In the Hindu lunar calendar, Chaturthi (चतुर्थी तिथि) is the 4th tithi that comes after Amavasya or Purnima. Even though it sounds ordinary, Chaturthi is known as a tithi of mental clarity, obstacle removal, and discipline in Vedic astrology.
It is best known for Ganesh Chaturthi, a powerful day of worship and new beginnings. But every चतुर्थी तिथि holds deep meaning — let’s explore how 👇
📘 Basic Facts of Chaturthi Tithi
- Tithi: 4th day in the lunar cycle
- Sun–Moon Angle: 36° to 48°
- Pakshya: Can fall in Shukla Paksha (waxing) or Krishna Paksha (waning)
- Energy: Mental sharpness, inner work, discipline
- Symbol: The tusk – represents clarity, cutting confusion
- Vedic Meaning: Chaturthi = “Fourth step” — time to face blocks and move ahead
Many observe Vinayaka Chaturthi during this tithi for Ganesha’s blessings.
🌕 Chaturthi in Shukla Paksha – Waxing Phase
When चतुर्थी तिथि falls during Shukla Paksha, the energy is growing and active.
✅ Dos:
- Start mental work like writing, coding, or designing
- Begin Ganesh mantra japa
- Perform modak (मोदक) offering to Ganesha
- Clean your study or worship space
❌ Don’ts:
- Avoid over-socializing
- No unnecessary gossip
- Don’t ignore mental health or thoughts
It’s a good day to take that first solo step toward your goals.
🌑 Chaturthi in Krishna Paksha – Waning Phase
This चतुर्थी तिथि is quieter and more internal. It’s about reflection, letting go, and self-healing.
✅ Dos:
- Observe Sankashti Chaturthi fasting
- Meditate for mental clarity
- Do silent Ganesh Atharvashirsha chanting
- Donate food or light diya
❌ Don’ts:
- No large purchases
- Avoid starting arguments or emotional talks
- Don’t begin risky projects
🌌 Krishna चतुर्थी तिथि helps clear emotional baggage — silently.
Sanskrit Shloka & Beeja Mantra
🌿 Traditional Shloka:
“वक्रतुंड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥”
Meaning: Salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
📜 Beeja Mantra:
“ॐ गं गणपतये नमः”
- Chant this 108 times on चतुर्थी तिथि
- Best for focus and removing confusion
- Also used in business, studies, and new beginnings
Astrological Effects of Chaturthi
चतुर्थी तिथि carries serious but helpful energy.
When Strong:
- Supports smart thinking, study, and planning
- Best with Nakshatras like Hasta, Swati, or Shravana
- Helps in logical decision-making
If Weak or Afflicted:
- Mind feels blocked or anxious
- Speech issues or confusion may come
- If affected by Rahu, Saturn, or malefic Moon:
Remedies:
- Fast on चतुर्थी तिथि
- Chant Ganesha mantra
- Offer Durva grass or Modak
🙏 Presiding Deity of Chaturthi
This tithi belongs to Lord Ganesha, also called Vighnaharta – remover of obstacles.
- In Shukla Paksha: Worship Ganesha with Modak, Durva, and Chandan
- In Krishna Paksha: Focus on mental clarity and discipline
- Ganesha is worshipped before any major work in Vedic tradition
Since tithis are influenced by the Moon, explore our blog on the Moon and its significance in Vedic astrology here!
🧘 Spiritual Practices on Chaturthi
चतुर्थी तिथि is not showy. It helps in mental transformation.
Ideal for:
- Ganesh puja or homa
- Chanting Ganesh beeja mantra
- Light fasting (with fruit or water)
- Donation of food or educational tools
चतुर्थी तिथि is often used in yogic, tantric, and bhakti paths for grounding and focus.
🎉 Festivals Celebrated on Chaturthi
Chaturthi tithi holds a special place in both Shukla and Krishna Paksha phases. It is best known for its deep connection to Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, clarity, and obstacle removal.
📆 Paksha:
- Shukla Paksha – Vinayaka चतुर्थी (Bhadrapada)
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. Devotees offer prayers, sweets, and perform elaborate rituals to invite clarity and success. - Krishna Paksha – Sankashti चतुर्थी (monthly)
Observed with day-long fasting, especially powerful for those seeking relief from problems and mental stress.
🔆 Speciality:
Worship of Ganesha for removing personal, spiritual, or material obstacles. This tithi invites focus, surrender, and divine assistance in one’s journey.
✅ What’s Good & What’s Not on Chaturthi?
Best Activities:
- Ganesh mantra or puja
- Clean your mind and room
- Plan your week logically
- Start a new notebook, journal, or diary
Avoid These:
- Buying expensive gold/jewelry
- Overeating or alcohol
- Public fights or loud shows
- Investing without planning
🗓 Muhurta & Panchang Tips
- Good combo: चतुर्थी तिथि + Hasta, Pushya, or Shravana
- Avoid: चतुर्थी तिथि + Bharani or Moola (may create instability)
- For Ganesh puja: Best done in Madhyahna Kaal (midday)
📱 Use Panchang apps or local calendar to check Rahu Kaal & Choghadiya before starting rituals.
📌 Key Takeaways
If you’re short on time or just want a quick overview, here are the main points to remember about Chaturthi Tithi:
- चतुर्थी तिथि is the 4th tithi of the lunar fortnight, occurring twice a month—once in Shukla Paksha and once in Krishna Paksha.
- It represents a shift from soft beginnings to mental clarity, focused discipline, and spiritual cleansing.
- In Shukla Paksha, चतुर्थी तिथि supports planning, Ganesha worship, and setting structured goals.
- In Krishna Paksha, it encourages fasting, inward reflection, and quiet japa or puja.
- The presiding deity is Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles and giver of wisdom.
- Popular observances include Ganesh Chaturthi, Sankashti चतुर्थी तिथि, and Angarki Chaturthi.
- Astrologically, it works well with Hasta, Swati, and Shravana Nakshatras, and may bring challenges if the Moon is weak or afflicted.
- Key practices include mantra chanting, light fasting, diya lighting, and modak or durva offerings.
- Best suited for mental planning, spiritual practice, and clearing confusion, not ideal for weddings or risky investments.
- Beeja mantra “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” and the shloka “Vakratunda Mahakaya” are powerful tools for invoking Ganesha on this day.
- Always check Panchang, especially Rahu Kaal and Choghadiya, before beginning any rituals or major tasks on चतुर्थी तिथि.
FAQs
What is Chaturthi day?
This is the 4th day of the lunar fortnight. It appears twice a month, once after Amavasya and once after Purnima. This tithi is especially known for Ganesha-related rituals like Ganesh चतुर्थी and Sankashti. It brings energy for mental clarity, planning, and clearing obstacles.
Is Chaturthi Tithi good or bad?
This tithi is considered moderately good. It’s not meant for big celebrations like weddings but is perfect for starting internal work, chanting mantras, or quiet goal-setting. If supported by strong planets, it can be quite beneficial.
Which god is worshipped on Chaturthi?
Lord Ganesha is the main deity of चतुर्थी. He is worshipped for removing difficulties and bringing wisdom. During Krishna Paksha, some also connect this day with cleansing energy or silent prayers to feminine forms like Durga.
Why do people fast on Chaturthi?
People fast to please Lord Ganesha and clear personal or karmic problems. The fast usually continues until moonrise, after which devotees do moon puja and eat light food. It is believed to help remove confusion, health issues, and delays.
Is Chaturthi good for investment?
Generally, it’s not the best day for big investments unless the Moon and Nakshatra are favorable. चतुर्थी is better for mental planning, research, and reviewing your goals than making risky money moves.
