There are two different versions about Ganesha’s birth. One has it that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of dirt off her body while having a bath and set him to guard her door while she finishes her bath. Shiva who has gone out, returned at that time, but as Ganesha didn’t know of him, stopped him from entering. An angry Shiva severed the head of Ganesha after a combat between the two. Parvati was enraged and Shiva promised Ganesha will live again. The devas who went in search of a head facing north of a dead person could manage only the head of an elephant. Shiva fixed the elephant’s head on the child and brought him back to life.
The other legend has it that Ganesha was created by Shiva and Parvati on request of the Devas, to be a vighnakartaa (obstacle-creator) in the path of rakshasas (demonic beings), and a vighnahartaa (obstacle-averter) to help the Devas.
Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
The auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much joy in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Out of all the stories that are linked with the history of this festival, the most relevant one is associated with his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Goddess Parvati created little Ganesh using the dirt off her body while having a bath and sent him to guard the door while she was bathing. Lord Shiva, who had gone out, returned at that time. Unknowingly, little Ganesh stopped him from entering. An enraged Lord Shiva severed the head of the little child after a heated argument. Looking at an angered and vexed Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva promised her to give Ganesh a new life. The followers were sent to search for a head; however all they could bring was a head of an elephant. Lord Shiva fixed the elephant’s head on the child and brought him back to life. That’s how he was named Gajanan.
How do We Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?
Two-three months before the festival, beautiful clay models of Lord Ganesh are made by skilled artisans and sold in the markets. These beautiful statues depict Lord Ganesh in various poses. On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, these statues are brought home with lot of excitement. For the next 10 days, localities witness beautiful pandals with huge statues of Ganesh. The priests in every pandal perform four main holy rituals- first being Pranapratishhtha to invoke life into the statues amidst the chanting of sacred verses. The ritual is then followed by Shhodashopachara- 16 forms of paying tribute to the Lord. Next one is Uttarpuja, which is a puja in which the idol could be shifted from one place to another and the last ritual is Ganpati Visarjan, which is the immersion of the idol in water. The visarjan is followed by loud chanting of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudcha Varshi Lokar Ya”, which means ‘Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year.’
What are the idols made of?
The initial idols were made of mud but over time, Plaster of Paris (POP) became quite common. However, the latter pollutes the rivers and clogs water sources and contains harmful levels of mercury and cadmium. With growing awareness, a lot of people are now opting for eco-friendly idols made of easily dissolvable soil, coconut husk, fish friendly foods, and plant seeds.
What Should be Offered as Prasad and Bhog
Sweets and savories like modak, jaggery and coconut are offered to the deity. It is believed that Lord Ganesh loved modak which is a sweet dumpling made from rice flour mixed with coconut and jaggery. The plate containing modak is supposed to be filled with 21 pieces of the sweet, while offering it to the idol as Bhog.
Why is Moon Sighting Prohibited on Ganesh Chaturthi?
As legend has it, anyone who sees the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi creates Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank for the person. According to the Puranic beliefs, Lord Krishna was fallaciously accused of stealing the precious jewel Syamantaka as he had sighted the moon on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, because of which he was cursed with this false accusation. It was then, Lord Narada informed Lord Krishna that Lord Ganesh had cursed Chandra (moon) that whoever would sight the moon on this day will be cursed with Mithya Dosham and would be dishonoured in the society.
Puja Samagri
- Murti (Clay model of Ganpati)
- Kumkum (Red powder)
- Ganesh Patri (Sacred leaves)
- Haldi (Turmeric)
- Flowers
- 5 Types of Fruits (Mango, Banana, Apple, Orange, Grapes, Pear, and Peach)
- Nariyal (Coconut)
- Supari (Betalnut)
- Panchamrut (Mixture of Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugar, Ghee)
- Laung (Cloves)
- Elaichi (Green Cardamom)
- Chandan (Sandal)
- Mauli (Red Holy Thread)
- Kapur (Camphor)
- Sindoor (Vermilion)
- Gangajal (Scared water of Ganges)
- Gulab jal ( Rose water)
- Janeu (Sacred thread)
- Gulal (Pink Powder)
- Chawal (Rice)
- Gnehu (Wheat)
- Navrathna Oil
- Kalash made of Silver, Copper or Stainless Steel (Water jug)
- Mithai (Modak) (Sweets)
- Cloth for Kalash (Handkerchief, Napkin)
- Saree, Petticoat, Blouse ( Saree, Underskirt, Blouse piece)
- Laal Kapda (Red cloth)
- Safed Kapda (White cloth)
- Kachha Dhudh (Un-boiled milk)
Puja Vidhi
Lord Ganesha is worshipped with all sixteen rituals along with chanting of Puranik Mantras during Ganesh Chaturthi Puja which is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja. Worshipping Gods and Goddesses with all 16 rituals is known as Shodashopachara Puja (षोडशोपचार पूजा).
Although Ganesha Puja can be done during Pratahkala, Madhyahnakala and Sayankala but Madhyahnakala is preferred during Ganesh Chaturthi Puja. Madhyahnakala Puja time for Ganesha Puja can be known at Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Muhurat.
All rituals which are prescribed during Ganesha Puja are given below and it also includes sixteen steps which are prescribed in Shodashopachara Puja. Deep-Prajawalan (दीप-प्रज्वलन) and Sankalpa (संकल्प) are done before starting the Puja and these two are not part of core sixteen steps of Shodashopachara Puja.
If you have Lord Ganesha installed at your home and is worshipped daily then Avahana (आवाहन) and Pratishthapan (प्रतिष्ठापन) should be skipped as these two rituals are done for newly bought statues of Lord Ganesha either made of clay or made of metal. It should be noted that pre-installed statue of Lord Ganesha at home are not given Visarjan (विसर्जन) but given Utthapana (उत्थापन) at the end of Puja.
On Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees also perform Eka Vinshati Name Ganesh Puja and Lord Ganesha Anga Puja along with the below Shodashopachara Puja.Avahana and Pratishthapan (आवाहन एवं प्रतिष्ठापन)
- Avahana and Pratishthapan (आवाहन एवं प्रतिष्ठापन)
Avahana (आवाहन)Puja should begin with invocation of Lord Ganesha, one should chant following Mantra in front of the Murti, by showing Avahan Mudra (Avahan Mudra is formed by joining both palms and folding both thumbs inwards).
Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
He Heramba Tvamehyehi Hyambikatryambakatmaja।
Siddhi-Buddhi Pate Tryaksha Lakshalabha Pituh Pitah॥
Nagasyam Nagaharam Tvam Ganarajam Chaturbhujam।
Bhushitam Svayudhaudavyaih Pashankushaparashvadhaih॥
Avahayami Pujartham Rakshartham Cha Mam Kritoh।
Ihagatya Grihana Tvam Pujam Yagam Cha Raksha Me॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Avahayami-Sthapayami॥
- Pratishthapan (प्रतिष्ठापन): After Lord Ganesha has been invoked, installing Lord Ganesha into the statue while chanting following Mantra.
Asyai Pranah Pratishthantu Asyai Pranaksharantu Cha।
Asyai Devatvamarchayai Mamaheti Cha Kashchana॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Supratishtho Varado Bhava॥
- Asana Samarpan (आसन समर्पण): After Lord Ganesha has been invoked and got installed, take five flowers in Anjali (by joining palm of both hands) and leave them in front of the Murti to offer seat to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Vichitraratnakhachitam Divyastaranasamyutam।
Swarna Simhasanam Charu Grihana Guhagraja॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Asanam Samarpayami॥
- Padya Samarpan (पाद्य समर्पण): After offering Asana to Lord Ganesha, offer Him water to wash the feet while chanting following Mantra.
Om Sarvatirthasamudbhutam Padyam Gandhadibhiryutam।
Gajanana Grihanedam Bhagawana Bhaktavatsalah॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Padayoh Padyam Samarpayami॥
- Arghya Samarpan (अर्घ्य समर्पण): After offering Padya to Lord Ganesha, offer scented water to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Om Ganadhyaksha Namasteastu Grihana Karuna Kara।
Arghyam Cha Phala Samyuktam Gandhamalyakshatairyutam॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Hastorarghyam Samarpayami॥
- Achamana (आचमन): After Arghya offering, offer water to Lord Ganesha for Achamana while chanting following Mantra.
Vighnaraja Namastubhyam Tridashairabhivandita।
Gangodakena Devesha Kurushwachamanam Prabho॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Mukhe Achamaniyam Samarpayami॥
- Snana Mantra (स्नान मन्त्र)
- Snana (स्नान): After Achamana, offer water to Shri Ganesha for the bath while chanting following Mantra.
Narmada Chandrabhagadi Gangasangasajairjalaih।
Snani Tosi Maya Deva Vighnasagham Nivaraya॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Sarvanga Snanam Samarpayami॥
- Panchamrita Snanam (पञ्चामृत स्नानम्): After Snanam, now give a bath with Panchamrita (the mixture of milk, curd, honey, Ghee and sugar) to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Panchamritam Mayaaanitam Payodadhi, Ghritam Madhu।
Sharkara Cha Samayuktam Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥
- Payah/Dugdha Snanam (पयः/दूध स्नानम्): After Panchamrita Snanam, now give a bath with Paya (milk) to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Kamadhenusamudbhutam Sarvesham Jivanam Param।
Tejah Pushtikaram Divyam Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥
- Dadhi Snanam (दधि स्नानम्): After Dugdha Snanam, now give a bath with curd to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Payasastu Samudbhutam Madhuramlam Shashiprabham।
Dadhyanitam Mayadeva Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥
- Ghrita Snanam (घृत स्नानम्): After Dadhi Snanam, now give a bath with Ghee to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Navanita Samutpannam Sarvasantoshakarakam।
Ghritam Tubhyam Pradasyami Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥
- Madhu Snanam (मधु स्नानम्): After Ghrita Snanam, now give a bath with honey to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Pushparenusamudbhutam Suswadu Madhuram Madhu।
Tejah Pushtikaramdivyam Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥
- Sharkara Snanam (शर्करा स्नानम्): After Madhu Snanam, now give a bath with sugar to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Ikshusarasamudbhutam Sharkara Pushti Da Shubha।
Malapaharika Divya Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥
- Suvasita Snanam (सुवासित स्नानम्): After Sharkara Snanam, now give a bath with scented oil to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Champakashekabakula Malati Mogaradibhih।
Vasitam Snigdhatahetu Tailam Charu Pratigrihyatam॥
- Shuddhodaka Snanam (शुद्धोदक स्नानम्): After Suvasita Snanam, now give a bath with pure water (Gangajal) to Shri Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Ganga Cha Yamuna Chaiva Godavari Saraswati।
Narmada Sindhuh Kaveri Snanartham Pratigrihyatam॥
- Vastra Samarpan and Uttariya Samarpan (वस्त्र समर्पण वं उत्तरीय समर्पण)
- Vastra Samarpan (वस्त्र समर्पण): Now offer Moli (मोली) as new clothes to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Shitavatoshna Santranam Lajjaya Rakshanam Parama।
Dehalankaranam Vastramatah Shanti Prayachchha Me॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Vastram Samarpayami॥
- Uttariya Samarpan (उत्तरीय समर्पण): After Vastra Samarpan, now offer clothes for upper body parts to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Uttariyam Tatha Deva Nana Chitritamuttamam।
Grihanendram Maya Bhaktaya Dattam Tat Saphali Kuru॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Uttariya Samarpayami॥
- Yajnopavita Samarpan (यज्ञोपवीत समर्पण): After Vastra offering, offer Yajnopavita to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Navabhistantubhiryuktam Trigunam Devatamayam।
Upavitam Mayadattam Grihana Parameshwara॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Yajnopavitam Samarpayami॥
- Gandha (गन्ध): After Yajnopavita offering, offer scent to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Shri Khanda Chandana Divyam Gandhadhyam Sumanoharam।
Vilepanam Surashreshtha Chandanam Pratigrihyatam॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Gandham Samarpayami॥
- Akshata (अक्षत): After Gandha offering, offer Akshata (unbroken rice) to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Akshatashcha Sura Shreshtha Kumkumalah Sushobhitah।
Maya Nivedita Bhaktaya Grihana Parameshwara॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Akshatan Samarpayami॥
- Pushpa Mala, Shami Patra, Durvankura, Sindoor (पुष्प माला, शमी पत्र, दुर्वाङ्कुर, सिन्दूर)
- Pushpa Mala (पुष्प माला): Now offer garland made of flowers to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Malyadini Sugandhini Malyadinivai Prabhuh।
Maya Hritani Pushpani Grihyantam Pujanaya Bhoh॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Pushpamalam Samarpayami॥
- Shami Patra (शमी पत्र): Now offer Shami Patra to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Tvatpriyani Supushpani Komalani Shubhani Vai।
Shamidalani Heramba Grihana Gananayaka॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Shami Patrani Samarpayami॥
- Durvankur (दुर्वाङ्कुर): Now offer Durva with three or five leaflets to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Durvankuran Suharitanamritan Mangala Pradan।
Anitanstava Pujartha Grihana Gananayaka॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Durvankuran Samarpayami॥
- Sindoor (सिन्दूर): Now offer vermilion to Lord Ganesha for Tilak while chanting following Mantra.
Sindoor Shobhanam Raktam Saubhagyam Sukhavardhanam।
Shubhadam Kamadam Chaiva Sindooram Pratigrihyatam॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Sindoor Samarpayami॥
- Dhoop (धूप): Now offer Dhoop to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Vanaspatirasodbhuto Gandhadhyo Gandhah Uttamah।
Aghreya Sarva Devanam Dhupoayam Pratigrihyatam॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Dhupamaghrapayami॥
- Deep Samarpan (दीप समर्पण)Now offer Deep to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Sajyam Chavartisamyuktam Vahnina Yojitam Maya।
Deepam Grihana Devesha Trailokyatimira Paham॥
Bhaktya Deepam Prayachchhami Devaya Paramatmane।
Trahimam Nirayad Ghoraddipajyotirnamoastute॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Deepam Darshayami॥
Naivedya and Karodvartan (नैवेद्य एवं करोद्वर्तन)
- Naivedya Nivedan (नैवेद्य निवेदन)Now offer Naivedya to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Naivedyam Grihyatam Deva Bhakti Me Hyachalam Kuru।
Ipsitam Me Varam Dehi Paratra Cha Param Gatim॥
Sharkara Khanda Khadyani Dadhi Kshira Ghritani Cha।
Aharam Bhakshya Bhojyam Cha Naivedyam Pratigrihyatam॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Naivedyam Modakamayarituphalani Cha Samarpayami॥
- Chandan Karodvartan (चन्दन करोद्वर्तन)After Naivedya offering, offer Chandan mixed with water to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Chandanam Malayodbhutam Kasturyadi Samanvitam।
Karodvartanakam Deva Grihana Parameshwara॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Chandanena Karodvartanam Samarpayami॥
- Tambula, Narikela and Dakshina Samarpan (ताम्बूल, नारिकेल एवं दक्षिणा समर्पण)
- Tambula Samarpan (ताम्बूल समर्पण)Now offer Tambula (Paan with betel nuts) to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Om Pugiphalam Mahadivyam Nagavallidalairyutam।
Ela Churnadisamyuktam Tambulam Pratigrihyatam॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Mukha Vasarthamela Pugi Phaladi Sahitam Tambula Samarpayami॥
- Narikela Samarpan (नारिकेल समर्पण)Now offer Narikela (coconut) to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Idam Phalam Mayadeva Sthapitam Puratastava।
Tena Me Saphalavaptirbhavejjanmani Janmani॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Narikela Phalam Samarpayami॥
- Dakshina Samarpan (दक्षिणा समर्पण)Now offer Dakshina (gift) to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Hiranyagarbhagarbhastham Hema Bijam Vibhavasoh।
Ananta Punya Phaladamatah Shantim Prayachchha Me॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Dravyam Dakshinam Samarpayami॥
- Neerajan and Visarjan (नीराजन एवं विसर्जन)
- Neerajan/Aarti (नीराजन/आरती)After Tambula Arpan and Dakshina Samarpan, perform Lord Ganesha Aarti after chanting following Mantra.
Kadali Garbha Sambhutam Karpuram Tu Pradipitam।
Arartikamaham Kurve Pashya Me Varado Bhava॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Karpura Neerajanam Samarpayami॥
- Pushpanjali Arpan (पुष्पाञ्जलि अर्पण)Now offer Pushpanjali to Lord Ganesha while chanting following Mantra.
Nanasugandhi Pushpani Yatha Kalodbhavani Cha।
Pushpanjalirmaya Datto Grihana Parameshwara॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Mantra Pushpanjali Samarpayami॥
- Pradakshina (प्रदक्षिणा)Now offer symbolic Pradakshina (circumambulate from left to right of Shri Ganesha) with flowers while chanting following Mantra.
Yani Kani Cha Papani Jnatajnata Kritani Cha।
Tani Sarvani Nashyanti Pradakshina Pade Pade॥
Om Siddhi-Buddhi Sahitaya Shri Mahaganadhipataye Namah।Pradakshinam Samarpayami॥
- Visarjan (विसर्जन)Now conclude Shri Ganesha Puja with Visarjan while chanting following Mantra.
Avahanam Na Janami Na Janami Tavarchanam।
Pujam Chaiva Na Janami Kshamasva Ganeshwara॥
Anyatha Sharanam Nasti Tvameva Sharanam Mam।
Tasmatkarunya Bhavena Rakshasva Vighneshwara॥
Gatam Papam Gatam Dukham Gatam Daridraya Meva Cha।
Agata Sukha Sampattih Punyachcha Tava Darshanat॥
Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Sureshwara।
Yatpujitam Maya Deva Paripurnam Tadastu Me॥
Yadaksharapada Bhrashtam Matrahinam Cha Yadbhavet।
Tatsarva Kshamyatam Deva Prasida Parameshwara॥