What is Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi?

Sankashti Chaturthi is a monthly Hindu festival observed in honor of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and success. When this Chaturthi falls on a Wednesday, it is known as Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi. “Vikata” is one of the 32 forms of Ganesha, symbolizing fearlessness and protection against evil.

Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Date & Day

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Tithi: Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (Waning phase of the moon)
City: New Delhi, India

Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi Timings (New Delhi, India)

Event	Time
Chaturthi Tithi Begins	01:16 PM on April 16, 2025
Chaturthi Tithi Ends	03:23 PM on April 17, 2025
Moonrise Time	10:00 PM on April 16, 2025
Day of Observance	Wednesday / बुधवार
Modern Clock Reference	12-hour and 24-hour formats supported

Moonrise time is crucial as devotees break their fast (vrat) only after sighting the moon and offering arghya.

Significance of Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi

Vikata Sankashti is considered highly auspicious as it invokes Vikata, the fierce form of Ganesha who removes intense karmic blockages.
Devotees believe that observing this vrat brings success in endeavors, removal of physical and spiritual obstacles, and peace of mind.
Those suffering from planetary doshas or hurdles in life often observe Sankashti for relief.

Vrat Katha and Ganesha Form: Vikata

On this day, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in his Vikata form, often depicted with ten arms and a lion as his vahana (vehicle). The vrat katha (narrative) associated with this form varies by region, but all highlight his strength in rescuing devotees from peril.

Reading or listening to the Vikata Sankashti Vrat Katha after evening puja is considered essential for receiving his blessings.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi

🌅 Morning Rituals:

Wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
Observe complete or partial fasting (nirjal or with fruits only).
Clean the puja space and place an idol or image of Lord Ganesha.

🪔 Puja Items:

Modaks or laddoos (Lord Ganesha’s favorite)
Durva grass (three-blade variety)
Red flowers (hibiscus)
Incense, ghee lamp, roli, and sandalwood paste

🕯️ Evening Puja:

Begin puja before moonrise (between 6:30–9:30 PM).
Recite Ganapati Atharvashirsha, Sankashti Vrat Katha, and 108 names of Ganesha.
Offer modaks, fruits, and arghya to the moon at 10:00 PM.
Break the fast only after moonrise and offering prayers to the moon.

Mantras and Stotras for the Day

“Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” – Chant 108 times
Ganesh Sankata Nashana Stotra
Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names)

Reciting these with devotion amplifies the spiritual benefits of the day.

Astrological Benefits

Observing this vrat on a Wednesday brings relief from Mercury-related doshas (Budh graha).
Beneficial for students, writers, and professionals facing mental or communication blocks.
Especially powerful if Sankashti Chaturthi aligns with other yogas (nakshatras or planetary alignments).

Regional Names and Variants

In Maharashtra, this day is known for elaborate Ganesha puja.
In South India, it is called Sankatahara Chaturthi, and special abhishekams are performed in temples.
In Odisha and Bengal, local Ganesha temples organize community prayers and moon-viewing events.

🔗 Read This: Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Date, Rituals & Celebrations

Tips for Observing the Fast Successfully

Drink plenty of water or coconut water during the day (if not observing a dry fast).
Avoid grains, salt, and processed foods.
Recite Ganesha mantras to maintain focus and devotion.
Engage in acts of kindness – feeding cows or donating food is meritorious.

Social Media Captions

🌙 This April 16th, celebrate Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi with devotion and discipline. Ganapati Bappa Morya!
🕉️ Remove all obstacles with the fierce blessings of Lord Vikata Ganesha!
🙏 Moonrise at 10:00 PM – don’t forget to offer arghya to Chaturthi Chandrama.
📿 Chant, fast, and worship – Sankashti is your path to peace.

Conclusion

Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, is a divine opportunity to connect with Lord Ganesha’s Vikata form, especially for those facing obstacles and spiritual dilemmas. With precise timings for moonrise and Tithi, devotees in New Delhi and across India can observe this vrat with faith, discipline, and deep inner focus.

Let this Chaturthi bring removal of sankat (troubles) and usher in peace, clarity, and divine protection.