Tithi #4

Chaturthi (चतुर्थी) Shukla Meaning, Importance & What to Do

The fourth lunar day, challenging in nature but capable of removing obstacles if properly observed.

Chaturthi (चतुर्थी) Shukla Shukla Paksha
Paksha (Phase)
Shukla
Ruling Deity
Nature
Rikta (Empty)
Tithi Number
4 / 30

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Significance & Meaning

Chaturthi (चतुर्थी) is the fourth lunar day, a day of intensity, obstacles, and the clearing of negative forces. इसे 'रिक्ता' (Empty) तिथि माना जाता है, लेकिन यह शक्ति और रहस्य से भरी है। While it is generally avoided for materialistic beginnings, it is incredibly powerful for spiritual breakthroughs and overcoming hidden enemies.

A day typically avoided for most auspicious beginnings, but excellent for worshiping Lord Ganesha.

Ruled by Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), this day is deeply spiritual. Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी) and Vinayaka Chaturthi are celebrated on this Tithi. भगवान गणेश की पूजा से जीवन की सभी बाधाएं (all obstacles in life) दूर होती हैं। It is a day to clear karmic debts rather than accumulating new worldly possessions.

Health & Life Style

Energy can feel heavy or turbulent today. It is advised to avoid risky physical activities or surgeries. मानसिक शांति (mental peace) बनाए रखने के लिए ध्यान (meditation) और मंत्र जाप अत्यंत आवश्यक है। Eat light and avoid intoxicants.

Wealth & Career

Not recommended for new business launches, buying vehicles, or major financial investments. शुभ कार्यों और बड़े निवेशों (major investments) से इस दिन बचना चाहिए। However, it is an excellent day for clearing old debts, fighting court cases, or working on complex, secretive projects (like research or coding).

Relationships & Family

Misunderstandings can easily arise on Chaturthi. It requires patience and clear communication. वाद-विवाद (arguments) से बचें। It is not considered an auspicious day for weddings or starting new romantic relationships.

Auspicious & Inauspicious

Suitable For

  • Worship of Ganesha
  • Clearing debts
  • Cleaning and discarding old items
  • Fasting (Sankashti)

Activities to Avoid

  • Marriages
  • Journeys
  • Starting new businesses

Major Festivals Celebrated

Vedic Remedies

  • Offer Durva grass to Lord Ganesha
  • Chant Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
  • Fasting

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Chaturthi called Rikta Tithi? (चतुर्थी को रिक्त तिथि क्यों कहते हैं?)
'Rikta' means 'empty.' The fourth lunar day is ruled by Lord Ganesha. While it is highly auspicious for spiritual growth and removing internal blocks, it is considered 'empty' for worldly gains, meaning material endeavors started today may not yield expected fruits.
Why is Lord Ganesha worshiped on Chaturthi Tithi? (चतुर्थी को गणेश जी की पूजा क्यों होती है?)
Lord Ganesha is the ruler of Chaturthi. He is 'Vighnaharta' (the remover of obstacles). Worshiping him today ensures that even the 'empty' energy of the Rikta Tithi is transformed into wisdom and clarity, clearing the path for future success.
What is the difference between Vinayaka and Sankashti Chaturthi? (विनायक और संकष्टी चतुर्थी में क्या अंतर है?)
Vinayaka Chaturthi falls in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and is for general prosperity and wisdom. Sankashti Chaturthi falls in the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) and is specifically for removing severe troubles and hardships from life through a rigorous fast.
What should be avoided on Chaturthi Tithi to prevent obstacles? (चतुर्थी तिथि को क्या नहीं करना चाहिए?)
Major journeys, marriages, and starting a new business should be avoided. On Ganesh Chaturthi specifically, one should avoid looking at the moon to prevent false accusations (Mithya Kalank) as per the ancient Puranic legends.

Wisdom of Tithis

Tithis measure the exact angular relationship between the Sun (soul) and the Moon (mind). Every Tithi marks a unique phase of psychological and spiritual energy. By aligning your profound spiritual or worldly activities with the right lunar day, you harmonize your efforts with the natural, rhythmic currents of the cosmos.

Generally, the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) is highly auspicious for new worldly beginnings, investments, and growth rituals. Conversely, the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) is better suited for spiritual austerities, clearing debts, surgeries, and shedding negative attachments.
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