This vrat is observed on the Chauthi (4th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Shravan. On this day, the devotee should wake up early, take a holy bath, establish an idol of Lord Ganesha, perform worship with devotion, and recite prayers. At night, one should sing bhajans, chant kirtans, and pray to Lord Ganesha asking Him to remove all obstacles, bring peace, happiness, and overall well-being.
Vrat Katha
Once upon a time, there was a kind-hearted king named Chandrasen, and his queen was Chandravali. Both were extremely generous, religious, and lived a life full of devotion and charity. Their life was peaceful and joyous, free from sorrow. Yet, as the saying goes, even a virtuous house is not free from challenges—trouble eventually found its way to them.
Despite having good relations with his neighboring king, that king, driven by greed and ambition, invaded Chandrasen’s kingdom and captured it.
Chandrasen and Chandravali were shocked and terrified by the sudden attack. To save their lives, they fled the palace through a secret underground passage and escaped into the forest. Fortune can change in a moment—from royalty to poverty.
In the forest, the former king and queen built a small hut and lived a modest life, still holding onto their values of kindness and hospitality.
One day, the sage Markandeya Muni arrived at their humble abode. The king and queen welcomed him warmly, offered him fruits, and respectfully introduced themselves. They then asked the sage for a remedy to reclaim their lost kingdom and end their suffering.
The sage replied:
“O King, observe the Sankat Har Vrat on the Krishna Chaturthi (4th day) of Shravan month. By doing so with devotion, you will surely regain your kingdom and peace.”
The king humbly requested the sage to explain the procedure of the vrat.
The sage explained:
“On this day, rise early, bathe, and install an idol of Lord Ganesha. Worship Him with red flowers, offer incense and lamps, and prepare laddoos (sweets) and jaggery as offerings. At night, after seeing the moon, pray to Ganesha and sleep with devotion in your heart. Observing this vrat removes all troubles and sorrows permanently.”
King Chandrasen and Queen Chandravali began observing the Sankat Har Vrat on every Krishna Chaturthi. Soon, by the grace of the vrat and their own strength, King Chandrasen reclaimed his lost kingdom. Thereafter, the royal couple celebrated the vrat with great devotion and ruled happily for many years.
O Lord Ganesha, bless all who observe this vrat with the same fruitful results as you gave to King Chandrasen and Queen Chandravali.