1. What is Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi?

While Sankashti Chaturthi occurs every month, when it falls on a Tuesday, it is known as 'Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi.' Since Tuesday is considered highly dear to Lord Ganesha, this day holds immense spiritual significance.

2. The Legend Behind the Name 'Angaraki'

According to the Puranas, 'Angarak' (the planet Mars), the son of Sage Bharadwaja, performed intense penance dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Pleased by his devotion, Ganesha appeared before him on a Tuesday and granted him a boon. Since then, this specific day has been celebrated as 'Angaraki Chaturthi.'

3. Special Significance of This Day

* Removal of Planetary Defects: It is believed that observing a fast on this day nullifies Kuja Dosha (Mars defects) and removes obstacles in one's birth chart.

* Fruit of the Whole Year: For those unable to observe Sankashti every month, fasting on just this one Angaraki Chaturthi is said to grant the merit of a whole year's observance.

* Debt Relief: Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day is considered ideal for those seeking freedom from the burden of debts.

4. Puja Rituals and Procedures

1. Morning Purification: Wake up early, take a bath, light a lamp before Lord Ganesha, and make a formal resolve (*Sankalpa*).

2. Fasting: Observe a fast throughout the day. Consuming fruits and milk is permitted.

3. Abhisheka: It is auspicious to perform Panchamruta Abhisheka and worship Ganesha with red flowers, especially red hibiscus.

4. Offering Durva Grass: Offer 21 blades of Durva grass while chanting "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha."

5. Naivedya: Offer Ganesha’s favorites, such as Modaks or Kadubu, as a holy offering.

5. Moon Sighting and Arghya

The ritual of Sankashti Chaturthi is completed only after the sighting of the moon. Once the moon rises at night, devotees offer Arghya (sacred water offering) to the moon, perform an Aarti for Lord Ganesha, and then break their fast with a meal. Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi is not just a religious ritual; it is a day to find peace of mind and gain the strength to overcome every hurdle in life.