Campaign for awareness of spiritually
correct way of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi
Science behind rituals performed for Ganesh Chaturthi
Some practical questions regarding Ganesh Chaturti celebrations
 |
What is the significance of celebrating Ganesh
Chaturthi? |
In the 120 days from the full moon (pournima) in Ashadh
till that in Kartik of the Hindu lunar calendar, yama frequencies, which have
the ability to destroy and are tama predominant reach the earth in greater quantities.
During this period they are of a greater intensity. However since during the
same period, that is from the fourth day (chaturthi) in the bright fortnight
of Bhadrapad till Anant chaturdashi, Ganesh frequencies too reach the earth in
greater quantities it helps in reducing the intensity of the yama frequencies.
Thus celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi derives the benefits from Ganesh frequencies
and helps in reducing the effects of yama frequencies.
|
What should be the duration of the celebration
according to scriptures? |
According to the scriptures, it should be worshipped
ritualistically and immersed immediately thereafter. Since divinity in the sculpt
made from mud remains only for one day one can immediately immerse them on second
day. It is because man enjoys celebrating festivals and was not satisfied with
celebrating for only one day, man began festivities by keeping the idol for one
and a half, five, seven or ten days. According to the custom, Ganesh should be
immersed on the first, second, third, sixth, seventh or tenth day.
|
Can we change the duration of the celebration
to one and a half day or do we need to ask someone before doing so? |
Even if according to the family tradition of spiritual
practice (kulachar) the Ganapati was to be kept for five days, one can worship
the idol for one and a half or seven days. One need not ask an authority in Spirituality
before doing so.
|
What is the need for a new idol? |
Inspite of having an idol of Ganapati, which is routinely
worshipped, a new idol is brought for Ganesh Chaturthi. During the period of
Ganesh Chatuthi, the Ganesh frequencies reach the earth in larger quantities.
If these frequencies are invoked in the usual idol of worship, then that idol
will acquire a tremendous amount of energy. To worship such an idol meticulously
observing all the norms of ritualistic worship throughout the year would be a
difficult task as one would have to follow the restrictions of ritualistic worship
(karmakanda).
Hence, a new idol is installed to invoke the Ganesh frequencies
and is then immersed. The proportion of sattva, raja and tama components
in Ganapati frequencies is 5:5:5 while that in an average person is 1:3:5. This
makes it difficult for an average person to receive Ganesh frequencies for a
long time.
|
Which family member should celebrate Ganesh
Chaturthi? |
The vowed religious observance followed for Ganesh chaturthi
is referred to as 'Siddhivinayak vrat'. Actually it is beneficial if all family
members observe it. If all the brothers live in a joint family, that is have
a common treasury and kitchen, then jointly a common idol can be worshipped.
However, if due to some reason the treasury and kitchen are separate then each
one should observe the vowed religious observance of Ganesh (Ganeshvrat) in one's
own home.
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Rituals and their significance Before commencing the ritualistic worship, rice (grain)
is spread over the seat on which the idol is to be installed. Either a fistful
or a mound of rice is used, depending on the local custom. On invocation of Ganapati
and His ritualistic worship, energy is generated in the idol. This energy saturates
the rice on which the idol is placed. If there are two strings of a musical instrument
(a stringed musical instrument) of the same frequency, when sound is generated
by one the same is generated by the other. Similarly, when frequencies of energy
are generated in the rice below the idol, this energy is transmitted to the rice
stored in the house. Thus one can eat rice saturated with energy as a sacrament
of food (prasad) throughout the year.
When performing each of the following rituals a particular mantra is
recited.
[Detailed information on ritualistic worship is given in 'Science
of Spirituality: Chapter 7 - Path of Devotion (Bhaktiyoga)'. The actual ritualistic
worship is based on 'Shri Ganesh Pujavidhan' compiled by Mr. S. K. Devdhar.]
| 1. |
Sipping water from the palm (achaman): This brings about internal
purification. |
| 2. |
The resolve (sankalpa): It may be difficult to obtain the benefit
of a ritual without making a resolve. |
| 3. |
Purification of the seat (asanshuddhi): This is brought about
by touching one's seat and offering obeisance (namaskar). |
| 4. |
Chanting the Purushsukta (Purushsukta nyas): Amidst chanting
of the Purushsukta, the deity should be invoked in one's heart, head, small portion
of hair on the head (shikha), face, eyes and between the eyebrows. This facilitates
an increase in the sattvik (sattva predominant) temperament. |
| 5. |
Worship of the pot (kalashpuja): All deities, seas, holy rivers,
etc., should be invoked in the pot. Sandalwood paste (gandha), consecrated rice
(akshata) and flowers should be offered to the pot. This sattvik water
is then used in the ritualistic worship. |
| 6. |
Worship of the conch (shankhapuja): The conch should be washed
and filled with water. Then sandalwood paste and white flowers should be offered
to it. One should not offer consecrated rice and tulsi leaves to it. |
| 7. |
Worship of the bell (ghantapuja): One should create sound by
ringing the bell to welcome the deities and drive off the demons (asurs). The
bell should be placed to one's left and sandalwood paste, consecrated rice and
flowers should be offered to it. |
| 8. |
Worship of the lamp (dipapuja): Sandalwood paste and flowers
are offered to the lamp. |
| 9. |
Purification (pavitrikaran): The water from the conch should
be poured onto one's right palm and then sprinkled over oneself and on the substances
to be used in the ritualistic worship. |
| 10. |
Worship of the entrance (dvarpuja): Flowers and consecrated
rice should be scattered in all four directions. This itself is the worship of
the guardian deities of the directions (dikpal). |
| 11. |
Consecration of the idol (pranpratistha): One should place the
right hand over the heart of the idol of the deity and chant a mantra. Consecration
of an idol is done at Ganesh chaturthi or to activate any new idol. This is not
included in the usual ritualistic worship, as due to the regular worship the
God principle has already been attained by it. |
| 12. |
Meditation (dhyan): One should chant 'Vakratunda mahakaya suryakoti
samaprabha Nirvighnam kurume deva sarva Karyeshu Sarvada |
| 13. |
Invocation (avadhan): Uttering 'Om sahastrashirsha Purushaha''
one should offer consecrated rice. The resolve is the same as is made when giving
an invitation for a thread ceremony, wedding, etc. |
| 14. |
The seat (asan): Consecrated rice is offered to the seat. |
| 15. |
The feet (padya): One should sprinkle water on the idol's feet
either with flowers or durva. This symbolizes washing the deity's feet. |
| 16. |
Offering water (arghya): One should take an offering of spoonful
(pali) of water, mix sandalwood paste (gandha) in it and sprinkle that water
onto Ganapati's body using a flower. This is akin to welcoming guests by sprinkling
rose water. |
| 17. |
Sipping water from the palm (achaman): Imagining that the deity
is sipping water from its palm, one should offer water with the offering spoon
to the deity, thrice. |
| 18. |
Ablution for cleansing of the body (malapakarshsnan): One should
bathe the deity using the offering spoon. |
| 19. |
Bathing with the five nectars (panchamrutsnan): First bathe
the idol with a mixture of milk, honey, curd, clarified butter (ghee) and sugar
that is panchamrut. Then bathe it with a spoonful of water. One should offer
water as if God is sipping water (achman), thrice and finally offer sandalwood
paste, consecrated rice and flowers. |
| 20. |
Ritualistic worship before the main worship (purvapuja): After
worship with sandalwood paste, consecrated rice (akshata), flowers (red flowers
for Ganapati), frankincense and a lit lamp, the remaining panchamrut should be
used as an offering (naivedya). To make this offering, a mandal (a circle) should
be made by sprinkling water in front of the idol. The panchamrut should then
be placed on it. (The mandal prevents energies other than those of deities from
manifesting there to partake of the offering.) Beginning on the left, using a
flower or a tulsi leaf one should sprinkle water around the vessel containing
the panchamrut. Then closing the eyes and directing the odour of the offering
with the fingers towards the deity one should chant the mantra related to the
five vital energies 'Om pranaya svaha, Om apanaya svaha, Om vyanaya svaha, Om
udanaya svaha, Om samanaya svaha, Om Brahmane svaha twice. This means I offer
to you O pran, apan, vyan, udan, saman and Brahman. Both the times one should
conclude the mantra by sprinkling water around the vessel. Then uttering 'Neivedyamadhyepaniyam
Samparyami', meaning 'I offer this at Your feet', a little water should be sprinkled
on the offering. This further enhances the sattva component in the offering.
Thereafter, to signify the washing of the hands and mouth, water should be poured
over the hand into a circular, shelving metal dish (tamhan), thrice. A flower
dipped in sandalwood paste should be offered to Ganapati. Betel leaves should
be placed in front of the deity and water should be poured over them. One should
offer flowers and obeisance and then release water into the circular, shelving
metal dish. |
| 21. |
Consecration by sprinkling with water (abhishek): After ritualistic
worship and before the main worship, consecration by sprinkling with water, according
to the Atharvashirisha or Brahmanspatisukta is done. Water is sprinkled on the
idol either with a blade of sacred grass (durva) or a red flower. |
| 22. |
Offering cloth (vastrarpan) : Two red cloths should be offered. |
| 23. |
Offering the sacred thread (yadnyopavit): The sacred thread should
be offered. |
| 24. |
Smearing with sandalwood paste (vilepan): With the ring (fourth)
finger one should apply sandalwood paste. |
| 25. |
Offering consecrated rice (akshatarpan) : Consecrated rice should
be offered. |
| 26. |
Offering saffron coloured powder (sindurarpan): A saffron coloured
powder (sindur) should be offered. |
| 27. |
Various fragrant substances (anya parimaldravya) : Turmeric,
vermilion (kumkum), red coloured powder (gulal), a powder containing fragrant
substances (bukka), asthagandha, etc., are offered. |
| 28. |
Offering flowers (pushparpan) : Red flowers should be offered.
Offering tulsi to Ganapati is prohibited because Ganapati mostly favours devotion
with expectation (sakam bhakti) while tulsi denotes detachment (vairagya). Thus
devotees of Ganapati would not even grow tulsi plants in their compound unlike
most Hindus. |
| 29. |
Ritualistic worship of the entire body (angapuja) : Either consecrated
rice or flowers should be offered to every part of Ganapati's body, from the
feet to the head while performing His ritualistic worship. |
| 30. |
Ritualistic worship with other Names (namapuja) : While chanting
each Name, the durva should be dipped in red vermilion paste and offered one
by one. |
| 31. |
Worship with leaves (patrapuja) : With each offering of a leaf
of a different kind a specific Name should be chanted. |
| 32. |
Worship with flowers (pushpapuja) : Flowers of different kinds
with their stalks facing the deity, should be offered while chanting a specific
Name with each type of flower. |
| 33. |
Worship with frankincense (dhupadarshan) : Frankincense and
incense should be moved in a circular fashion in front of the idol. |
| 34. |
Worship with a lit lamp (dipadarshan) : A lit metal lamp (niranjan)
should be moved in a circular fashion. |
| 35. |
Offering food (naivedya) : It should be offered in the same way
as described in ritualistic worship before the main worship (purvapuja). |
| 36. |
Offering betel leaves along with betelnut, lime, cardamoms, etc.,
(tambul) : After placing betel leaves in front of the deity, water should be
poured over them. |
| 37. |
Offering money (dakshina) : The offering should be placed on
betel leaves and water should be poured over it. |
| 38. |
Offering fruit (phalasamarpan) : A coconut should be placed with
its tip pointing towards the deity and water should be poured onto it. If a coconut
is not available then seasonal fruits should be used. [The energy from the deity
enters the pointed tip of the coconut, which is later consumed by devotees as
a sacrament (prasad). Thus, they receive that energy.] |
| 39. |
Prayer (prarthana): Chanting the mantra 'Avahanam na janami....
one should pour water over the palm and release it into the circular, shelving
metal dish (tamhan). |
| 40. |
Partaking of holy water (tirthaprashan) : Chanting the mantra
'Akalmrutyuharanam….one should partake of the holy water. |
| 41. |
Moving lit lamps (arti): Amidst singing, lit lamps should be
moved in a circular fashion. |
| 42. |
Prayer (prarthana): 'Surrendering at your feet ....' should be
recited. |
| 43. |
Offering flowers in the form of a mantra (mantrapushpanjali):
This offering is made in the form of a mantra 'Om yadnyena yadnyamayajantam'. |
| 44. |
Obeisance offered by the devotees (darshanarthincha namaskar):
Those present for arti and mantrapushpanjali as well as those who come to pay
obeisance throughout the day, should offer flowers and a sacred grass (durva)
to Ganapati and prostrate before Him. The members of the family where the idol
is being worshipped should offer them a sacrament of food. |
|
Intermediate ritualistic worship (madhyapujavidhi)
As long as the idol of Ganapati is in the house, it should be ritualistically
worshipped as usual, in the morning and evening. The worship should be concluded
with singing of artis and offering flowers reciting a mantra. |
|
The concluding ritualistic
worship (uttarpuja)
| A. |
The ritual: This ritualistic worship is to be performed
before the immersion of Ganapati. The worship should be performed amidst the
chanting of specific mantras as follows:
| 1. |
Sipping water from the palm (achaman) |
| 2. |
Making the resolve (sankalpa) |
| 3. |
Offering sandalwood (chandanarpan) |
| 4. |
Offering consecrated rice (akshatarpan) |
| 5. |
Offering flowers (pushparpan) |
| 6. |
Offering turmeric and vermilion (haridrakumkumarpan) |
| 7. |
Offering sacred grass (durva - durvrpan) |
| 8. |
Lighting the lamp and frankincense (dhupa-dipadarshan) |
| 9. |
Offering food (naivedya). (Variation: Turmeric and vermilion
are offered along with the sandalwood.) |
Performing the aarti thereafter, flowers should be offered
along with the recitation of a mantra (mantrapushpanjali). Everyone should offer
consecrated rice onto Ganapati's hand and move the idol with the right hand. |
| B. |
Significance: The aim of this ritualistic worship is to endow
the one performing it, with Ganesh frequencies. In ritualistic worship of Ganesh,
the concluding ritualistic worship (uttarpuja) is the final step in augmenting
the frequencies. During the concluding ritualistic worship all the pure particles
(pavitrakas) present in the idol are expelled suddenly. This ritualistic worship
is concluded by shifting the idol from its place. Consequently all the pure particles
abandon the idol and the one performing the worship can acquire them.
'In a temple of Lord Ganesh the concluding ritualistic
worship is performed after the vowed ritualistic worship (mahapuja) by one devotee
is completed. Then the vowed ritualistic worship by the next devotee is performed.
This concluding ritualistic worship has special significance here. Ganapati should
be bidden farewell (immersed) with honor "with an invitation to return".
Thus the concluding ritualistic worship is important.' |
|
|
Immersion (visarjan) |
After the concluding ritualistic worship, the idol is
immersed in flowing water. When taking Ganapati for immersion one should also
give curd, puffed rice, coconut, modak, etc., as provision for the journey. Beside
the banks of the flowing water where the idol is to be immersed, one should perform
aarti once again and then release the idol along with the provisions into the
water. After immersion it is customary to bring home the earth from that place
and to sprinkle it all over the house.
'An important point regarding immersion of Ganesh
is that the divinity induced in the mud idol by consecration cannot remain in
it beyond one day. This means that no matter when the Ganesh idol is immersed,
on the second day divinity from it is already lost. Hence after performing the
ritualistic worship of the idol of any deity immersing it that very day is most
appropriate in all aspects. Even if one observing seclusion due to birth (soyar)
or death (sutak) in the family a priest should be made to perform the vowed religious
observance of Ganesh (Ganeshvrat). Similarly immersion on the decided day without
waiting for an event such as a delivery, etc., in the family is correct according
to the scriptures.
|
What should one do if the idol gets damaged? |
If a part of an idol breaks before consecrating it with
divinity or showering it with consecrated rice (akshata) to remove the divinity
from it before its consecration then it should be replaced by another. If after
the divinity is lost, a part of the idol is damaged the idol should be immersed
as usual. If the idol is damaged after consecration, it should be immersed after
showering it with consecrated rice. If this occurs on Ganesh Chaturthi then one
should worship another idol. However, if it occurs on the second or third day
of Ganesh Chaturthi, there is no need to worship a new idol. If the idol is damaged
completely, then with the advice of the family priest according to the opportune
season, ' Adbhut darshan shanti' a ritual for peace in the family should be performed.
If ill-omen like falling of a lit lamp, breaking of grinding stone, sprouting
of seeds of a cress tree, damage to an idol etc., are observed, it indicates
impending financial loss, a serious illness or premature death in the family.
Hence the above remedies should be performed devotedly.
Science behind some special substances used in the worship
One of the objectives of ritualistic worship is to
charge the idol being worshipped with divine consciousness (chaitanya) so that
it helps one in making spiritual progress. In order to generate that divine consciousness,
the substance, which is offered to that idol, has more ability to attract the
most subtle pure particles (pavitrakas) of that deity, from as far as the maha
region in comparision to other substances.
| 1. |
Durva: A sacred grass called durva has special
importance in the ritualistic worship of Ganapati.
| i) |
Origin and meaning: The word durva is derived from duhu + avam
Duhu means that which is far away and avam means that which brings closer. Durva
is thus that which brings the distant pure particles (pavitrakas) of Lord Ganesh,
closer. Durva offered to Ganapati should be tender. It is called baltrunam. When
it matures it becomes merely a type of grass. The durva should have leaflets
in odd numbers 3, 5 or 7. |
| ii) |
The length: Formerly the idol used to be about one metre in height.
Hence the durva used would have the length of a sacrificial fire stick (samidha).
If the idol has the height of a sacrificial fire stick then shorter durva should
be used. However even if the idol is huge then the length of durva used should
not exceed that of the sacrificial fire sticks. The durva are tied together just
like sacrificial fire sticks. This preserves their fragrance for a longer duration.
To keep it fresh for a longer period it is kept soaked in water and then offered.
Both these factors attribute towards preserving the pure particles of Ganapati
in the idol for a longer duration. |
| iii) |
The number: Durva is mostly offered in odd numbers like 5, 7,
21, etc., as they are associated with Energy (Shakti). This facilitates the entry
of larger amounts of energy into the idol. Usually 21 durva blades are offered.
21 according to numerology is 2 + 1 = 3. According to numerology, Ganapati is
formed from number 3. Since number 3 represents origin, sustenance and dissolution,
due to its energy it is possible to destroy the 360 frequencies. If offered in
even numbers then most of the 360 frequencies are attracted first and later the
108 frequencies. (Ravan used to offer 360 + 108 = 468 durva.) |
| iv) |
The method of offering: The entire body of Ganapati excluding
the face should be covered with durva. This results in spread of the fragrance
of durva around the idol. Since the idol is covered with durva this fragrance
assumes the form of Ganapati and facilitates the attraction of the form of Ganapati's
pure particles to this form. This itself is called acquisition of a similar form.
In other words, it is activation of the idol. The idol is consecrated (pranpratishta)
to prevent the pure particles, which have entered it, from escaping. Also the
pure particles remain in greater quantities as long as the fragrance persists.
To retain them there the durva is changed thrice in a day. Hence, ritualistic
worship is performed thrice a day. |
|
| 2. |
Shami leaves: The shami tree is the habitat of Agni (the deity
of fire). To retain their radiance the Pandavas had kept their weapons in a hollow
of this tree. The fire created by friction is done with sticks of the shami tree. |
| 3. |
Coral (mandar) leaves: There is a difference between the two
trees milkweed (rui) and coral. The fruits of the milkweed are colored while
those of the coral are white. Just as mercury is a chemical among medicines,
so also is the coral among trees. |
| 4. |
Red substances: Ganapati's complexion is red. Red cloth, flowers
and red sandalwood (raktachandan) are used in His worship. Due to the red color
of these substances, pure particles (pavitrakas) of Ganapati in the atmosphere
get attracted to the idol in greater quantities and help its activation. Since
it is difficult to understand this, one is simply told that Ganapati loves red
cloth, red flowers and red sandalwood (raktachandan). |
|
