Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha (सकट चौथ व्रत कथा)

Long ago, in a town, lived a wealthy merchant. He had seven sons, all of whom were married. The youngest daughter-in-law was very religious, kind-hearted, and a true devotee of the gods. She used to observe fasts and perform religious rituals with full faith and devotion. On the occasion of Sakat Chauth, she decided to observe the fast and performed the puja of Lord Ganesha, as per tradition. She remained without food and water the entire day and worshipped Ganesha with great devotion, praying for the well-being of her family.

That night, when the merchant’s family sat down for dinner, she refused to eat as her fast would only conclude the next day after sighting the moon and offering Arghya (water offering). Her mother-in-law, however, was not happy with her strict fasting and forced her to eat, despite the daughter-in-law’s refusal. She said, “I cannot eat until I complete the fast as per ritual.” But the mother-in-law insisted and made her eat That very night, the youngest son—the daughter-in-law’s husband—suddenly fell seriously ill. Despite the best efforts, his condition worsened. The family was devastated and consulted many healers and astrologers, but no one could find a cure.

Finally, a wise priest came and said, “This has happened because the sanctity of Sakat Chauth fast was broken. Lord Ganesha is displeased.” He advised the daughter-in-law to sincerely observe the fast again next month and offer ‘Sankat Mochan Ganesha’ her prayers with full devotion and complete the fast properly. The following month, she fasted again with even greater faith. She followed all the rituals properly and narrated the Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha. She also gave Tilkut (a sweet made of sesame and jaggery) and other offerings in charity to Brahmins and the poor.

That night, she saw Lord Ganesha in her dream. He blessed her and said, “Your devotion has pleased me. Your husband will recover.” The next morning, her husband miraculously regained consciousness and was completely cured. From then on, the entire family began to observe the Sakat Chauth Vrat every year, especially praying to Lord Ganesha to protect their children from all dangers and to bless them with health and prosperity.