Story of Angarak Chaturthi

1- Birth of Bhauma

Once Lord Shiva was observed in deep meditation. Cold winds blew around. The mountains were snow covered. But Shiva's internal fury supersedes the frosty weather. He became drenched in sweat. While He continued to stay in his meditation, some drops of is divine sweat fell on the ground. The drops gathered Shiva's fury and vital force. They took form of a child as they touched the Earth. The child bore a deep fiery red color. 

Since the child was born after getting in touch with the Earth, Lord Shiva put the child in Earth's cradle. The Earth desired her son to be vitreous. She went to Sage Bhardwaja and narrated the story of birth of this child. She asked the meritorious Sage Bhardwaj to take the child in his guidance and preach him.

Sage Bhardwaj accepted the child. He named him Bhauma which means the son of Earth. Bhauma came to kwown as the son of son of Sage Bharadwaj and Goddess Prithvi (Earth). He received learning from his father.

2 - Bhauma Performs Penance to Please Ganesha

Sage Bharadwaj was a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Following his father, Sage Angarak became very learned and began worshipping Lord Ganesha. He became deeply enchanted by the charm of this elephant headed God and eventually decided to please Lord Ganesha to get his divine vision and blessings.

Sage Bhradwaja preached Ganesh Mantra to Bhauma. He advised Bhauma to perform austerities on the banks of River Narmada to invoke Lord Ganesha. 

Bhauma performed austerities with a true heart to please Lord Ganesha. After years of penance, Lord Ganesha appeared before him. This happened on the fourth day of waning moon in the Lunar month of Magh. By divine's will, it was a Tuesday.

Bhauma was elated to receive vision of Lord Ganesha. He prostrated before the God and humbly gratified Him for appearing before him.

Bhauma said, "O Great Ganesha, my birth, my life, both have succeeded by your divine vision".

Lord Ganesha was extremely pleased by selfless devotion of Sage. He said, " Bhauma, I bless you to be always blissful. Ask me for a boon - for I cannot return without bestowing you what you desire".

Bhauma said, "O Ganesha, I am a mere mortal. I cannot match your divine standing and eternity. However, my only wish is that my name comes to be associated with Your divine name forever".

Lord Ganesha granted the boon sought by Bhauma. He said, "Bhauma, you will be known as Angarak by virtue of your body color. You shall gain fame as a learned Sage. You shall be the presiding deity of Planet Mars (Mangal Graha) which is worshipped on Tuesdays. Henceforth, the Sankashthi Chaturthi which falls on a Tuesday shall be known as Angarak Chaturthi. People who observe fast on the day of Angarak Chaturthi shall be more blessed".