Once , the eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira, requested Shri Krishna to speak about the significance of Sankatahara Chathurti Vrata.
Shri Krishna , mentioned, during the time of the Ramayana, Lord Rama's father had once accidentally killed the only son of a blind couple for which he was cursed to be separated from his son.
And as fate happened, Lord Rama and his wife Sita Devi left for the forests, and the tale of Sita Devi's kidnap by Ravana is known to all.
When the armies of Sugreeva went out in search of Sita, they came across Sampati, the elder brother of Jatayu, who had sacrificed his life in trying to save Sita Ma from the Rakshasha.
Sampati informed Sugriva about Lanka. Ravana's kingdom across the ocean. He also said that among all his soldiers, only Hanuman had the power to cross the sea.
As Hanuman wondered how he could achieve this Herculean mission, Sampati asked him to observe the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrata.
Lord Shri Hanuman observed the Vrata and was blessed by Shri Ganapati, and his foot landing on Lanka , set about the downfall of the Rakshasha King, Ravana.
Hence Bhagawan Shri Krishna told Yudishthira to observe the Vrata too, so that he would be successful in conquering his enemies, the Kauravas.
Those who wish to be successful in their task, whether spiritual or material are adviced to undertake Sankatahara Chathurthi Vrata.
- Karuppar Thunai