How to take a sankalp for a vrat or puja: a simple method and example
Quick answer: A sankalp is a formal statement of intent before God: which vrat or puja you are doing, for how long and with what intention. After bathing, hold a little water, akshat (rice) and a flower in your right hand, say your name, gotra (if known), place, date and purpose, then let the water fall to the ground or into a plate. If you don't know Sanskrit, a sankalp in your own language is accepted too.
At a glance
- When
- On the morning of the vrat after bathing, at the start of puja
- In the hand
- Water, akshat, a flower (sometimes a coin)
- Hand
- Right hand
- Language
- Sanskrit or your own language
How to take a sankalp, step by step
- Bathe, wear clean clothes and sit at the shrine facing east or north.
- Light a lamp and remember Ganesh ji.
- Take a little water, some akshat and one flower in your right hand.
- Say your name, gotra (if known), your city, today's tithi or day, and the name and purpose of the vrat or puja.
- Then gently let the water, rice and flower fall to the ground or into a plate.
- Now begin the puja or vrat.
A simple example
'O Lord, I, [your name], of [gotra] gotra, in [city], on this day [tithi/day], take a sankalp to keep the [name of vrat] vrat properly, as far as I am able, for your pleasure and to purify my mind. Give me the strength to complete it.'
Those who take the sankalp in Sanskrit should learn the correct wording from a priest; it also mentions the samvat (year), month, paksha and tithi.
Do
- Take only a vow you can truly keep, for example a fruit fast instead of a waterless one.
- For a series of vows (such as 16 Mondays), take the sankalp for the whole series on the first day.
- If you don't know your gotra, a common custom is to say 'Kashyap gotra', or simply say your name.
Don't
- Don't take a vow for show or under pressure from others.
- Don't take a harsh vow that puts your health at risk; if you are ill, pregnant or elderly, ask a doctor first.
- If a vow breaks after the sankalp, don't panic; ask God's forgiveness and complete it next time.
The words of a sankalp differ by family, region and priest. This is a simple version; adapt it to your tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Which hand is used for a sankalp?
The sankalp is taken holding water, rice and a flower in the right hand.
Can I take a sankalp in Hindi or English?
Yes. The intention matters most; a sincere sankalp in your own language is accepted.
What if I don't know my gotra?
By custom people say 'Kashyap gotra', or you can simply say your name.
What if I break the vrat after taking a sankalp?
Ask God's forgiveness. Many families keep the vrat again next time or give in charity. You can ask your priest.