• Source:JND

Do you know it is considered inauspicious to see the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi? It may sound surprising, but it's true. It is believed that if anyone looks at the moon on this occasion or even worships it, they will be falsely accused even if they are innocent.

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi according to the Hindu lunar calendar, marking the fourth day of the waxing moon phase in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, this occasion is being celebrated on 14th September, 2026. On this day, the god of wisdom, prosperity and remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha, lives in the homes of devotees for at least ten days. People celebrate his homecoming with great pomp and show.

According to Hindu traditions, gazing at the moon is not considered auspicious on Ganesh Chaturthi. Let's understand why it is prohibited and what happens if someone sees the moon.

Why Should You Not See The Moon On Ganesh Chaturthi?

The curse of Lord Ganesha on the Moon God is primarily recorded in the Ganesha Purana (specifically in the Upasana Kanda, Chapter 62) and also appears in the Mudgala Purana (Khanda 4, Chapter 6). According to this, once Lord Ganesha was on his way after attending a great feast on his mouse. During his journey, the mouse stumbled on a stone, due to which Lord Ganesha fell and his food was scattered. He then gathered himself and picked up the food. Seeing this, the Moon God or Lord Chandra, started laughing at Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganesha got very furious at being mocked, so he cursed the moon to disappear from the sky, making it invisible and causing it to lose its shine and significance.

Moon God immediately realised his mistake and asked for forgiveness. Seeing the sincere apology, Lord Ganesha forgave him. However, the curse laid upon him could not be reversed; therefore, he told the Moon that you will disappear but would start to reappear slowly in 15 days. But there would be no moon for one day.

Lord Ganesha further added that since you made fun of me on Chaturthi, those who will look at you on Chaturthi would face problems in their lives.

lord ganesha curse

According to Hindu traditions, gazing at the moon is not considered auspicious on Ganesh Chaturthi (Image: Pexels)

ALSO READ: 40+ Lord Ganesha Names To Chant During Ganesh Visarjan

What Happens If You See Moon On Ganesh Chaturthi?

If someone looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, then they are believed to be cursed with Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank, which means a false accusation of stealing something.

According to popular legends, Lord Krishna was cursed with Mithya Dosha as he saw the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. This theory came from when Sage Narada informed him why he was falsely accused of stealing a precious jewel named Syamantaka.

never look at the moon

If someone looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, then they are believed to be cursed with Mithya Dosham (Image: Pexels)

How To Get Rid Of This Curse?

To get rid of the curse, one should chant the following mantra:

सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः॥

Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah।
Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah॥

Apart from this, the following remedies are also helpful:

  • One traditional remedy is to read the Syamantaka katha, as it is believed to lift the curse.
  • Ask for forgiveness from the Lord Ganesha idol at home before the evening Ganpati decoration and puja.

ALSO READ: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: September 14 Or 13? Know Puja Muhurat, Visarjan Time And Bhadra Kaal

Thus, avoiding the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely superstition but a reminder of respect, humility, and the moral lessons drawn from divine stories. However, according to scriptures, if one looks at the moon, one can easily nullify its effects by following certain remedies.

FAQs

1. What rituals can be performed if someone accidentally sees the moon during Ganesh Chaturthi?

Reciting the Syamantaka katha or offering specific prayers to Lord Ganesha, are some remedies that can be performed if someone accidentally sees the moon during Ganesh Chaturthi.

2. Does this tradition apply to all forms of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations?

What is the specific mythological story behind avoiding the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

According to scriptures, Lord Ganesha cursed the Moon God because of his arrogant and prideful nature. He told that whoever sees the mon on Chaturthi will be falsely accused even being innocent.

 


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