Ganesh Chaturthi and Mithya Dosham

Mithya Kalank or Mithya Dosham means false accusation for wrongdoing (such as stealing).

Ganesh Chaturthi and Mithya Dosham

Mithya Dosham, also known as Mithya Kalank or Kalanki Chand, refers to the false accusation of stealing. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that looking at the moon on the Chaturthi after the new moon (Amavasya) in the month of Bhadrapada can bring about a curse.

Myth Related to Mithya Dosham

The myth states that anyone who gazes at the moon on Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadrapada will be wrongly accused of theft due to Lord Ganesha's curse on Chandra Bhagwan (Moon God). The duration during which moon sighting should be avoided depends on the starting time of Chaturthi. Even if Chaturthi ends before the moon sets, it is still advised to refrain from seeing the moon, as scriptures state that the moon that rises during Chaturthi should not be observed.

The tradition of not sighting the moon on the auspicious day of Ganesha Chaurthi is believed to bring about Mithya Kalank, which refers to the false accusation of theft or stealing against the person who happens to see the moon on this day. Although it may be considered a myth, the custom of abstaining from moon sighting on Chaurthi continues to be followed till this day. The duration of abstaining from moon sighting is determined by the beginning and end of Chaurthi, as per the Hindu Calendar. It is crucial to note that even if Chaurthi concludes before moonset, the moon that appeared during Chaurthi should not be observed.

Nevertheless, if the moon of Chaturthi is sighted, the individual involved should either listen to or recite the 'Story of Syamantaka Jewel'.