. It’s the first intimate, personal chance to seek his blessings post-festival.

Remedies and simple practices on Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi

If fasting is not possible, honour the day with these simple Ganesh remedies:

• Light a ghee lamp before Ganapati at dawn and dusk.

• Place fresh flowers on the idol and chant Om Jai Jagdish Hare or Shiv Aarti with family.

• Write down obstacles on paper, place them under Ganesha’s idol, and then immerse it in water as a symbolic release.

• Wear red or yellow to attune to Ganesha’s positive energy.

• Meditate for 108 deep breaths, focusing on a single challenge and visualising its removal.

The deeper message of Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi

This vrat is more than ritual; it is a shift in perspective. In his form as Vighnaraja, Ganesha reminds us that obstacles are not dead ends but gateways to wisdom. With prayer, patience, and sincerity, these gates open. Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 becomes a chance to place your worries at Ganesha’s feet and welcome fresh beginnings with every moonrise prayer. What matters most is not grandeur, but devotion and simplicity.

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