
Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Lancaster, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
According to the Hindu Panchang, on the Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi Tithi, devotees observe the Sankarshana Ganesha Vrat and worship Lord Ganesha in His Sankarshana form. Sankarshana Ganesha is regarded as one of the various divine manifestations of Lord Ganesha. During this Vrat, Shankha, i.e., conch shells are especially donated to Brahmins. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Ganesha manifested during Madhyahna Kala. Therefore, during this fast, Lord Ganesha should be worshipped during the Madhyahna.
The Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat holds great significance in Hindu tradition. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of the Vaishakha month. In some regions, according to scriptural injunctions, devotees worship Lord Ganesha in His Sumukha Ganesha form on this day. Sumukha is one of the twelve celebrated names of Lord Ganesha.
Scriptures describe the Chaturthi Tithi as being especially dear to Lord Ganesha. According to texts such as the Ganesha Purana, Skanda Purana, Vrataraja, Dharmasindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu, observing a fast on every Shukla Paksha Chaturthi removes obstacles, fulfills desires and grants great merit. Chaturthi of the Vaishakha month is considered particularly auspicious, as this month itself is beloved to Lord Vishnu and is said to be highly fruitful. The Ganesha Purana states -
चतुर्थ्यां वैशाखे मासि सुमुखं यः समर्चयेत्।
सर्वविघ्नविनिर्मुक्तः स सुखं लभते नरः॥
Chaturthyam Vaishakhe Masi Sumukham Yah Samarchayet।
Sarvavighnavinirmuktah Sa Sukham Labhate Narah॥
Meaning - "He who worships Lord Sumukha Ganesha on the Chaturthi of the Vaishakha month becomes free from all obstacles and attains happiness and prosperity."
A simple method of fasting on the day of Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi has been described. However slight variations may exist based on regional and family traditions.
This Vrat is particularly recommended for those facing obstacles in business, education, or new undertakings. The Vrataraja text describes it as Sarva Siddhi Prada which means a Vrat that grants success in all endeavors. According to a verse from the Dharma Sindhu -
वैशाखे चतुर्थ्यां तु व्रतमेतत् समाचरेत्।
सुमुखं पूजयित्वा तु सिद्धिं लभते निश्चितम्॥
Vaishakhe Chaturthyam Tu Vratametat Samacharet।
Sumukham Pujayitva Tu Siddhim Labhate Nishchitam॥
Thus, the Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat, dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha, removes obstacles, grants peace, prosperity and success in life. This fast fills life with renewed energy and divine blessings when observed with complete faith and devotion.