Worshipping Lord Ganesh is a common practice in Hinduism, especially before beginning any new endeavor, ceremony, at the start of festivals and rituals or important task. Ganesh is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom.
Here’s a general guide on how to worship Lord Ganesh:
- Prepare for the Puja:
- Begin by cleaning the space where you plan to perform the puja.
- Place a clean cloth or an idol/picture of Lord Ganesh in the puja area.
- Gather the necessary items for the puja, including flowers, fruits, sweets (modakas are considered Ganesh’s favorite), incense, a lamp or candle, and durva grass.
- Invoke Lord Ganesha:
- Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesh. You can chant the Ganesh mantra or a prayer to seek his presence.
- Focus on the divine qualities of Ganesh, such as wisdom, intelligence, and the ability to remove obstacles.
- Offerings:
- Offer water (preferably with some Tulsi leaves) to wash the feet of the idol or image.
- Offer flowers, especially red and yellow ones, which are considered auspicious.
- Place durva grass on the idol or image. The number of blades can vary, but 21 and 108 are considered significant.
- Offer sweets like modakas or any other sweet delicacies.
- Light incense and wave it in a circular motion in front of the idol.
- Light a lamp or candle and move it in a clockwise direction around the idol.
- Chant Mantras:
- Recite Ganesh mantras or prayers. The most popular mantra is the “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha.”
- Perform Aarti:
- Conclude the puja with the singing of Ganesh Aarti. Wave the lit lamp in front of the idol in a circular motion while singing the Aarti.
- Express Devotion:
- Offer your prayers, express your wishes, and seek Lord Ganesh’s blessings for success, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles.
- Prasad Distribution:
- After completing the puja, distribute the prasad (blessed offerings) to family members, friends, and guests.
- Maintain Devotional Practices:
- Regularly incorporate the worship of Lord Ganesh into your routine, especially on Wednesdays and during the auspicious period of Ganesh Chaturthi.
By worshiping Ganesh, individuals may seek a balance between their spiritual and material aspects of life, as Ganesh is known for providing success in both realms. Some individuals may have personal beliefs or family traditions that involve worshiping Ganesh during specific astrological influences, including periods influenced by Ketu.
Remember, while these are general guidelines, the most important aspect of worship is your devotion and sincerity. Customize the puja according to your tradition and personal preferences. The key is to approach the worship with a pure heart and a focused mind.
It’s important to note that Lord Ganesh is known for his benevolence, and his worship is not limited to specific circumstances. Devotees from various backgrounds, age groups, and professions seek his blessings in different aspects of their lives. Worship of Ganesh is inclusive, and anyone with sincere devotion and a pure heart is encouraged to seek his divine grace.
