Sri Ganesh is the first amongst the
Hindu Deities.
God is worshipped as Ganesh in His
first form and name. Among the
five Principal Deities, the name of
Sri Ganesh comes first, then
Vishnu, Shankar (Lord Shiva), Surya
and Durga respectively.
On the 4th tithi of the bright
fortnight in the Hindu month of
Bhadrapad (August-September), this
festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is
observed. The most auspicious time or
Muhurth for the performance of
this celebration is midday, as said by
Brihaspati and quoted in Kala-
niraya. When Chaturthi tithi is mixed
with the third and the fifth
tithis,and if at midday there is
Chaturthi, the one mixed with the
3rd tithi is to be preferred. If at
midday there is no Chaturthi, but
on the next day there is Chaturthi at
midday mixed with Panchmi or
the 5th tithi, then the fifth tithi is
preferred
Method of worship…..
A clay image of Lord Ganesh,
beautifully painted, is brought and
Prana Pratishta (consecration) is
effected and worship is offered to
Lord Ganesh also called Vinayak, with
16 Upcharas or steps of worship
as follows:
Aawaahanam
Aasanam
Paadyam
Arghyam
Aachamaneeyam
Snaanam
Vastram
Yagyopaveetam
Gandham
Akshatam
Pushpam
Dhoopam
Deepam
Naivedhyam
Tamboolam
Dakshanaam and of course Aarte
Twenty-one “Modakas” (a type of sweets
commonly called Ladoo) are
needed in Ganesh Pooja. Five are
offered to Lord Ganesh in the Pooja,
five are offered to Brahmins (people
of the priestly class) and the
remaining eleven are given to the
Yajman (the active participant in
the Pooja or Yajna) to be eaten by
himself or his family.
At sunset, without looking at the
moon, perform Chandrama pooja
(pooja to the moon God) and offer
Aarghya. Daan or charitable gifts
must be given to the main Pandit as
well as any other Pandits or
Sadhus (holy men)that are present
there. Dakshina should also be
offered to the Ganesh Murti. Katha
(discourses) should be read and
Visarjan (final prayer) of Sri Ganesh
Pooja is to be performed.
At the end of the celebration, in a
great procession, the image of
Lord Ganesh is immersed in a well or a
tank, a river or in the sea.
It is important to know that this
immersion can only be done when the
Sun moves from Simha Rasi or the House
of Leo into Kanya Rasi or the
House of Virgo. This illustrates the
importance of Jyotish or Hindu
Astrology.
Thereafter, feed the Brahmins, give
them Dakshina (monetary gifts)
then partake of the Modakas or Prasad.
The authoritative texts to read when
Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja is
performed are :
Mudgal Purana
Ganesh Purana and
Ganesh Bhagwat.
Sri Ganesh worship lasts for one day
and a half, two days, five days,
seven days or ten days which is until
the end of Anant Chaturdasi
(14th tithi of the bright forthnight
of Bhadrapad).
