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.
Ganesha Pooja
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
- Vidya Ganapati homam – This pooja is performed mostly for studies & learning purpose.
- Aishwarya Ganapati homam – This pooja is primarily for wealth.
- Sankatahara Ganapati homam – Similarly, this Pooja is performed for removing all obstacles and sins.
Ganesh Puja: Significance, Process, Samagri, and Mantras
Significance of Ganesh Puja
Ganesh Puja, also known as Ganapati Puja or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a vital Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. As the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is worshipped at the start of new ventures and important ceremonies. His blessings are believed to ensure success, prosperity, and the smooth progression of endeavors, making this puja an integral part of Hindu culture.
Brief Introduction
Ganesh Puja is a revered ritual in Hinduism, marking the worship of Lord Ganesha. The most significant celebration occurs during Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival beginning on the fourth day of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada. This puja can be performed at home, in temples, or at community gatherings, each process brimming with devotion and traditional rituals aimed at seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings.
Puja Process
The process of Ganesh Puja involves meticulous rituals that honor and invoke the deity:
- Purification (Achamana and Sankalpa): The puja begins with self-purification and the surrounding environment. Devotees take a ceremonial sip of water (Achamana) and make a vow (Sankalpa) to perform the puja with devotion.
- Invocation (Avahana): The deity is invoked into the idol or image of Lord Ganesha by chanting specific mantras, welcoming his divine presence.
- Offering of Seats (Asana): Lord Ganesha is offered a symbolic seat, often made from rice or flowers, inviting him to take his place.
- Offering Water (Padyam, Arghyam, and Achamanam): Water is offered to Lord Ganesha to wash his feet, hands, and face, signifying purification.
- Bathing the Deity (Abhishekam): The idol is ceremonially bathed with substances like milk, curd, honey, ghee, and water, symbolizing sanctification.
- Dressing the Deity (Vastra and Alankara): The idol is adorned with new clothes and decorations, signifying respect and devotion.
- Offering Fragrances and Flowers (Gandha and Pushpa): Fragrant items like sandalwood paste and flowers are offered to please the deity.
- Offering Food (Naivedya): Various food items, including sweets like Modak, believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite, are offered.
- Aarti and Prayers: The puja concludes with the Aarti, a devotional song, and the distribution of Prasad (blessed food) among the devotees.
Puja Samagri (Items Required for the Puja)
For a successful Ganesh Puja, the following items are essential:
- Ganesh idol or picture
- Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- Vermilion (Kumkum)
- Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
- Camphor (Kapoor)
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Fresh flowers and garlands
- Fruits and sweets, especially Modak
- Coconuts
- Rice grains
- Durva grass (a special type of grass)
- Lamps (Diyas) and ghee
- Holy water (preferably from the Ganges)
Mantras for Ganesh Puja
Reciting mantras is a crucial aspect of Ganesh Puja, invoking Lord Ganesha’s divine blessings. Key mantras include:
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Ganesh Invocation Mantra:
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Translation: O Lord with a curved trunk and mighty body, who has the radiance of a million suns, please remove all obstacles in my work, always.
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Ganesh Gayatri Mantra:
Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya Dheemahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayat
Translation: We meditate on the one-tusked Lord. We contemplate the one with a curved trunk. May the tusked one guide us on the right path.
