Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi is an auspicious Hindu festival commemorating the Ekadanta form of Lord Ganesha, one of the Ashtavinayaka forms of Ganesha.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Vaishakh (the full moon of the Jyeshtha month) is celebrated as Ekadanta Sankashti.
This year, the festival will be observed on Friday, May 16, 2025, with the expected moonrise timings on Sankashti day at 10:39 PM, as mentioned in the Drik Panchang.
Ekadanta Ganesha translates as ‘Ganesha with one tooth’, and according to Hindu legend, when Ganesha prevented Lord Parashurama from seeing Lord Shiva, Lord Parashurama struck Ganesha with his axe, breaking one of his teeth, which is why he came to be known as Ekadanta.
According to the Ashtavinayaka origin narrative told in Mudgalpuran, Lord Ganesha appeared in the shape of Ekadanta to protect the gods from the evils of a demon named Madasura. Fearful of Lord Ekadanta, Madasura conceded defeat and retired to Patala Loka for good.
This festival is a monthly observance, falling on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the lunar month. On this day, worshipping Lord Ganesha on this auspicious day removes all obstacles and trouble in devotees’ lives.
*Inputs from Drik Panchang