Ekadanta Sankashti Vrat Katha - The Story of a Brahmin named Dayadeva
Ekadanta Sankashti Vrat Katha in English - During the narration of various Sankashti Vrata Kathas, Mata Parvati asked Lord Ganesha - "O Son! On the occasion of Chaturthi of Jyeshtha month (Amanta Vaishakha month), how should the worship be performed? What is the name of Lord Ganesha for this month? What should be consumed as food during this Vrata? Please describe the procedure in detail."
Lord Ganesha said - "O Mother! The Jyeshtha Krishna Chaturthi bestows good fortune and marital bliss. On this Chaturthi, one should worship Ekadanta named Ganesha with complete devotion. During this Vrata, offerings such as Halwa, Laddus and Puris prepared with pure Ghee should be made to Lord Ganesha. After feeding Brahmins, one should partake in the meal themselves. O Mother! I will narrate an ancient account related to this Sankashti along with its rituals; please listen with devotion -
In the Satya Yuga, a righteous king named Prithu ruled. In his kingdom, there lived a learned Brahmin named Dayadeva, who was well-versed in the Vedas. Dayadeva had four sons who were equally proficient in Vedic knowledge like their father. Over time, Dayadeva performed the marriage ceremonies of all his sons according to complete Vedic rituals.
After their marriage ceremonies, one day, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Brahmin requested her mother-in-law, saying - 'O Mother! Since childhood, I have observed the Sankatanashana Ganesha Chaturthi Vrata. In my parental home, I used to perform this auspicious Vrata with complete rituals. Therefore, O gracious one! Kindly grant me the permission to observe this highly beneficial Vrata here as well.'
Listening to the words of his daughter-in-law, the father-in-law said - 'O daughter-in-law! You are the eldest among all the daughters-in-law. There is no hardship in your life, nor are you an ascetic or a mendicant. So why are you eager to observe this Vrata? O daughter! Your age is meant to enjoy life; this is your time for indulgence and pleasure. Why do you wish to undertake this Vrata unnecessarily? And who is this Ganesha Ji anyway?' Listening to this, the daughter-in-law remained silent and continued to observe the Vrata peacefully and regularly.
As time passed, the eldest daughter-in-law became pregnant and eventually gave birth to a beautiful child. After the child's birth, her mother-in-law continuously opposed her observance of the Vrata and pressured her to abandon it. Ultimately, due to her mother-in-law's opposition, the eldest daughter-in-law gave up the Sankashti Vrata, which angered Lord Ganesha.
Thereafter, the eldest daughter-in-law's son reached adolescence, and his marriage was arranged with a suitable girl. On the day of the wedding, Lord Ganesha abducted the groom. Chaos erupted at the wedding venue as everyone—relatives and guests alike—was bewildered, wondering where the groom had gone and who had kidnapped him?
As soon as the eldest daughter-in-law received the news of her son's disappearance, she lamented to her father-in-law, saying - 'O Father! You and Mother forced me to abandon the Ganesha Chaturthi Vrata, and as a result, my son has disappeared.' Listening to this, Dayadeva's heart was filled with immense sorrow. The future wife of abducted son also became distressed upon hearing this and began observing the Sankatanashana Ganesha Chaturthi Vrata every month with devotion to the well-being of her newlywed husband.
Subsequently, a frail yet learned Brahmin, while begging for alms, arrived at the door of the eldest daughter-in-law's daughter-in-law. He said - 'O daughter! Please provide me food to satisfy my hunger.' The daughter-in-law worshipped the Brahmin, offered him a seat, served him excellent food and gave him clothes and a donation.
The Brahmin's heart was delighted by the girl's service and hospitality, and he said - 'O fortunate one! I am deeply pleased with your devotion to Brahmins and your hospitality. Ask for any boon you desire; I am Lord Ganesha, who has come here in the guise of a Brahmin due to your unwavering faith and devotion. You have observed the Chaturthi Vrata with sincerity, and I will surely fulfill all your wishes.'
Seeing Lord Ganesha in the guise of a Brahmin, the girl was overjoyed and, with folded hands, prayed - 'O Vighnaharta Ganapati! If you are pleased, kindly grant me the presence of my husband.' Listening to her words, Lord Ganesha said - 'O wise one! As you wish, so shall it be. You will soon reunite with your husband.' After granting this boon, Lord Ganesha disappeared from there.
At that moment, a Brahmin named Somasharma found the girl's husband in the forest and brought him back to the city. The entire city was filled with joy and celebration. Seeing her grandson safe, Dayadeva, the Brahmin, was overwhelmed with happiness. The boy's mother was also delighted to see her son and embraced him, saying - 'This is all due to the grace of Lord Ganesha that I have regained my lost son.' Subsequently, the mother adorned her son with various new clothes and ornaments.
Dayadeva, filled with gratitude, bowed to Somasharma and said - 'O revered Brahmin! Through your grace, I have regained my abducted grandson. You have shown immense compassion to our family.' Thereafter, he served Somasharma an excellent meal, offered him clothes, and gifted him a cow as a donation i.e. Godana. Subsequently, a new wedding pavilion was constructed, and the marriage ceremony was completed with full rituals and traditions. This incident filled all the city residents with immense joy. The fortunate girl was also extremely delighted to be reunited with her husband.
The Jyeshtha Krishna Paksha Chaturthi fulfils all desires of living beings. On this auspicious occasion, all men and women should worship Ganesha Ji. O Mother! Whoever observes this Vrata and performs the Puja with devotion as described earlier will have all their wishes fulfilled."
Lord Shri Krishna says - "O Dharmaraja Yudhishthira! This is the greatness of Lord Ganesha's auspicious Vrata. O King! To destroy your enemies, you must also observe this Vrata."
॥ Iti Shri Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi Katha Sampurnah ॥
Check out Ekadanta Sankashti Vrat Katha in Hindi