Introduction
Every month, millions of devotees across India and beyond observe the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat with deep faith. They fast, worship Lord Ganesha, listen to vrat katha, and wait for moonrise before breaking their fast. The belief is simple yet powerful — that this vrat removes obstacles, grants success, and brings peace into life.
But an important question arises:
Are the benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi vrat real spiritual solutions, or are they temporary emotional comforts rooted in tradition?
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji, while such fasts may provide short-term mental satisfaction, they do not lead to permanent peace, freedom from suffering, or salvation. He teaches that only correct worship based on true spiritual knowledge (Tatvgyan) can grant lasting benefits.
This article explores the traditional beliefs surrounding Sankashti Chaturthi vrat, examines its perceived benefits, and presents the deeper spiritual truth as explained by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji — supported by scriptural reasoning and logical reflection.
What Is Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat?
Sankashti Chaturthi falls on the fourth lunar day of Krishna Paksha every month. The term Sankashti means “deliverance from troubles,” and devotees observe this fast to overcome difficulties in life.
The vrat generally includes:
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Fasting from sunrise to moonrise
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Worshipping Lord Ganesha
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Reciting Sankashti vrat katha
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Offering sweets like modak
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Breaking the fast after seeing the moon
People believe this vrat grants success in exams, business, health recovery, family peace, and removal of obstacles.
However, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji encourages seekers to move beyond belief and ask:
Do these benefits have scriptural support, or are they based on tradition and emotional experience?
Why Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Is Popular
The vrat is popular because:
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It is easy to observe once a month
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It is linked with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles
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It gives emotional hope during difficult times
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Families and communities encourage it
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Many people feel temporary relief after observing it
Human beings naturally seek comfort during hardship. Ritual fasting gives a sense of control, discipline, and faith. But Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji explains that spiritual truth must be measured by scripture and lasting impact, not only by emotion or tradition.
Commonly Claimed Benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat
Devotees believe the vrat offers:
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Removal of life obstacles
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Career and business success
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Health improvement
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Family harmony
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Mental peace
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Fulfillment of wishes
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Protection from misfortune
These claims are widespread and deeply rooted in popular belief. But Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji challenges seekers to reflect:
If these benefits were permanent and spiritually complete, why do the same problems return again and again despite years of fasting and rituals?
Temporary Relief vs. Permanent Solution
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji explains that fasting and rituals may bring:
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Emotional satisfaction
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Psychological relief
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Temporary confidence
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A sense of devotion
But they cannot eliminate karmic bondage, which is the root cause of suffering in human life.
Just as painkillers reduce pain but do not cure disease, ritual fasts may reduce emotional stress but cannot remove the spiritual cause of repeated suffering — ignorance of true worship.
Thus, according to him, the benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi vrat are temporary comforts, not permanent solutions.
Does Scripture Support Vrat-Based Worship?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji emphasizes that true worship must be based on scriptural evidence, not tradition alone.
He refers to teachings from holy texts which state that God desires:
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Devotion through remembrance
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Obedience to His command
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Correct spiritual knowledge
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Guidance from a true spiritual teacher
Scriptures do not command fasting or physical suffering as a method for salvation. Instead, they emphasize true knowledge, correct devotion, and surrender to the Supreme God.
Thus, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji concludes that vrat-based worship lacks scriptural authority for granting liberation or permanent peace.
Is Lord Ganesha Worship Wrong?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji does not disrespect Lord Ganesha or any deity. He explains that all divine beings have their own roles within creation and deserve respect.
However, scriptures clearly differentiate between:
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Supreme God, who grants salvation
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Deities, who govern specific worldly functions
Worship of deities, including Lord Ganesha, may offer limited worldly benefits but cannot grant permanent liberation from birth and death.
Therefore, while Sankashti Chaturthi vrat is not sinful, it is incomplete for those seeking ultimate spiritual success.
Why Do Problems Continue Despite Regular Fasting?
Many devotees sincerely ask:
“I fast every Sankashti Chaturthi. Why do my problems still continue?”
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji explains that:
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Past karmas remain active
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Incorrect worship cannot destroy karmic bondage
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Emotional devotion without knowledge lacks power
Without correct spiritual knowledge and method, suffering reduces temporarily but inevitably returns.
Faith Alone Is Not Enough
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches:
Faith without correct knowledge is like a blindfolded traveler walking with confidence — sincere, but directionless.
True devotion must be supported by:
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Scriptural understanding
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Correct worship method
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Guidance of a true saint
Without these, worship remains incomplete.
Who Is the Supreme God According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji?
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji, the Supreme God is:
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Eternal
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Birthless
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Deathless
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Beyond karma
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Ruler of all universes
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Giver of complete salvation
He identifies this Supreme God as Kabir Sahib, as described in various scriptures.
He teaches that only Supreme God worship can grant liberation, while deity worship offers temporary worldly relief.
What Is True Worship According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji?
True worship includes:
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Receiving spiritual initiation from a Tatvdarshi Saint
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Chanting correct mantras revealed in scriptures
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Living a moral, disciplined life
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Avoiding violence, intoxication, dishonesty, and immorality
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Practicing devotion with humility and consistency
This worship focuses on inner remembrance, not external rituals.
Why True Worship Is Rare Today
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji explains that:
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People follow tradition without questioning
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Scriptural study has declined
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Rituals have replaced knowledge
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Commercial spirituality dominates
As a result, true worship remains hidden from most seekers.
Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat: A Ritual or a Reflection?
Instead of viewing Sankashti Chaturthi vrat only as a fasting day, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji urges seekers to use it as a reflection day, asking:
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Is my worship based on scripture?
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Do I know the identity of the Supreme God?
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Is my devotion leading to lasting peace?
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Am I moving toward liberation or remaining in cycles of suffering?
He explains that festivals and fasts should awaken spiritual inquiry, not replace it.
Psychological Benefits of Fasting
It is important to acknowledge that fasting may bring:
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Mental discipline
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Emotional calm
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Focused intention
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Temporary peace
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji does not deny these effects. However, he clarifies that psychological comfort is not spiritual liberation.
Does God Want Us to Suffer Hunger?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji rejects the idea that God enjoys human suffering. He explains:
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God does not desire hunger or bodily pain
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God desires obedience, remembrance, and love
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God wants souls to be free from suffering, not burdened by rituals
True worship is not about hardship but about correct devotion.
Why Rituals Cannot Destroy Karma
Karma operates according to spiritual law. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches that karmic bondage can only be destroyed through:
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Correct spiritual knowledge
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God-given mantras
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Guidance of a true saint
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Supreme God worship
Physical acts like fasting cannot erase karmic debt, just as bathing cannot clean internal disease.
Real-Life Experiences Shared by Followers
Followers of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji report improvements such as:
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Recovery from illness
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Relief from family conflicts
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Freedom from addictions
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Financial stability
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Deep mental peace
While experiences vary, these testimonies suggest the potential impact of scripturally guided worship.
Can One Respect Tradition and Still Seek Truth?
Yes. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches that respect for tradition is valuable, but truth-seeking is more important than habit-following.
One can honor culture while also questioning whether practices lead to the ultimate purpose of human life — salvation.
The Ultimate Goal Is Liberation, Not Ritual Success
Most people focus on performing rituals perfectly. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches that the true goal is:
Freedom from birth, death, suffering, and ignorance — and union with the Supreme God.
Without correct worship, rituals become endless repetition without destination.
How to Begin the Path of True Worship
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji suggests:
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Study holy scriptures deeply
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Seek guidance from a Tatvdarshi Saint
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Verify spiritual teachings logically
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Accept correct mantra initiation
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Live ethically and compassionately
This journey transforms inner awareness without requiring abandonment of worldly responsibilities.
Final Reflection: Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat — Truth or Illusion?
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji, Sankashti Chaturthi vrat is not sinful, but it is spiritually incomplete. While it may provide emotional comfort and temporary peace, it cannot:
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Destroy karmic bondage
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Grant permanent happiness
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Free the soul from rebirth
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Lead to salvation
True and lasting benefits come only through:
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Correct spiritual knowledge
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Scriptural worship
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Guidance of a true saint
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Devotion to the Supreme God
Without these, fasting remains symbolic rather than transformative.
Conclusion
Sankashti Chaturthi vrat offers a moment of devotion, discipline, and reflection. However, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji teaches that ritual fasting cannot replace true worship based on scripture and divine knowledge.
Instead of asking:
“Will my vrat remove my problems?”
One should ask:
“Am I worshipping according to God’s true instruction?”
According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji, the answer to this question determines not only temporary peace — but eternal destiny.
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