Chaturthi
चतुर्थी • Chaturthi
"Fourth"
Chatur (four) + Thi (suffix) = The fourth one
Ganesha and Yama
Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, removes obstacles. Yama is the god of death and dharma. Both preside over this tithi.
Calculation Details
| Shukla Paksha | 36° to 48° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Krishna Paksha | 216° to 228° elongation of Moon from Sun |
| Formula | Tithi = (Moon longitude - Sun longitude) / 12 |
| Duration | Approximately 19-26 hours (varies) |
Shukla & Krishna Paksha
Shukla Paksha (Waxing)
Fourth day of waxing moon - Ganesha's special day
Mixed energy but excellent for Ganesha worship
Krishna Paksha (Waning)
Fourth day of waning moon - powerful for Ganesha and vrat
Strong for removing obstacles and women's vrats
Auspicious & Inauspicious Activities
Auspicious Activities
- Ganesha worship and puja — Chaturthi is Ganesha's tithi
- Removing obstacles in life — Ganesha is Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles)
- Beginning education (with Ganesha worship) — Ganesha is the god of wisdom
- Dealing with enemies — Rikta energy supports removal
- Tantric practices — Powerful transformative energy
- Overcoming negativity — Good for clearing and removal
- Installing Ganesha idols — His special day
Inauspicious Activities
- Marriage ceremonies — Rikta tithi not suitable for unions
- Starting new ventures (except after Ganesha puja) — Empty/void energy
- Travel to distant places — Energy not supportive of movement
- Auspicious ceremonies (general) — Rikta nature
- Sighting the Moon (on specific Chaturthi) — Seeing Moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi is inauspicious
Associated Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi
10-day celebration of Ganesha's birthday
Karwa Chauth
Married women fast for husband's longevity
Sankashti Chaturthi
Monthly Ganesha worship with fasting
Vinayaka Chaturthi
Monthly Ganesha worship
Spiritual Significance
Ganesha's special tithi - gateway to all spiritual practices
Practices
- Ganesh Puja with 21 durva blades
- Modak offering
- Ganesh Atharvashirsha recitation
- Sankashti Vrat with Moon sighting
Health & Profession
Health
| Focus | Good for removing health obstacles |
| Advice | Avoid starting new treatments; good for ending ailments |
| Caution | Rest day; avoid major health decisions |
Profession
Focus on removing blocks and solving problems
Remedies
- Worship Lord Ganesha with modak
- Offer durva grass (21 blades)
- Recite Ganesh Atharvashirsha
- Fast on Chaturthi (Sankashti/Vinayaki)
Mantras
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Om Chaturthaayai Namah
Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah
Classical References
| Brihat Samhita | Chaturthi is a Rikta tithi; avoid auspicious beginnings except Ganesha worship |
| Ganesha Khanda | Chaturthi is Ganesha's special tithi; all obstacles removed |
| Skanda Purana | Sankashti Chaturthi vrat removes all difficulties |
Regional Variations
| Maharashtra | Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest festival; 10-day celebration |
| North India | Karwa Chauth major festival for married women |
| South India | Vinayaka Chaturthi worship in temples |
| Andhra Pradesh | Chavithi (Chaturthi) celebrated with modak (undrallu) |
Chaturthi occurs when the Moon has moved 36-48 degrees ahead of the Sun (Shukla) or 216-228 degrees (Krishna). The Moon is more visible as quarter moon approaches.
