Vakratunda Sankashti Timings

2026 Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi

According to the Amanta Hindu calendar, Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of Ashwina month (Purnimanta Kartika month) is celebrated as day of Vakratunda Sankashti. On the occasion of Vakratunda Sankashti, the Vakratunda form of Lord Ganesha is worshipped and fasted for. Lord Ganesha has taken different forms for various reasons. The first form of the Ashtavinayaka forms of Ganesha is known as Lord Vakratunda. Vakratunda Ganesha refers to Ganesha with a crooked trunk. However, in Mudgala Purana, Lord Vakratunda has been described as having a crooked face.

Descriptions about the Ashtavinayaka forms of Lord Ganesha are found in various religious texts like Mudgal Purana. According to Hindu legends, Lord Ganesha took the Vakratunda form to kill the demon named Matsarasura. Ultimately, after being defeated by Ganesha in the war, Matsarasura saved his life by pleading for forgiveness.

The festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated on this day in the North Indian states. On the occasion of Karwa Chauth, women observe a Nirjala Vrat i.e. fast without water to pray for the long life of their husbands and break their fast only after offering Arghya to the Lord Chandra. Karwa Chauth is also called Karak Chaturthi.