Hi everyone, welcome to Vedic Astrology Study
Podcast. Through this medium, I cover a breadth
of some basic principles and analysis of the
beautiful ancient science of Jyotish. Gifted
to humanity by wise ancient seers of India, typically
there are playlists of different kinds with case
studies to have a practical grounding of those
principles. In this series which will become
a part of the Panchanga playlist, I am covering
the science of Muhurta or the timing of events,
activities, dietary control, tuning your attitude
to any given day of the month since this is a
lunar calendar. As per Vedic astrology, the human
being should regulate their daily activities
in alignment with the lunar cycle. and the corresponding
tithi of the day. You might say this is the beginning
of the use of science of Jyotish consciously,
with awareness and in full view of self and this
space -time reality we find ourselves in. Since
this deals with your everyday cycle of energies
that each of us deals with on a daily basis,
it's a good beginning point to start Jyotish
which Panchanga studied first, before you get
to the charts part. If you do not know what your
current tithi is, where you are on the planet,
you can download the Jyotish app, which is indicated
on the slide with its logo on android or iphone
store. Download it, set its location to wherever
you are on the planet. Then click on mahurta
and panchanga part as is shown on the slide,
and it will tell you the current panchanga aspects,
the tithi, the vara, the karada, yoga and nakshatra,
which is typically where moon is transiting over.
Then use these series as a study material to
guide your daily activities, diet, attitude for
any given day. The way I shall cover each tithi
here begins with the element and deity followed
by the energy of the day, what to do, what to
avoid, suggested mindset, elementary, dietary
consideration and the content is covered both
for Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha tithis.
For the basics of this, see the previous tithi
videos in this playlist. Let's get started. Now
let's look at Chaturthi or the fourth day of
the lunar calendar on the waxing cycle or the
veining cycle. So any day of the month which
falls on a Chaturthi. It's as shown in the chart
there. It may be on the waxing side, veining
side. Let me read some general notes here. The
energetic quality first. Chaturthi is traditionally
classified as the riktatithi, meaning empty,
rikta means empty, or hollow, which signals caution
for auspicious endeavours. The presiding deity
is Yama, the god of dharma and discipline. Giving
this day somewhat a heavy, obstacle -ridden vibration,
indeed, Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles,
is born on a Chaturthi, highlighting that obstacles
can be overcome on this day with the right approach.
The energy of Chaturthi is intense, obstacle
focused and good for activities that involve
reduction, destruction or removal or something
that requires intense effort rather than growth.
Mercury is the planetary ruler, the fourth corresponding
to Mercury's Wednesday Lord, which adds analytical
and communicative elements. Rule of Mercury again
Ganpati. Overall, Chaturthi carries a mix of
challenge and breakthrough. Not naturally smooth,
but powerful for specific purposes, recommended
activities. While Chaturthi or the fourth day
of the lunar cycle is considered inauspicious
for new or celebratory activities, it is definitely
very useful for certain kinds of work. According
to Mahurta Shastra, Chaturthi is auspicious for
Removing obstacles and tackling difficult tasks.
This is Ganesha's domain, Ganpati. On any Chaturthi
day, if you land in Maharashtra in the state
of India and go to a Ganpati temple, you will
see hordes of devotees. Because Chaturthi is
considered a good day to pray to Ganpati for
removing obstacles. He is the lord of this. Use
the day to address problems head on. whether
troubleshooting issues at work, fixing breakdowns
or resolving lingering obstacles in life. You
may find success in eliminating what doesn't
serve you. Activities involving fire or sharp
tools. The classical tests explicitly say Chaturthi
favors the use of fire and weapons. In this case,
it may be kitchen stuff. It may be cooking. In
modern terms, it is fine day for tasks involving
welding, metalwork. any craft involving fire,
fire pottery, doing Homa or fire ritual at home,
for example, for all the Hindus listening. It's
also okay for surgery or cutting away things.
Surgery is essentially what? It's just removing
stuff which doesn't belong in the body. So with
proper mahurta for surgery, you can also keep
this day for surgery because it supports the
removal aspect. Surgeons sometimes pick Krishna
Chaturthi for operations to quote -unquote cut
out illnesses. Elimination kind of actions, hunting,
pest control was cited historically. Today could
be the day translated to pruning a garden. Decluttering
your home, getting rid of bad habits. It's a
great day to throw out the trash, physical or
metaphorical. Cleaning and polishing, interestingly,
Text mentions cleaning and polishing and similar
activities are auspicious on Chaturthi. If you
need to deep clean your house, wash your car,
tidy up your workspace, home space, this energy
supports the removal of dirt or negativity. See
this is the thing about Vedas and Vedic Astrology.
Everything is not bad or good. It's like what
you do on which day. That's Vedic Astrology.
You tune yourself consciously to match the energy
of the day. Another one for Chaturthi. Competitive
or physical activity. Similar to Navami, which
we shall come later on. Another Rigatithi. Chaturthi
is okay for competitive sports, rigorous exercise
or martial practices as long as safety is observed.
It is said to be ideal for elimination of enemies,
quote unquote, in everyday life. This might mean
winning over competition, outlasting arrival
in sports or games. Those who practice martial
arts or boxing could harness the tenacious energy
in training or sparring. Again, with caution.
Worship of Ganpati and spiritual remedies. Since
Ganesha's energy is prominent, it is highly recommended
to worship Lord Ganesha on any chaturthi, mood
Krishna and shukla paksha, mitigating obstacles.
Every lunar month, Krishna Paksha Chaturthi is
observed as Sankastha Chaturthi. Sankastha means
difficulties or day of fasting and prayer to
Ganapati. To overcome hurdles, performing Ganesha
Puja or chanting Om Ganapataya Nama or reading
sacred texts like Ganesha Artha Visharsha, Artha
Vashirsa, are wonderful activities that align
with the day's obstacle -removing potential.
activities to avoid. Chaturthi being a rikta
tithi or empty tithi is considered inauspicious
for all major auspicious activities. Especially
avoid starting any new ventures, weddings or
big day celebrations on this day. Initiatives
which begin on Chaturthi are believed to face
many obstacles or empty results. That's why rikta
tithi. It is also wise to avoid travelling long
distance or embarking on a journey on a Chaturthi.
Avoid that if possible. It can get riddled with
delays or issues. Postpone signing contracts
or closing on a house or initiating legal cases
on this day unless absolutely necessary. Additionally,
avoid major financial transactions or loans.
The energy of emptiness could make outcomes less
fruitful. Generally, don't do fruitful things
on a rikthiti. Personal grooming that involves
cutting hair, cut, shave is also avoided by tradition
on Chaturthi, in contrast to Tridya. It is said
that cutting hair and nails on Chaturthi can
invite ill health or obstacles. In summary, steer
clear of new beginnings and anything you want
to flourish. This is the day of removal, not
for flourishing. It is better to wait a day or
two before a more favourable Tithi comes in.
Suggested Mindset Perseverance, Caution, Spiritual
Fortitude. On Chaturthi, adopt a problem solvers
mindset. Think deeply, go inward. Take guidance,
tune into Lord Ganesha. He will guide you, I'm
sure of that. Expect some things may not go smoothly
and that's okay. Be patient, methodical like
Ganesha who uses wisdom to overcome obstacles
instead of frustration, cultivate determination
and focus. If obstacles arise, see them as karmic
tests to refine your plans, not as dead ends.
It is an excellent day to practice discernment
or viveka. Identify what needs to be removed
from your life, be that a bad habit, clutter,
toxic pattern and so on. Emotionally, stay calm
and grounded. Yama's influence suggests upholding
discipline and facing fears rather than avoiding
them. Embrace humility and surrender. as outcomes
of the divine in your path. This attitude helps
pacify potentially heavy energies. Devotion to
Lord Ganesha is particularly suggested. Maintain
an attitude of faith that obstacles will clear.
By the end of the day, you may feel cathartic
sense of relief if you have faced issues squarely.
Some dietary tips now. There is a strong tradition
of fasting on Chaturthi to propitiate Ganpati
and reduce tamas or obstacles in one's system.
Typically devotees observe a Vrata or a Sankashti
Chaturthi also called Sankashti. The fourth day
of the veining moon. They fast during the day
and only break fast in the moonrise and after
offering prayers to moon in Ganesha. If you follow
this, you can take fruits or nuts or simple non
-grain food during the day, as per common fast
guidelines. Then have a light meal after sighting
the moon, often including dishes made of prasad,
like modak, favourite of Ganpati, even my favourite.
Even if not doing a strict fast, it is beneficial
to eat light on this day – sattvic foods, fresh
fruits, milk, root vegetables, etc. Many who
do chaturti fasting eat items like potatoes,
sweet potato, peanuts, sabudana, khichdi, if
you are so much fond of Maharashtrian foods.
Avoid heavy grains and meats and alcohol. Heavy
tamasic foods can amplify the dull, challenging
energy. Remember, it's an empty tea, right? So
avoid any tamasic stuff. In Ayurvedic terms,
a light diet keeps you stay mentally clear to
tackle obstacles. That's the idea, basically.
Lord Ganesha is offered modaks, sweet dumplings
and other sweets on this day. You may partake
of this as blessing. Don't overindulge in sweets
or fried snacks common in festival offerings,
especially in India that could cause lethargy.
Remember, the goal is to remove obstacles, including
the health ones. If you faced stress or intensity
during the day and with a calm, warm beverage,
warm milk, pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon and so on,
to soothe the nerves. Fast or eat very simply
is a good tip to follow. That's the general notes.
Now let's get into specifics. Now let's see the
Shukla Chaturthi, the fourth day of the lunar
cycle in a month. Now we are looking at the Shukla
side, the waxing side of the cycle. It's highlighted
there on the pie chart. The Lord is Ganpati,
the beautiful Ganpati, one of my favorite deities.
Fearless removal of obstacles and protection.
Element is air and it is Ganesha, Ganpati. This
is the rikta tithi. Got to understand this concept
folks. Rikta means empty. It is considered inauspicious
for starting certain activities. All the rikta
tithis. What is the rikta tithi? Considered hollow
or void for growth oriented activities. day for
more of reflection. Reflecting upon the void,
if you want. Reduction of ego, for example. Better
for reduction, removal, destruction, austerity
and obstacle removal. Lord Ganpati is said to
be Vigneshwara or the Lord of removing obstacles.
This is why Indians go and pray to Ganpati for
removing their obstacles, whatever at their workplace,
home, family and so on. Which are the other rikta
tithis? And before that, avoid new beginnings
or celebrations on this day. Which are those
rikta tithis? Fourth, chaturthi, we are covering
here now. Later we will be covering the other
ones. Ninth, navami. Fourteenth, chaturdashi.
And so on the Krishna side as well. So, let's
see the energy of the day. Start from the top
there. Watery undercurrents bring challenges
but also purification. Purification happens when
you let go of certain beliefs and attachments,
isn't it? That's the baseline in Vedic teaching
everywhere. Obstacle clearing energy. That's
the energy of this day, Shukla Chaturthi. Visibility
into what hinders progress. You need to examine
carefully. Ganapati is the lord of the mind also,
of buddhi. of mercury if you want in your chart
so you need to sharpen your intellect to see
what's going around preponderance okay ponder
something sit down quietly and ponder something
not to start some outward activity what to do
worship of Ganesha now I have put Ganesha Sahasranama
and meanings once when I was inspired it's there
on this channel if you want to look at what is
Ganpati Sahasranama The best place I have found
to tune into any one of these Vedic deities is
look at their Sahasranama. Chant them. Find out
their meanings from GPT and so on. These days
we have so many tools. Use them. So find out
what Ganesha stands for. Before you get a sort
of honouring, respect, tuning your soul energy,
you have to find out what it means. It's all
told anyway in the Sahasranama. Back to this,
small problem solving tasks, not big chunks,
clearing clutter. Repair work if you have something
in the house is good to do on this day. Spiritual
practices focused on removing blocks. Understand
your blocks. Chaturthi is a day for understanding
your blocks, whatever it may be, your own personality,
external, whatever it may be. Take the advice
and tune into Ganpati. He will show you. What
to avoid? Big life events, weddings, house warming
ceremony or major investments. Avoid these kind
of big life events on this day because it is
empty. It does not have energy for you to provide.
Confrontations that deepen division instead of
solving things. Avoid that. Ignoring subtle warning
signs. This is the day of subtlety. All the rikta
tithis are subtle in their approach. They will
show you quietly as signs, as symbols what is
going wrong, okay? Or whatever problems it is
or issues you are trying to solve in your life
or thinking about. Suggested mindset is patience,
problem -solving and humility. Treat obstacles
as teachers, not enemies. Isn't that a common
thing for all of us? There is nothing really
like an obstacle. It is trying to teach us something.
What that something is, let Ganpati help you
decide that. Invoke Ganesha to guide perception
of hidden blocks. This is one thing people miss.
Even in the Hindus of this day, they say, I'll
go to pray to Ganpati and everything will be
fine. And they go about in their same personality
disorders. That's not going to work. Ganpati
can guide you to do and find out what it is that
is the hidden block. What are the blind spots?
And then you have to do the work here on the
ground. Ganpati is not going to come down and
sit and work for you. It's got better things
to do, alright? Diet, supported diet and what
to avoid? Light satvic meals, especially fruits.
Modakas, favourite offerings to Ganesha, everywhere
in Maharashtra here they will offer. Modaks,
actually one of my favourite fruits, sweets actually.
Favour fresh and water rich foods like melons
and cucumbers. These are highly cleansing. Cucumber
is supposed to be one of the most satvic vegetables
even told by Sadhguru. Use that. Also you can
use the pumpkin, the green one, ash gold, sorry.
Avoid heavy or stale foods that clog the system.
Now you don't want the digestive system clogged
on this day. Otherwise, your mind won't help
you. Even in a general sense, you should avoid
that, isn't it? No clogging the system with unnecessary
heavy bread kind of things. No maida. No refined
flour. That kind of foods to be avoided. Go lighter
on your system. Let's deal with Krishna Chaturthi
and see how that plays out now.