Heramba Sankashti Vrat Katha

Heramba Sankashti Vrat Katha

Goddess Parvati asked Lord Ganesha - "O Son! Bhadrapada Krishna Chaturthi (Amanta Shravana month) is known as Sankata Nashaka Chaturthi. What is the procedure for observing the fast on this day? Kindly explain in detail."

Lord Ganesha said - "O Mother! Bhadrapada Krishna Chaturthi is a destroyer of all kinds of obstacles, a provider of various auspicious outcomes and a bestower of all accomplishments. Its worship should be carried out as per the previously described procedure. O Goddess! I am detailing the dietary precautions related to this fast; please listen attentively."

Lord Shri Krishna said - "O Yudhishthira! Goddess Parvati said, 'Explain in detail the specific dietary practices and rituals associated with this fast.'"

Lord Ganesha replied - "On this day, worship with devotion as described by the Guru's prescribed method. Lord Ganesha should be worshipped under different names across the twelve months. The twelve names are Dwijapriya, Ekadanta, Krishnapingala, Gajanana, Lambodara, Bhalachandra, Heramba, Vikata, Vakratunda, Akhuratha, Vighnaraja and Ganadhipa. Devotees should honour Lord Ganesha using these names, dedicating each month to one name. On Chaturthi, after completing daily duties, take a vow for the fast. Thereafter, perform the night rituals and listen to the associated story.

In ancient times, there was a righteous and powerful king named Nala. His queen, renowned for her extraordinary beauty, was named Damayanti. Over time, due to certain circumstances, the king had to endure exile from his kingdom because of a curse and was separated from his queen. To help her husband regain his kingdom, the queen observed this supreme fast."

Goddess Parvati asked - "O Son! How did Damayanti observe this fast with complete rituals and how, as a result of this fast, was she able to reunite with her husband within three months? Please narrate all these events in detail."

Lord Shri Krishna said - "O Yudhishthira! When Goddess Parvati asked such a question, Lord Ganesha provided an answer. I shall narrate His reply to you; kindly listen."

Lord Ganesha said - "O Mother! King Nala faced numerous arduous calamities. His elephants and horses were stolen, the entire royal treasury was looted by bandits, and the remaining stock was destroyed in a fire. The treacherous ministers of his kingdom abandoned him, and the king lost everything to gambling. His capital was no longer under his control. Surrounded by adverse circumstances, King Nala retreated to the forest in despair. During his exile, he and his wife, Damayanti, endured various hardships. To sustain himself, the king had to work in a town taking care of horses, while the queen resided in a different town and their prince engaged in some service elsewhere. Their situation became so dire that all three were forced to beg for food and were afflicted by numerous diseases.

Once, while queen Damayanti was wandering in the forest, she encountered the great sage Maharshi Sharabhanga. Bowing at the sage's feet, the queen humbly asked - 'O revered sage! When will this separation from my husband come to an end? How will I regain my kingdom and prosperity? When will my fortune awaken? O great sage, please provide a solution to my problems.'

Upon hearing Damayanti's question, Sage Sharabhanga replied - 'O Damayanti! I shall show you the path to your welfare; listen attentively. The Krishna Chaturthi of the Bhadrapada month is described as Sankatnashana Chaturthi. On this day, men and women should worship Heramba Ganapati with devotion. O Queen! By observing this fast with complete rituals, all your desires will be fulfilled. Certainly, within three months, you will reunite with your husband.'

Following the instructions of Sage Sharabhanga, Damayanti began observing the Bhadrapada Sankatnashini Chaturthi fast and started worshipping Lord Ganesha diligently every month according to the prescribed rituals. O King! As a result of this supreme fast, within three months, Damayanti was reunited with her husband, son and regained her kingdom and prosperity."

Mahatmya

Lord Shri Krishna says - "O Yudhishthira! Similarly, by observing this fast, you will also regain your kingdom and all your enemies will be vanquished. O Dharmaraja! Thus, I have described this supreme fast. Its effects will eliminate all your hardships and enhance your happiness and prosperity."