Story of Ashadha Vinayak Chaturthi: Childbirth, Dharma and Vedic Astrology

Ashadha Vinayak Chaturthi is not only a day of worship for Lord Ganesha but also a remarkable opportunity for attaining happiness in childbirth, removing obstacles and gaining spiritual well-being. On this day, special worship is performed for Lord Ganesha’s "Krishnapingal" form. Let us delve deeper into the mythological story associated with this festival, its Vedic significance, astrological implications and its profound emotional message.

The Mythological Story of Ashadha Vinayak Chaturthi

King Mahijit’s Sorrow and the Grief of Childlessness

In the Dwapar Yuga, there existed a prosperous city named Mahishmati, where King Mahijit ruled. He was a pious, truthful and compassionate ruler, beloved by his people, who treated him like their father. Throughout his reign, King Mahijit never committed any acts of injustice, deceit, sin or cruelty. His subjects held him in deep regard, respecting him as a father figure.

However, there was one profound sorrow in his life-he was childless. Despite his immense wealth, power and material possessions, a void remained in his heart. The Vedas state that life is incomplete without children and it is only through the offerings made by one’s progeny that ancestors find solace. King Mahijit was deeply troubled by his childlessness and no matter how many yajnas, donations, penances and rituals he performed, he still could not attain the joy of parenthood. Time passed, his youth faded, old age arrived, yet he remained without a child.

King’s Self-reflection and the Love of His Subjects

One day, in his court, King Mahijit called upon the Brahmins, ministers and his subjects to express his deep sorrow:

"I have never committed any sin, treated my subjects as children, followed the righteous path, yet why have I been deprived of offspring? Is it the result of my past sins or is there some other reason?"

Upon hearing the king’s agony, there was silence in the court. The subjects, who loved and respected the king deeply, vowed to find a solution to his problem.

Journey to the Forest and Meeting Sage Lomasha

The king, accompanied by Brahmins and his subjects, set out on a journey to the forest in search of a solution. In the dense forest, they found the ashram of the great and powerful sage Lomasha, who had been meditating for centuries. Sage Lomasha was a seer who possessed the knowledge of the past, present and future and he had the ability to see through time. His name, Lomasha, was derived from the fact that a single hair of his body would take an entire eon to fall.

They respectfully greeted the sage and shared their sorrow. Sage Lomasha, after listening to their plight, said:

"King, your life is filled with righteousness but your sorrow is caused by an invisible obstacle. The solution lies in observing the fast and worshiping Lord Ganesha in his Krishnapingal form on Ashadha Krishna Chaturthi. This fast brings children to the childless, wealth to the poor and happiness to the sorrowful."

The Fasting Method and King’s Penance

Sage Lomasha detailed the fast’s procedure:

• Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
• Purify the worship area and install the idol of Lord Ganesha.
• Offer Durva grass, Shami leaves, red flowers, modaks, laddus, rice and a lamp.
• Chant the mantra "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" 108 times.
• Offer food and clothes to Brahmins.
• Keep the fast throughout the day and meditate on Lord Ganesha with a true heart.

Following the sage’s instructions, King Mahijit performed the fast with great devotion and Queen Sudakshina also observed the fast. They fed Brahmins with respect, donated clothes and wholeheartedly worshiped Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganesha’s Blessing and the Birth of a Son

After some time, by Lord Ganesha’s grace, Queen Sudakshina bore a beautiful, radiant and virtuous son. The entire kingdom rejoiced. King Mahijit’s life was fulfilled and the people were also pleased. The king dedicated the remainder of his life to righteousness, charity and the welfare of his people.

The Emotional and Spiritual Message of the Story

This story is not just about King Mahijit but it is a message for everyone who is struggling with lack, obstacles or sorrow in life. It teaches us that when faced with difficulties, through devotion, faith and penance and by seeking refuge in God, one can overcome any challenge. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, blesses us not only with material happiness but also with spiritual peace, love in the family and prosperity in life. The fast of Ashadha Vinayak Chaturthi carries the message that through true devotion and disciplined worship, one will undoubtedly receive the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Vedic Astrological Perspective

In Vedic astrology, the Chaturthi tithi is associated with the moon and Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of lunar doshas (flaws). On Ashadha Krishna Chaturthi, when there is a special planetary alignment or auspicious yoga, the worship of Lord Ganesha can mitigate the malefic effects of planets like Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. It brings blessings of progeny and mental peace. Worshiping Lord Ganesha during favorable planetary alignments fills the seeker’s life with new energy, positivity and fortune. This fast is particularly beneficial for those whose horoscopes indicate obstacles related to children, planetary doshas or familial unrest.

Not just a historical event

The story of Ashadha Vinayak Chaturthi is not just a historical event but serves as a guiding light for every seeker who desires happiness in children, removal of obstacles and prosperity. Through Vedic tradition, astrological signs and devotion, the worship of Lord Ganesha on this day brings peace, prosperity and success into the life of the devotee. By observing the fast with faith and discipline, one will surely receive the blessings of Lord Ganesha and this is the greatest message of the story.