Across India and among Hindu communities worldwide, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed with great devotion. Millions of people fast, perform rituals, chant prayers, and worship Lord Ganesha with the belief that this vrat (fast) removes obstacles, brings prosperity, and solves life’s problems. The very word “Sankashti” means freedom from difficulties, while “Chaturthi” refers to the fourth day of the lunar fortnight.
But an important question arises —
Does Sankashti Chaturthi truly provide permanent solutions to human suffering, or is its benefit limited to temporary mental peace and hope?
According to the spiritual teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, while sincere devotion is noble, not every method of worship leads to complete liberation, lasting peace, or freedom from birth and death. He explains that only true devotion based on authentic spiritual knowledge can deliver real salvation and lasting happiness.
This article explores:
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The traditional meaning of Sankashti Chaturthi
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Popular beliefs and rituals
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Their limitations according to spiritual scriptures
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Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s explanation of the true path of devotion
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What is the real solution to human suffering
What Is Sankashti Chaturthi?
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every month on the fourth day after the full moon (Krishna Paksha Chaturthi). Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise and worship Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
Some popular beliefs associated with this vrat include:
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Relief from financial difficulties
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Success in education and career
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Protection from misfortune
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Fulfillment of desires
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Mental peace and stability
Special Sankashti Chaturthi days like Angaraki Chaturthi (when it falls on a Tuesday) are considered even more auspicious and attract large crowds in temples.
Sankashti Chaturthi Meaning in Hindi
In Hindi, Sankashti Chaturthi is understood as:
“संकट से मुक्ति दिलाने वाला व्रत”
(A fast that frees one from troubles)
People believe that sincere worship of Lord Ganesha on this day removes obstacles from life and brings happiness.
But Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj raises a deeper question:
“क्या यह समाधान अस्थायी है या स्थायी?”
(Is this solution temporary or permanent?)
Why Do People Observe Sankashti Chaturthi?
Human life is filled with uncertainty — illness, financial problems, relationship issues, stress, fear of death, and emotional pain. When logic, medicine, and material solutions fail, people naturally turn toward God.
Sankashti Chaturthi offers:
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A sense of hope
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Emotional comfort
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Social bonding through collective worship
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Discipline through fasting
These psychological and social benefits are real. But do they address the root cause of suffering?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that:
Temporary relief does not equal permanent liberation.
To understand this, we must explore the deeper spiritual meaning of human existence.
The Root Cause of Human Suffering
According to ancient scriptures and spiritual wisdom, the true cause of suffering is not external problems but:
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Repeated birth and death
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Accumulated karmic bondage
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Ignorance of the true Supreme God
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Incorrect method of worship
No matter how wealthy, successful, or powerful someone becomes, suffering eventually returns in some form — disease, aging, separation, or death.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that:
Until a soul attains true salvation (moksha), no worldly ritual can offer lasting peace.
What Do Scriptures Say About Worship?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj bases his teachings on:
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Holy Vedas
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Bhagavad Gita
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Puranas
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Bible
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Quran
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Guru Granth Sahib
He explains that all scriptures speak of one Supreme Power, beyond limited deities and ritual-based worship.
For example, the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 7, Verse 20–23) states that:
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Those who worship demigods receive limited, temporary results.
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Only worship of the Supreme God leads to ultimate benefit.
This does not insult or reject deities like Lord Ganesha but clarifies that:
They are respected divine beings, not the Supreme Creator who grants eternal liberation.
Is Sankashti Chaturthi Worship Wrong?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj does not condemn devotion or faith. Instead, he explains that:
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Worship done with sincerity always gives some result.
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But partial truth cannot give complete liberation.
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Ritual fasting without correct spiritual knowledge remains incomplete.
Just as taking the wrong medicine may give temporary relief but not cure the disease, similarly:
Incomplete worship cannot eliminate the cycle of birth and death.
Therefore, Sankashti Chaturthi worship is not sinful, but it is insufficient for achieving the highest spiritual goal.
Lord Ganesha’s True Position According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
In popular belief, Lord Ganesha is considered the first deity to be worshipped and the remover of obstacles. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that Lord Ganesha is a highly respected divine soul with specific cosmic responsibilities.
However:
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He is not the Supreme God
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He himself receives power from the Supreme Creator
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His role is administrative, not liberating
Therefore, worshipping Lord Ganesha can bring worldly benefits, but:
Only worship of the Supreme God can grant salvation and eternal peace.
Why Do Rituals Feel Effective?
Many people experience positive outcomes after Sankashti Chaturthi fasting:
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Problems seem to reduce
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Confidence increases
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Emotional strength improves
This happens because:
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Faith strengthens the mind
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Discipline improves self-control
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Positive thinking enhances decision-making
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Collective belief creates motivation
However, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains:
Psychological benefit is not spiritual liberation.
Temporary relief does not remove karmic bondage, nor does it end rebirth.
Temporary Results vs. Permanent Solution
Let us compare:
| Ritual Worship | True Devotion (as per Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj) |
|---|---|
| Provides temporary peace | Provides permanent liberation |
| Solves some worldly problems | Ends the cycle of birth and death |
| Based on tradition | Based on scripture evidence |
| Emotion-based | Knowledge-based |
| External ritual | Internal transformation |
Sankashti Chaturthi belongs to the first category — useful for emotional strength but not the ultimate solution.
What Is the Real Solution According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that the real solution to all human suffering is:
Correct worship of the Supreme God Kabir, as described in all major scriptures, through the guidance of a complete spiritual master.
He explains that:
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God Kabir is the creator of all universes
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He alone is immortal, omnipotent, and supreme
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Only His worship grants liberation (moksha)
This worship is:
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Not ritualistic
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Not costly
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Not based on fasting, pilgrimage, or idol worship
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Based on correct mantras, true spiritual knowledge, and disciplined living
What Is True Bhakti (Devotion)?
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, true bhakti includes:
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Correct Knowledge
Understanding who God truly is and what scriptures actually say. -
Correct Method of Worship
Worship taught by a complete Guru, not self-created rituals. -
Moral Living
Truthfulness, compassion, humility, non-violence, purity. -
Service Without Ego
Helping others selflessly. -
Regular Naam Jaap (Mantra Practice)
Chanting the true name of God as given by a true Guru.
Without these five elements, devotion remains incomplete.
Why Fasting Alone Cannot Grant Liberation
Fasting disciplines the body but:
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Does not destroy karmic bondage
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Does not eliminate ignorance
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Does not grant spiritual knowledge
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Does not free the soul from rebirth
Scriptures clearly state that:
Salvation is attained not by hunger but by knowledge-based devotion.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasizes:
God does not want physical suffering; He wants correct devotion.
Sankashti Chaturthi in Today’s Society
In modern times, Sankashti Chaturthi has become:
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A family tradition
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A cultural identity
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A social gathering
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A psychological support system
While these aspects are positive, they often distract from the deeper purpose of human life:
To realize God and attain eternal peace.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj urges people not to blindly abandon tradition, but to:
Upgrade devotion from ritual to reality-based spirituality.
What Happens Without True Devotion?
Without correct worship:
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Souls continue cycling through birth and death
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Suffering reappears in different forms
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No matter how much wealth, fame, or power one gains, inner emptiness remains
Even heaven (swarg) is temporary according to scriptures.
True liberation lies beyond heaven and hell — in Satlok, the eternal abode of God Kabir.
The Concept of Satlok According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that:
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Satlok is the eternal, sorrow-free, disease-free realm
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There is no aging, death, fear, or suffering
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Every soul there remains in permanent bliss
This is the ultimate destination of the soul — not repeated rebirth on Earth or temporary pleasures in heavenly worlds.
Sankashti Chaturthi worship cannot grant access to Satlok because:
It does not follow the complete method described in scriptures.
Why Has True Knowledge Been Forgotten?
Over time:
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Symbolic teachings replaced original meanings
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Rituals replaced knowledge
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Tradition replaced scripture evidence
As a result:
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People believe God is pleased by fasting and offerings alone
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True devotion became diluted
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Spiritual goals became worldly goals
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s mission is to:
Restore original spiritual knowledge through evidence from holy scriptures.
Is It Necessary to Leave Traditions?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj does not force people to abandon cultural practices. Instead, he teaches:
Culture and spirituality are different.
One can:
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Respect festivals
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Celebrate traditions
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Honor deities
But for salvation, one must adopt:
Correct worship of the Supreme God.
Thus, Sankashti Chaturthi may continue as cultural devotion, but:
It should not be mistaken for the final spiritual solution.
Real-Life Transformation Through True Knowledge
Millions of followers of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj testify to:
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Freedom from addictions
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Reduction in fear and anxiety
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Moral transformation
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Family harmony
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Inner peace and confidence
More importantly:
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They gain clarity about life’s purpose
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They experience spiritual satisfaction
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They feel hope for eternal liberation
These transformations arise not from ritual fasting but from:
Knowledge-based devotion.
Why Do People Still Feel Unsatisfied After Ritual Worship?
Many devotees ask:
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“Why do problems return even after years of fasting?”
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“Why do tragedies still occur?”
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“Why does peace not last?”
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains:
Because the root cause — ignorance of true God — remains unremoved.
Until the soul reconnects with its Supreme Source, suffering continues.
What Is the Ultimate Goal of Human Life?
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj:
The ultimate goal of human life is not success, wealth, fame, or even heaven — it is liberation from the cycle of birth and death and eternal residence in Satlok.
Every human birth is precious because:
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Only humans can attain salvation
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Only humans can practice true devotion
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Only humans can understand spiritual knowledge
Wasting this opportunity in ritual-only devotion is:
A spiritual loss.
How to Begin the True Spiritual Path?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj advises seekers to:
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Study authentic scriptures with correct interpretation
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Understand who the Supreme God truly is
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Seek a complete spiritual master
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Receive true Naam initiation
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Live a disciplined, moral, and devotional life
This path does not demand wealth, caste, status, or rituals — only sincerity and truth-seeking.
Sankashti Chaturthi — A Starting Point, Not the Destination
Sankashti Chaturthi can:
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Inspire devotion
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Build discipline
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Strengthen faith
But Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains:
It should be the starting point of spiritual inquiry, not the final destination.
Instead of asking:
“Will this fast solve my problems?”
One should ask:
“What is the correct way to attain permanent peace and salvation?”
The True Meaning of Sankashti Chaturthi
Traditionally, Sankashti means “removal of troubles.”
But Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj redefines it spiritually:
True Sankashti (freedom from suffering) is freedom from birth, death, disease, and karma — not just temporary worldly problems.
And this freedom is possible only through:
True worship of the Supreme God Kabir.
Conclusion: Ritual or Reality?
Sankashti Chaturthi is a respected and meaningful tradition. It reflects humanity’s eternal longing for divine help, protection, and peace. However, according to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, rituals alone cannot grant the ultimate solution to life’s deepest problems.
Temporary comfort is not eternal liberation.
Emotional relief is not spiritual freedom.
Tradition is not truth unless supported by scripture.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj invites every sincere seeker to move beyond ritual worship and explore knowledge-based devotion — the path that leads not just to relief from obstacles, but to complete salvation and eternal peace.
The real question is not:
“Is Sankashti Chaturthi meaningful?”
The real question is:
“Is my worship leading me toward permanent freedom or temporary comfort?”
True spirituality begins when one dares to ask this question — and seeks answers through authentic knowledge, not inherited tradition alone.
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