Hindu lord Ganesha, the son of lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, is one of the most worshiped Gods in Hinduism. In this part of the world, that is in Nepal and most of the Indian sub-continent, lord Ganesha is worshiped before doing any auspicious work. Before doing any kind of Pooja, Ganesha is worshipped in the beginning. He is believed as the God who removes one’s obstacles. He is also the embodiment of wisdom and is worshiped by those seeking knowledge and wisdom. In the various forms he manifests himself, he is worshiped as Buddhi Ganapati for better knowledge, Vidya Ganapati for studies, Siddhi Ishwarya Ganapati for wealth, Sankata Nashana Ganapati to remove obstacles and difficulties. He is also the presiding deity of Vastu Shastra and Astrology.
The following are the most commonly performed Ganesha Poojas in the Vedic Hindu tradition.
1. Ganesha Pooja :
This is a standard and a common Ganesha Pooja for removing obstacles and for acquiring general prosperity. It is also performed before starting any auspicious work. After pratisthana and shodasopacharas pooja is done with the astha dravyas and Ganesha Namavali.
2. Ganapati Homam :
The above pooja with 1008 Namavali japa plus 1008 Ganesha Moola mantra recital and Homa performed with 1/10 of the japa number, i.e., 108 Moolamantra recital during homa. It ends with poornahuti and shanti mantras. It is done specifically in your name with your sankalpa, which means your wish.
3. Maha Ganapati Homam :
Total of eight pundits perform this Homam. Ganesha in His eight forms is worshiped with astha dravyas. 1008 moola mantra japa is done by 8 pundits, ie 8×1008 times. Recital of Ganapati Atharva Seersha from Upanishad is done. After that homa is performed with 1/10 number of the recitals. It ends with poornahuti and deeparadhana. It can be done exclusively for you with your sankalpa and you can also book it for a group of people. An very effective homam for removing all obstacles and for all round success.The above pooja with 1008 Namavali japa plus 1008 Ganesha Moola mantra recital and Homa performed with 1/10 of the japa number, i.e., 108 Moolamantra recital during homa. Ends with poornahuti and shanti mantras. It is done specifically in your name with your sankalpa, i.e., your wish.
4. Ganapati Homam for Specific Purpose :
As there are several aspects of Ganapati ruling the various activities of our life, people do Homam of that particular ruling Ganapati for the desired objective. The following three are the most common:
5. Vidya Ganapati homam – This pooja is performed mostly for studies & learning purpose.
6. Aishwarya Ganapati homam – This pooja is primarily for wealth.
7. Sankatahara Ganapati homam – Similarly, this Pooja is performed for removing all obstacles and sins.
