(The story of King Nal)
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| Bhadra Krishna-Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha |
In which month does Bhadra Krishna-Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat fall?
Bhadra Krishna-Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat falls in the month of August or September.
Which name of Ganesha should be worshiped in Bhadra Krishna?
On this day, worship of Ganesha named ‘All’ should be done.
Description:
This fast is one of the Sankatnashak Ganesh Chaturthi fast. You can observe this fast to fulfill all your wishes. This fast brings happiness and peace to your home. You can also recite Shanti Path during this fast. The fast will be completed after offering water to the moon at night.
Katha:
॥Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah॥
Parvati ji asked Ganesh ji, “O son! How is the fast of Krishna Chaturthi in the month of Bhadon, which is called Sankatnashak Chaturthi performed? Tell me." Ganesh ji said, “O mother! Bhadon Krishna Chaturthi is the destroyer of danger, the giver of various fruits and all achievements. The fast will be completed after offering water to the moon at night. There are some specialties related to food in this fast, so I am telling you. Consumption of laddoos or modak is mandatory in this fast. If for some reason a person is unable to eat laddoos or modaks, then he can eat gram flour pudding, in its absence, flour pudding will do.
In the month of Bhadon, it is believed that devotees can bring Ganesha to their home for 1.5 days, 3 days, 7 days, or 10 days according to their devotion. And the virtue that is obtained by fasting for 12 months, he can get the same virtue by serving Ganesha on those days. Vrati worships Vinayak, Ek Dant, Krishna Ping, Gajanan, Lambodar, Bhalchandra, Heramb, Vikat, Vakratunda, Akhurdha, Vighnaraj and Ganadeep Ganesha with one name each in different names in twelve months. Ganesh ji should be worshiped with these names in those days also.
On the day of Chaturthi, the devotees fast in the morning after dealing with their daily tasks. Worship at night and listen to the story. The story of King Nal is of great importance on the day of Bhadon Krishna Ganesh Chaturthi.
In the past, there was a pious and successful king Nal. His beautiful queen was famous by the name Damayanti. Once King Nal unknowingly insulted a sage, then the sage cursed him that he will get severe pain. King Nal had to face many calamities after this. Elephants were stolen by eating elephants and horses were stolen from stables. The king's treasury was looted by the dacoits. Their wealth burnt off the fire. The ministers also left the king's side. After this, the king came to the words of his ministers and started gambling once, and at the same time, the king lost everything in gambling.
Even the capital is lost in gambling. Frustrated from all sides, King Nal went to the forest. He had to suffer many hardships in the forest with Damayanti. In the end, he got separated from the queen. The king started working as a stable lad in some cities. The queen started living in some other city and the prince also started working in some other place. Those who were once called kings, queens, and princes have now started begging. Suffering from various diseases, they separated from each other and started spending time suffering the fruits of their actions.
Once upon a time, while wandering here and there in the forest, Damayanti saw Sage Sharbhang. Bowing her head at his feet and folding her hands, she told her whole story and asked him, O Rishiraj, when will I meet my husband? How will we come out of this sad state? When will our luck turn? O great sage! You definitely tell.
Shri Ganesh ji says that after hearing this question of Damayanti, Rishi Sharbhang said, O Damayanti! I am telling you about your good, listen to this. This destroys the terrible sorrow and it is the one who fulfills all kinds of desires and gives good fruits. The Krishna Chaturthi of the month of Bhadon has been said to be the annihilator. On this day men and women should worship Lord Ekdanta Ganapati. O queen, only by performing this fast and worship methodically! All your wishes will be fulfilled.
Ganapati ji says that after listening to these words of sage Sharbhang, Damayanti started Sankatnashani Chaturthi fast in the month of Bhadon and from that time started worshiping Ganesha every month. O king, within seven months! By observing this best fast, she got husband, son, kingdom, and all kinds of glory, etc. like before.
Just as Lord Ganesha has removed the sorrow of Nal and Damayanti, in the same way, remove our sorrow too.