Is it Inauspicious to Look at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi?

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi is considered to be one of the biggest festivals in India. The festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, devotion and austerity. According to Vedic belief, the Lord Ganesha is considered as the symbol of wisdom, knowledge, fortune and prosperity. People worship Lord Ganesha before starting any important or auspicious work or event to ensure success in the same.

Many people believe that we should not look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. The interesting story behind this In case you are not aware of the reason, read this interesting story below.

According to Vedic belief, it is said that the God Chandra, Moon, who is considered to be very handsome and proud of his looks, once tried to make fun of Lord Vighnaharta by doing mockery of his appearance. All these made the Lord Ganesha to punish Chandra, the moon to make him realize his fault and be polite and humble. Therefore, Lord Lambodara cursed Chandra saying that he will not be worshipped by anyone and if anyone will look at the Chandra or the moon, he has to face false allegations and may lose peace of mind.

By hearing this curse, Chandra got devastated and started worshiping Lord Ganesha along with other Gods to appease him. Finally, Lord Ganesha was pleased and relieved him from the curse but with a condition. So, he said people can look at the moon on any day except that day of ‘Bhadrapada Chaturthi’. If anyone dares to look the moon on that particular day, he will have to face the wrath of Lord Ganesha.

Since that day, ‘Bhadrapada Chaturthi’ is celebrated as Vinayak Chavithi or Ganesh Chaturthi. Anyone who looks at the moon on the very auspicious day of Bhadrapada Chaturthi even by mistake, it is advised to worship Lord Ganesha and observe the holy rituals and recite the story of Ganesh Chaturthi in order to get rid of the curse.