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On Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, avoid looking at the moon due to an ancient curse known as Mithya Dosha. Learn the story and mantra to protect yourself.
Ganesha Chaturthi will be celebrated across the country on August 27 this year. (AI generated image)
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India’s most loved festivals, celebrated with devotion, joy, and grand rituals. This year, it will be observed on August 27. According to Hindu belief, Lord Ganesha is the symbol of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and success. That is why he is always worshipped before starting any important task or ceremony.
But there is also an interesting and lesser-known tradition connected with this festival. Elders often say that one should not look at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. The reason behind this belief comes from an ancient story that explains why seeing the moon on this day is considered unlucky.
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Why Seeing the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is Considered Inauspicious
Long ago, the Moon God, Chandra, was known for his beauty and became proud of it. One day, he made fun of Lord Ganesha, mocking his elephant head and round belly. Ganesha, angered by this arrogance, decided to teach him a lesson. He cursed Chandra, saying that anyone who looked at the moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi would face false accusations and be dishonoured, even if innocent.
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This curse was called Mithya Dosha, which means being wrongly blamed for something you didn’t do. Hearing this punishment, Chandra was devastated. His pride disappeared, and he begged for forgiveness. Along with other gods, he worshipped Lord Ganesha to seek mercy.
Ganesha Lifts the Curse, with a Rule
Lord Ganesha, pleased with Chandra’s repentance, softened the curse. He allowed people to look at the moon on all other days except Ganesh Chaturthi.
On this one day, however, anyone who saw the moon would still be at risk of facing false allegations. This is why even today, people avoid looking at the sky on Ganesh Chaturthi night.
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The story of Lord Krishna also connects to this belief. According to legends, Krishna was once falsely accused of stealing a precious jewel called the Syamantaka. Sage Narada explained that this happened because Krishna had accidentally seen the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, which caused him to fall under Mithya Dosha. To remove the curse, Krishna observed a fast and worshipped Ganesha.
How to Avoid Mithya Dosha
Because of this age-old story, it is said that seeing the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi can bring false accusations and dishonour.
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If someone accidentally sees it, they are advised to pray to Lord Ganesha and recite the Mithya Dosha prevention mantra:
सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः॥
Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah।
Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah॥
By chanting this mantra and performing the holy rituals, it is believed that one can be freed from the curse.
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te…Read More
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te… Read More
