Goddess Parvati says - "Oh fortunate one! Lambodara! Best among speakers! By what name should Lord Ganesha be worshipped on Krishna Chaturthi of Kartika month (Amanta Ashwina month) and what is its procedure?"
Lord Shri Krishna says - "Listening to His mother's words, Lord Ganesha explained that the name of Kartika Krishna Chaturthi is Sankata. On this day, one should worship Lord Ganesha, who is known as Vakratunda. The worship should be performed according to the previously described method. During this fast, one should eat only once. On the day of Kartika Krishna Chaturthi, one should perform a Havana with a mixture of Ghee and Urad Dal. As a result of this Havana, all accomplishments are attained. After completing the fast and worship, one should feed Brahmins and then eat quietly. I am describing the significance of this fast, so please listen carefully."
Lord Shri Krishna stated - "Vritrasura, who had conquered the three worlds, subdued all the Gods and drove them from their respective realms. As a result, the deities hid in all ten directions. In this time of crisis, all the Gods, along with Indra and other deities, sought refuge in Lord Vishnu.
Hearing the prayers of the Gods, Lord Vishnu said - 'The demons, having taken refuge on the island in the ocean, have become secure and powerful. They have also received a boon from Lord Brahma that makes them immortal and unable to be killed by the Gods. Therefore, you should go and plead with sage Agastya He will drink up the ocean, which will force the demons to return to their origin near their father. Once this happens, the Gods can once again reside peacefully in heaven. Thus, your wish can be fulfilled with the help of Sage Agastya.'
At Lord Vishnu's command, all the Gods went to the hermitage of Sage Agastya to praise him and seek his favour. Pleased by their prayers, Sage Agastya reassured them, saying - 'Oh Gods! There is no need to be afraid. Your wish will surely be fulfilled.' After receiving this assurance, all the Gods returned to their respective abodes.
Sage Agastya began to contemplate, 'How can I drink an ocean that is one lakh Yojanas wide?' To address his concern, the great sage undertook the significant fast of Sankata Chaturthi. After observing this fast for three months, Lord Ganesha was pleased with him. It was due to the merit of this fast that Sage Agastya was able to easily drink the ocean. Additionally, it was by the strength of this same fast that Arjuna was able to defeat all the demons, including Nivata-Kavacha."
Listening this account from Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati felt immense joy and thought - "My son is truly worthy of worship throughout the entire world and is the bestower of all accomplishments."
Lord Shri Krishna said - "Oh Dharmaraja Yudhishthira! You should also observe the fast of Chaturthi. By doing so, you will soon defeat all your enemies and reclaim your kingdom."
॥Iti Shri Vakratunda Sankshti Chaturthi Katha Sampurnah॥
According to the instructions of Lord Shri Krishna, Yudhishthira observed the auspicious fast dedicated to Lord Ganesha. As a result of this fast, he was able to defeat his enemies and reclaim his kingdom. Simply listening to the story of this fast can bring the rewards of thousands of Ashwamedha and hundreds of Vajapeya Yajnas. This fast is believed to enhance the blessings of sons, grandsons and future generations.