Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Vidhi

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. It celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and is observed across India with great fervour. A Ganesh idol is installed at home or in a pandal, worshipped for 1½, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days, and then immersed (visarjan).

Occasion

Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (August–September)

Muhurat

Chaturthi tithi during madhyahna (midday period)

🪔 Puja Samagri (Items Required)

Ganesh idol (clay/eco-friendly)
Wooden pedestal and red cloth
Modak (21 pieces)
Durva grass (21 pairs)
Red flowers (avoid Ketaki)
Betel leaf, areca nut, clove, cardamom
Coconut, banana, apple, pomegranate
Roli, sindoor, akshata, turmeric
Incense, dhoop, lamp, camphor
Sacred thread

📋 Puja Procedure — Steps

Step 1: Pran Pratishtha

Install the idol on the pedestal at the auspicious time. Touch the eyes of the idol with the ring finger while chanting "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" to invoke divine consciousness.

Step 2: Shodashopchar Puja

आवाहन, आसन, पाद्य, अर्घ्य, आचमन, मधुपर्क, स्नान, वस्त्र, यज्ञोपवीत, गन्ध, पुष्प, धूप, दीप, नैवेद्य, ताम्बूल, प्रदक्षिणा — 16 उपचारों से पूजन करें। 16-step worship with invocation, seating, foot-wash, arghya, and more.

Step 3: Durva Offering

Offer 21 pairs of Durva grass one by one at Ganesha's feet while chanting. Durva is Ganesha's most beloved offering.

Step 4: Modak Offering

Offer 21 Modak to Lord Ganesha. Steamed Modak with jaggery and coconut filling is considered the best.

Step 5: Ganapati Atharvashirsha

Recite the Ganapati Atharvashirsha or Ganesh Stotra.

Step 6: Aarti & Prasad

Sing Jai Ganesh Deva aarti. Perform three circumambulations. Distribute Modak prasad.

Step 7: Visarjan

After the fixed number of days, immerse the idol in water chanting "Ganapati Bappa Morya!" Use eco-friendly clay idols.

🕉️ Main Mantra

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah ।

✅ Benefits of this Puja

Ganesh Chaturthi puja removes obstacles, enhances intellect, brings academic success, business prosperity, and an auspicious environment. Ganapati is worshipped first before any new venture.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Avoid looking at the Moon on Chaturthi — it is said to invite false accusations.
• Never offer Tulsi leaves to Ganesha.
• The Ketaki flower is prohibited.
• Use a clay idol — Plaster of Paris harms the environment.

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