Lord Ganesha Festival
Shree Ganeshchaturthi is not only a festival but also a religious festival and a vrat. Ganeshchaturthi is celebrated not only in Bharat but abroad too. Among the popular religious festivals in Bharat after Dipavali, it is only Shree Ganeshchaturthi which is worthy of mention. Due to Ganesh festival the sattvikta of the society increases and social integration is also achieved.
Shree Ganesh Jayanti, the day on which the Ganesh frequencies reached earth for the first time, i.e. the day on which Shree Ganesh was born, is the fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Maagh. On this auspicious occasion, what can we do to derive maximum spiritual benefit from Shree Ganesh’s heightened presence on earth?
Basic Spiritual Celebration
On the auspicious occasion of Shree Ganesh Jayanti, the devotee or seeker (saadhak) should do 3 to 9 turns of a mala (108 stringed beads) while chanting Shree Ganesh’s Name (‘Om Gan Ganapataye namaha’)
In addition to this, a devotee should worship Shree Ganesh's idol or picture, ritualistically. From this one can derive the benefit of Shree Ganesh’s divine energy and divine consciousness that come to earth in higher amounts this day. Reciting Shree Ganesh Atharvashirsha (stotra, holy verses in praise of Shree Ganesh) adds to these benefits.
Appropriate idol for worship on the day of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi
When Shree Ganesh festival is approaching, various types of idols are seen in the market. However it is a matter of regret that most of the idols are made in an unscientific manner by the artists according to their own imaginations. Such idols do not bring much spiritual benefit to the worshipper. Hence, it is necessary to remember a few points while selecting an idol :
A) The idol should be made of soft clay.
B) It should be hand-made instead of from a mould.
C) The form and size of the idol should be as per the science of idols.
D) The idol should be sitting on a wooden seat.
Decoration for Ganesh festival
Today in the decoration for Ganesh festival, glittering papers, thermocol, plastic and strings of electric bulbs are used. The raja-tama dominant and distressing frequencies in the atmosphere are attracted towards such objects.
From a spiritual viewpoint the Deity Principle is attracted in higher proportion towards a specific colour, fragrance, form etc. Such objects have the ability to store and emit the frequencies attracted by them. It is beneficial to use sattvik objects for attracting the Ganesh Principle. For example :
A) Festoons made from natural flowers and leaves
B) Red-coloured flowers, Durva and leaves of Shami and Madar
C) The rangoli which attracts the frequencies of Shree Ganesh Principle
D) The sattvik chant-strips of Shree Ganesh.
Method of bringing home the idol of Shree Ganesh
A) The idol of Shree Ganesh should be brought home one day in advance or in the morning of the day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
B) The other members of the family should also accompany the head of the house for bringing home the idol.
C) Necessary preparations with regard to the idol should be made before actually bringing it home.
D) While bringing the idol it is necessary for the person bringing the idol to wear a cap.
E) While bringing the idol of Shree Ganesh it is placed on a wooden seat.
F) The idol is covered with a clean silk or cotton cloth.
G) While bringing the idol in the house the face of the idol should be towards the person who carries it.
H) While bringing the idol hail Shree Ganesh on the way.
I) On reaching the door of the house, the face of the idol should be turned towards the house.
J) After this a married woman of the house should pour some water on the feet of the person carrying the idol.
K) Then she should pour some milk.
L) A lit lamp is then waved in front of the idol.
M) Thereafter one enters the house.
N) Before keeping the idol in the place of worship, some unbroken rice grains are kept on the place and the idol is then placed on it.
When the idol of Shree Ganesh is worshipped, if stotras are recited and chanting is done with spiritual emotion, we get the benefit of the Principle of Shree Ganesh.
The science underlying placing the idol of Shree Ganesh on unbroken rice grains
When a Deity is invoked according to science and worshipped, the Principle of the Deity is attracted in the Deity’s idol. The idol is charged with this Deity’s Principle. This Principle of the Deity is stored in the idol and emitted in the surrounding atmosphere. As the idol is charged, the rice grains kept below the idol also get charged with the Deity’s Principle.
As the Deity’s vibrations are created in the rice kept below the idol, the vibrations of the Deity are also created in the rice stored in the house. After the concluding worship, these rice grains are mixed in the rice stored in the house. By keeping the idol of Shree Ganesh on the rice, the devotees get the benefit of Ganesh Principle throughout the year in the form of Holy sacrament (prasad).
What should be the duration of ritualistic worship as per scriptures?
As per the scriptures, an idol of Shree Ganesh should be made from mud on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapad. It should be placed on the left palm and consecrated with the Name Siddhivinayak. It should be ritualistically worshipped and immersed immediately thereafter.
Many people immerse the idol of Shree Ganesh along with Jyeshthagouri. According to one’s family tradition (kulachar), the Ganesh idol is worshipped for one and a half, five, seven or ten days. The Ganesh idol is immersed on the second, fifth, seventh or tenth day.
Ritual of the worship of the idol of Shree Ganesh
On the day of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi a new idol of Shree Ganesh is brought. Worship of the Shree Ganesh idol begins in the morning.
A) In the worship of the Shree Ganesh idol, first sipping of water from the palm (achaman), uttering the desh-kal and resolve (sankalp) are done.
B) Thereafter Shree Mahaganapati is invoked in a coconut or betel nut and worshipped.
C) Then the instruments of worship namely conch, bell, lamp etc. are worshipped and the idol of Shree Ganesh brought on the day of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi is consecrated (pranpratishtha).
Consecration of Shree Ganesh idol (pranpratishtha)
One’s right hand is placed over the heart of the Shree Ganesh idol and mantra is recited. Consecration of an idol is done on Shree Ganesh Chaturthi or to activate any new idol. Through consecration the idol acquires Divinity. - After consecration the Shree Ganesh idol is worshipped with sixteen substances (Shodashopachar-puja).
In Shodashopachar-pujan water is sprinkled on the idol’s feet (padya), sandalwood mixed water is sprinkled on the idol (arghya) and then it is bathed with five nectars (a mixture of milk, honey, curd, clarified butter (ghee) and sugar) (panchamrutsnan). The idol is consecrated by sprinkling with water (abhishek) with flower or sacred grass (durva).
A) Cotton cloth is offered to Shree Ganesh.
B) Sacred thread (yadnyopavit) is then offered.
C) Sandalwood paste is offered to Shree Ganesh
D) Turmeric paste is offered to Shree Ganesh
E) Vermilion (kumkum) is offered.
F) Unbroken rice (akshat) is then offered.
G) Garland of flowers is offered to Shree Ganesh as per availability
H) Flowers are offered at the feet of the idol of Shree Ganesh
I) Then unbroken rice or flowers are offered to each body part of the idol of Shree Ganesh from His head to feet accompanied by recitation of mantras.
J) Leaves of the Shami tree are offered.
K) Sacred grass (Durva) is offered to Shree Ganesh. On the day of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi the Basil plant (Tulasi) acquires the ability to attract Shree Ganesh pavitraks or the subtle most part of Divine consciousness. Hence, Tulasi is offered along with leaves of the Shami tree and Durva to Shree Ganesh on this day. Leaves of Bel, Badari (Bor), Datura (Dhotarâ), Madar etc. are offered.
L) Two lit incense sticks are waved followed by worship with a lit lamp.
M) Naivedya of Modak is offered and arati is waved. One should then pay obeisance and pray to Shree Ganesh. After this at least eight parikramas of Shree Ganesh is performed. At the end flowers are offered with mantras (Mantrapushpanjali) with spiritual emotion and obeisance paid to Shree Ganesh to conclude the ritualistic worship.
Importance of Modak in the ritualistic worship of Shree Ganesh
A) Supreme God Principle (Parmeshwariya-tattva), high level God’s Chaitanya and a flow of Ganesh principle is attracted in the Modak. Their spiral is generated and it keeps moving in an activated form.
B) A spiral of Nirgun principle is generated in the Modak and it keeps moving in an activated form. Particles of vital energy in the form of Chaitanya spread in the void of the Modak.
C) A flow of bliss (Anand) fills in the Modak through its tip.
1. A spiral of this Anand keeps moving in the circular void of the Modak in an activated form.
2. Flows of Anand are emitted into the environment through this spiral.
3. Particles of Chaitanya in the form of Anand spread in the environment.
The proportion of sattva-guna is more in the steamed Modak while the proportion of raja-guna is more in the fried Modak.
Recitation of Shree Ganesh Atharvashirsha
During the period of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi, some people recite the Shree Ganesh Atharvashirsha specific number of times. A protective sheath is created around the person reciting the Shree Ganesh Atharvashirsha from the heart and he is protected from the distress of negative energies.
The importance of chanting the Name of Shree Ganesh during the period of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi
The Shree Ganesh principle is a thousand times more active during the period of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi. On this day the Shiva principle is also active. To benefit completely from these active principles, one should chant ‘Om Gan Ganpataye Namaha’ maximally during this period.
The prayer to be offered during the period of Shree Ganesh Chaturthi
O Shree Ganesh Deity, I am commencing the chanting of Your Name. You only get the chanting done through me with spiritual emotion, as is expected by You. Bestow upon me the capacity to absorb Your Chaitanya. Through this Chaitanya let a protective sheath be created all around me. You only give me the Energy (Shakti) for righteous conduct. I offer this prayer at Your Holy Feet.
Try to envisage the picture of Shree Ganesh while praying. Consequently the prayer occurs with concentration. The chanting will definitely occur with spiritual emotion.
Performing Ritualistic Worship of Shree Ganesh
It is customary to begin every religious ritual with ritualistic worship of Shri Ganesh. In this ritual a small mound of unbroken rice is kept instead of the idol of Shri Ganesh and betel nut is kept on it. In the regions like the western coast, coconut is kept instead of the betel nut. Shri Ganesh is invoked in the betel nut or the coconut. At that time following mantra is recited:
ॐ भूर्भुव: स्व: ऋद्घिबुद्घिसहितं सांगं सपरिवारं सायुधं सशक्तिकं महागणपतिम् आवाहयामि ।
Meaning: O Shri Ganesh, I invoke You to come along with the Deities (Riddhi-Siddhi), Your entire family, all weapons, Energy and with all valour.
With the recitation of this mantra, Shri Ganesh is invoked and His ritualistic worship is done with sixteen substances (Shodashopachar-pūja). Then prayer is offered to Shri Ganesh:
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ।।
Meaning: O Lord, who sets right people following unrighteous paths, has a huge body, who is endowed with the radiance of a million suns, may all my tasks be always free of obstacles.
The betel nut in which Shri Ganesh was invoked is immersed after the completion of the ritual.
Why is the worship of Shri Ganesh spiritually beneficial to all?
Shri Ganesh is associated with the frequencies of Desire associated with the Absolute Earth (Pruthvi) and Ether (Apa) Elements. That is why ritualistic worship of Shri Ganesh is beneficial both for men and women. It helps in conserving the sattva-guṇa in the body and there is an enhancement in the thoughts about spiritual practice.
Righteous actions to be done during the period of Shri Ganesh festival
A) Make a rangoli daily in the courtyard and in front of the Shri Ganesh idol which attracts the Ganesh principle.
B) Do ritualistic worship of the Shri Ganesh idol everyday in the morning and evening.
C) After the ritualistic worship, offer arati to Shri Ganesh
Instead of singing many aratis, sing selective aratis. But sing with the spiritual emotion that Shri Ganesh is actually sitting in front of oneself. As far as possible do not speak to one another while offering arati. Pray together after arati. After praying, chant together for sometime.
1. After the ritualistic worship, offer arati to Shri Ganesh with spiritual emotion along with all the family members.
2. Sing the arati in a melodious and soft voice.
3. Clap and play the cymbals gently for generation of sound (nad).
D) In the evening after offering arati once again, sit with all the family members and chant ‘Om Gan Gaṇapataye Namaha’.
E) During the period of Shri Ganesh festival do maximum spiritual practice and absorb the Chaitanya present in the environment.
As compared to the superior Deities, the Ganesh frequencies remain active on Earth in a greater proportion. That is why the Ganesh frequencies convey the prayers of the Jivas residing on the Earth to the superior Deities. For a person to reach out to the superior Deities spiritual practice and high proportion of spiritual emotion is required.
Spiritual experience obtained by doing ritualistic worship
of Shri Ganesh as per the Family tradition
By ritualistically worshipping the Shri Ganesh idol for one and half days as per the observance peculiar to family (Kuladharma) and the Family tradition (Kulachar), having the experience that the idol of Shri Ganesh is in bliss too: As per the guidance of H.H. Dr. Athavale, a Saint of a high spiritual level, I started following the observances peculiar to our family (Kuladharma) and the family tradition (Kulachar). In our family, the idols of Shri Ganesh and Gouri are immersed together on the seventh day. In 2006 we worshipped the Shri Ganesh idol only for one and a half days. At that time I experienced that the idol of Shri Ganesh is in bliss too. - Mrs. Sandhya Dongre, Maharashtra
During the period of Ganesh festival, the Ganesh principle is active in a greater proportion. That is the reason why the devotees of Shri Ganesh get various spiritual experiences. The spiritual experience of Sandhya Dongre is an example of this.
Benefits of worshipping Shri Ganesh on Shri Ganesh Chaturthi
A) Worshiper's physical and mental stress reduces.
B) The intellect of the worshiper sharpens
C) The intellect of the worshiper becomes steady and the subconscious mind calm.
D) The raja-tama in the worshiper is destroyed.
E) The vital energy of the worshiper increases.
F) The Adnya-chakra of the worshiper is activated.
G) The subtle body of the worshiper is purified.
H) The worshiper can get spiritual experience of Divine touch.
So the ritualistic worship of Shri Ganesh, chanting His Name etc. should be done with spiritual emotion on Shri Ganesh Chaturthi. Vrat of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi is also advised during the period of Shri Ganesh festival.
Shri Ganesh Chaturthi and shauchashaucha
If a woman among the family delivers a baby and there is ashaucha associated with a birth or the ashaucha associated with someone’s death during the period of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi, the religious rites like ritualistic worship etc. should be done through a vrat-representative. The vrat-representative could be any one – sister, disciple, priest or a companion. By doing this, the vrat will not break.
Important worship of Shri Ganesh as per the Time
Various religious actions to be performed during Shri Ganesh festival and the benefits available from them
| Action | Benefit (Percentage) |
| 1. Ritualistic worship of Shri Ganesh | 20 |
| 2. Observing conduct for imbibing the Ganesh Principle | 20 |
| 3. Chanting the Name of Shri Ganesh | 30 |
| 4. Preventing the denigration of the image of Shri Ganesh | 30 |
| Total | 100 |
From the above table one can understand that one gets 30% benefit from the act of preventing the denigration of Shri Ganesh. Here a question can arise in our mind, who will denigrate Shri Ganesh during the period of Shri Ganesh festival? However, it is a matter of regret that such incidents are taking place regularly.
The Deities are disrespected in various ways. They are insulted through the mediums of lectures, books, plays etc. The Deities are used as a model for the advertisements of commercial products. All these denigrating incidents happen in respect to Shri Ganesh in higher proportion. For example :
A) In one instance, Ganesh has been created using various parts of a computer.
B) In a Marathi play ‘Ganapati Bappa Moraya’, many jokes have been cracked on Ganesh.
C) In a fashion show, there is a picture of Ganesh on the dress of a model.
An example of a weird kind of denigration of Shri Ganesh: In one state, an idol of Shri Ganesh is placed in front of the house of those who do not worship Him on Shri Ganesh Chaturthi day. This is inappropriate as one who does not have any reverence for the Deity will not worship the Deity and it will remain unattended.
Due to ignorance about religious scriptures, during Shri Ganesh festival the idols of Shri Ganesh are made mostly in weird forms, shapes and using raja-tama objects. In such circumstances, preventing the denigrations becomes an important worship as per the Time.
Faith is the very foundation of the worship of Deities. The denigration of Deities affects faith. Hence denigrating the Deities in this manner is harm to Dharma. Prevention of the harm to Dharma is itself abiding by Righteousness, that is, Dharmapalan as per the Time. Hence, Ganesh devotees should be alert to the disrespect of Shri Ganesh, should educate the society on this and try to prevent the harm to Dharma.
Shree Ganeshopasana
Every person worships Shree Ganesh in various forms according to his faith. Many actions are included in the worship of Shree Ganesha ji. Some people utter the thousands Names of Shree Ganesh one by one and offer the fragrant grass, that is, Durva to Him along with each Name. This is called ‘durvachan’. There are two types of Shree Ganesh idols A) Dakshinabhimukhi means the idol whose trunk is curved towards the right side. South means the right side. One who is able to face the south direction leading to the region of Lord Yama is powerful and One with an activated Surya nadi (Sun channel) is radiant. Thus in both senses, the Dakshinabhimukhi Ganapati is said to be ‘awakened’. The ritualistic worship of the Dakshinabhimukhi idol is performed by meticulously observing all the rules of the rituals. B) Vam means the left side. Mostly the vamamukhi idols are used for worship. The trunk of the idol is curved towards the left side.
Daily worship of Shree Ganesh
A) Apply the sandalwood paste to Shree Ganesh with the ring finger.
B) Offer the hina scent.
C) Offer the Durva grass to Shree Ganesh.
D) Offer eight red flowers with the stems facing Shree Ganesh.
E) Offer two lit incense-sticks.
F) Offer the Holy sacrament (naivedya) of Modak to Shree Ganesh.
G) Offer the arati to Shree Ganesh three times in a clock-wise direction.
H) Perform minimum eight circumambulations (parikrama) around Shree Ganesh. If this is not possible, perform three circumambulations by revolving around yourself.
Special substances used in the worship of Shree Ganesh
In the worship of Shree Ganesh, the Durva grass, the leaves of Shami and Mandar, objects of red or saffron colour like Raktachandan, red or saffron coloured cloth and flower are specially used.
In order to get more spiritual benefit of Shree Ganesh Principle, the use of incense sticks of sandalwood, kevada, jasmine and khas fragrance is beneficial After the ritualistic worship, modaks are offered to Shree Ganesh as a Holy sacrament and kheer to the mouse, His vehicle.
Significance of Durva
Durva is a special type of sacred grass. The word Durva is derived from the words duhu and avam. Duhuavam means that which is far away and means that which brings closer. According to this meaning, Durva is that which brings the distant pure spiritual particles (pavitraks) of Shri Ganeshji closer. Durva are used in auspicious events and ritualistic worship of Deities, especially in the worship of Shri Ganesh ji
Spiritual features of Durva
A) The process of absorption of the Deity’s Principle happens at its root
B) The Durva have the ability to absorb and emit the three Principles of Primal Shiva, Primal Shakti and Primal Ganesh.
C) Durva have the highest ability to attract the Ganesh Principle.
Its effect takes place in various ways. For example :
1. The Nirgun Ganesh Principle and pure Chaitanya are emitted through the Durva in higher proportion.
2. The momentum of this emission is also higher.
3. The effect of the frequencies emitted by the Durva is on the subtlest, that is, most subtle level.
4. The effect of the frequencies emitted by the Durva is on the gross body, the subtle body and the causal body.
Hence, Durva are offered to Shri Ganeshji.
What type and how many Durva should be offered to Shri Ganeshji?
Generally, tender Durva shoots are used in the ritualistic worship of Shri Ganeshji. The blossomed Durva are not used in the worship. With the blossoming of the plant, its ability to attract the Ganesh Principle is reduced. Similarly the Durva whose middle stick has three leaflets should not be offered to Shri Ganeshji.
Offer the Durva with three or five leaflets to Shri Ganeshji. They are called durvankur. The middle leaflet of durvankur attracts the Principle of Primal Ganesh and the other two leaflets attract Primal Shiva and Primal Shakti Principles.
Method of offering Durva to Shri Ganesh ji
The minimum number of Durva to be offered to Shri Ganesh ji should be 21. Tie the Durva together and offer them to Shri Ganesh ji after dipping into water. The entire idol of Shri Ganesh ji excluding the face should be covered with Durva. Thus the fragrance of Durva spreads around the idol.
Durvarchan
Shri Ganesh ji is ritualistically worshipped by offering a Durva with each chant of ‘i’ or with each utterance of the one thousand Names of Shri Ganesh ji. This is called ‘durvarchan’. In this the offering of Durva begins from the Holy Feet of iGanesh idol.
Effects of Durvarchan
The Principle of a Deity is emitted in higher proportion through the Holy Feet of the idol. So the Durva offered in the beginning attracts Ganesh Principle in higher proportion. This Principle is then transferred to the Durva offered later on. This Principle is spread up to the top by the Durva offered in sequence. Due to this the Chaitanya frequencies are emitted from the idol in higher proportion.
As a result of the durvarchan done in this manner, the Ganesh Principle is attracted to the venue of the worship in higher proportion. The Nirgun frequencies of Principles of Deities are attracted in the idol. These frequencies are transformed into Sagun frequencies in Shri Ganesh idol and they are then emitted through the idol because of which the worshiper gets more benefit.
It is thus clear that due to the emission of the Deity’s Principle through the Durva, the adverse influence of the raja-tama-predominant Principles in the environment is reduced.
Durva and Grass
Durva have the highest ability to attract and emit the Principles of the three Deities – Primal Shiva, Primal Shakti and Primal Ganapati. The grass does not have any such ability. The vibrations that the grass attracts and emits are illusory, that is, artificial.
Subtle effect of grass:
A) Raja-guna is active in the roots of grass, which flows in outward direction.
B) Due to the raja-guna in the grass, the illusory vibrations flow in it and are also emitted by it.
If Durva is not available, the all-encompassing akshat, that is, unbroken rice grains smeared with kumkum should be offered to the Deity. The Scriptures mention: ‘सकलउपचारार्थे अक्षताम् समर्पयामि ।’ which means, ‘Akshat can be used in place of all the substances offered in the rituals’.
Points to be kept in mind while bringing Durva for the ritualistic worship of Shri Ganeshji:
1. Select Durva grown in a clean place only.
2. The Durva should not have been trampled upon.
3. While plucking Durva, chant the Name of Shri Ganesh ji continuously.
4. While bringing Durva home they should not be held in the left hand or on the head.
The three leaflets of the tri-foliage Durva to be offered to Shri Ganesh ji denote the three gunas, sattva, raja and tama. If the bhav of the worshipper or the seeker is that ‘offering the tri-foliage Durva means offering our gunas', he gets the benefit at the spiritual level. One can say that the sole aim of life of a person on the path of Spirituality is to contribute to the Divine mission by going beyond the three gunas. In short, one gets the learning from the Durva that, one should be in a state beyond trigunas and continue to perform the Divine mission with the help of the trigunas.
Importance of the Types of Celebration Methods
| No. | Spiritual benefit | Chanting (continual repeating /remembrance) of Shree Ganesh’s Name | Ritualistic worship and singing of hymns with lit lamp waving (aarati) | Reciting Atharvashirsha | |
| 1 | Getting benefit from Shree Ganesh Principle (%) | 20 | 10 to 15 | 7 to 10 | |
| 2 | Getting divine consciousness or chaitanya (%) | 50 | 30 | 20 | |
| 3 | Getting divine energy (%) | 40 | 20 | 10 | |
| 4 | Relative importance (%) | Spiritual emotion (bhaav) | 70 | 100 | 30 |
| Pronunciation | 30 | 0 | 70 | ||
| 5 | Impact on the devotee | Awakening of the Sushumna (central) spiritual energy channel*, awakening of spiritual emotion, and chanting occurring at a higher level of speech (vaani) | Awakening of spiritual emotion, can easily absorb divine consciousness and divine energy and awakening of the Sushumna (central) and the Surya (right side) spiritual energy channels* | Gettting divine consciousness and divine energy, removal of subtle black covering and awakening of the Surya (right side) spiritual energy channel* | |
| 6 | Impact on different bodies of the embodied soul** | Physical body | 10 | 2 | All bodies get purified up to 15%. Vital energy body and mental body get purified up to 30%. |
| Mental body | 30 | 3 | |||
| Causal (intellect) body | 20 | 1 | |||
| Supra-causal (ego) body | 10 | 2 | |||
| All bodies get purified, resulting in overall increase in spiritual purity (saattvikta) | Increase in overall spiritual purity (saattvikta) of the bodies and increase in divine consciousness absorbing capacity of the bodies | ||||
* The Kundalini is the inherent spiritual energy system in the body. It consists of 7 main centres or chakras, 3 main channels - the Sun (Surya or Right channel or Pingalaa naadi), Moon (Chandra or Left channel or Idaa naadi) and Central (Sushumnaa naadi) channels and innumerable ducts and ductules.
** An average human being, also known as the embodied soul or Jiva
Anant Chaturdashi, the immersion of Ganesh Idol
As per the science, the Divinity generated in the idol consecrated on the day of ShreeGanesh Chaturthi lasts only for a day. That is why the idol should be immersed in water that very day or the next day, after performing ritualistic worship.
Before immersing ShreeGanesh idol the concluding ritualistic worship (uttarpuja) is performed. After performing this ritualistic worship, the idol is shifted slightly from its place. Uttarpuja means bidding farewell to ShreeGanesh with due reverence.
A) When taking the ShreeGanesh idol for immersion, one should also offer curd, puffed rice, coconut, sweet delicacy (Modak) etc. as provisions for the journey.
B) As far as possible all the members of the family should go for the immersion of the ShreeGanesh idol.
C) When taking the ShreeGanesh idol for immersion, the back of the idol should face the person carrying the idol.
D) One should go to an ocean, a river, reservoir of water or a well for immersing the idol.
E) Arati should be offered to ShreeGanesh.
F) After the arati, the idol should be immersed in flowing water together with the provisions.
Spritual experience in context to the provisions during the immersion of the idol of ShreeGanesh
While going for the immersion of the ShreeGanesh idol, the rickshaw not starting, then realising about forgetting the provisions for the journey at home and the rickshaw starting immediately after bringing the provisions: In 2007, at 5 p.m. we left the house for going for the immersion of the ShreeGanesh idol in a rickshaw. But the rickshaw would not start. We made all efforts to start it, but it would not budge. It was then that my sister realised that we had forgotten to bring along the provisions for the journey made for ShreeGanesh. She asked her husband to get the provisions. The rickshaw started immediately upon bringing them and we were able to go for the immersion of the idol. ShreeGanesh Himself took care that our seva does not remain incomplete. The moment I realised this I expressed gratitude. - Mrs. Gouri Afle, Panvel, Maharashtra
Through the above spiritual experience, one can realise the importance of the provisions for the journey offered to ShreeGanesh. The importance of performing the observances peculiar to the Family tradition (Kulachar) as per the science is evident here.
Spiritual experience of immersing the idol of ShreeGanesh with spiritual emotion
Perceiving bliss (Anand) on the faces of the people participating in the procession for immersion of the ShreeGanesh idol while doing collective chanting, hailing the idol and uttering slogans: This year we decided to have an ideal procession while taking the ShreeGanesh idol for immersion. Accordingly we were proceeding with the procession collectively chanting the Name of ShreeGanesh on the way. Sometimes we would also hail the Name of ShreeGanesh or utter slogans. At the time bliss was perceived on the faces of the people participating in the procession. Due to chanting, the idols of Gouri and ShreeGanesh were immersed in water amidst an atmosphere filled with spiritual emotion. Thereafter, we enquired with the elderly people of the village about the procession. They said that an ideal procession should be like this only. - Mrs. Namrata Divekar, Maharashta
The decision of Mrs. Namrata to conduct an ideal procession and conforming to the same is inspiring for everyone.
Why 'donating the idol' is unscientific?
Nowadays many organisations make appeals to donate the idols of ShreeGanesh putting forth reasons like water pollution, drought etc. These organisations take the idols as donation and later throw them in the stone mines. Is it appropriate to throw the idol of the Deity worshipped so ardently in such a way?
The various reasons why 'donating the idol' is unscientific:
A) The immersion of ShreeGanesh idol consecrated on ShreeGanesh Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapad is an observance or ritual prescribed by the Scriptures.
B) Man does not have the capacity to give or take the Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnipresent Deities as a donation. Therefore giving and taking the idols of Deities as donation amounts to denigration of the Deities.
C) The idol of ShreeGanesh is not a toy or a piece of decoration which can be donated to another after usage.
Hence, one should not denigrate the seats of our reverence with our own hands and educate others too. This simple act will contribute to the mission of Dharma.
Immersion of Ganesh idol in flowing water
Due to the ritualistic worship, the idol of ShreeGanesh is charged with the Ganesh Principle. By immersing the idol in flowing water the Ganesh Principle in the idol also flows and spreads far and wide. With the evaporation of the water charged with the Ganesh Principle, the entire environment also becomes sattvik. In some places, the reservoirs do not have enough water for immersion of the Ganesh idol. At other places the source of water is not appropriate.
Methods of ‘immersion of idols’ in emergency situations
A) Symbolic worship of a betel nut
In emergency situations, instead of an idol, use a betel nut and worship it in the form of a symbol of ShreeGanesh. Immerse the betel nut in a small well or a spring.
B) Bringing a new metal idol and worshipping it
Where there is paucity of water, consecrate a new metal idol for Ganesh Chaturthi. There is no need to immerse such idol in flowing water. At the time of immersion, place a few unbroken rice grains on the hand of Ganapati and move the idol slightly from the place. Thereafter keep the idol at some sacred place in the house. Next year the same idol can be consecrated and worshipped.
The reason underlying why the metal idol need not be immersed in flowing water: By consecrating a new metal idol and worshipping it, the Ganesh Principle infuses in the idol. For immersion purpose when the idol is shaken slightly, this Principle is expelled. It is not necessary to worship such idol daily. Next year the idol can be re-consecrated and worshipped.
Proportion of active components in the idol of Shree Ganesh at the time of immersion in flowing water
By immersing ShreeGanesh idol, a person gets 4% each of the Absolute Earth Principle and Absolute Water Principle and 2% of the Absolute Air Principle. By the ritualistic immersion of the idol, the Chaitanya and the vibrations of Ganesh Principle are emitted in higher proportion.
Spiritual benefits from the various sevas from the creation of the idol to its immersion in flowing water as mentioned by H.H. Parulekar Maharaj ji, a Saint from Sindhudurga district, Maharashtra :
| Seva | Proportion
of benefit (Percentage) |
| 1. Creation of idol | |
| A. Bringing clay and kneading it | 10 |
| B. Giving shape to the clay | 25 |
| C. Painting the idol | 5 |
| D. Showing the eyes of the idol open | 15 |
| 2. Bringing the idol home and taking it to the place of immersion | 11 |
| 3. Ritualistic worship, devotional songs and arati | 8 |
| 4. Preparing food and offering Holy sacrament | 21 |
| 5. Lighting of incense and a lamp and keeping the lamp burning uninterrupted | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
A) By sculpting an idol with the bhav of seva, the benefit obtained by the idol-maker is maximum, that is, 55%.
B) In comparison with the ritualistic worship, devotional songs and arati, the body and mind is fully surrendered at God’s Holy feet in making the idol, cooking food for offering as a Holy sacrament (naivedya) and actually offering the Holy sacrament. One gets more benefit from this.
C) One gets more benefits when the actions like bringing the idol home and immersing it in flowing water are performed by oneself considering them as seva.
The effects of breakage of an idol and its remedy
Remedy after breakage of an idol
The Scriptures have laid down some remedies. They depend on when the breakage of the idol takes place.
A) If the idol is broken before its consecration, a new idol should be brought and worshipped.
B) If the idol is broken after the concluding worship after showering it with akshat, it should be immersed in flowing water in the regular way.
C) If the idol is broken after consecration, akshat should be showered on the idol and it should be immersed in flowing water.
D) If this happens on the day of ShreeGanesh Chaturthi, another idol should be worshipped.
E) If this happens on the second or third day, there is no need for a new idol.
F) If the idol is completely damaged, one should perform the ‘Adbhut darshan shanti’, a ritual for peace in the family, as per the advice of the family priest and one’s convenience.
aneshchaturthi which is worthy of mention. Due to Ganesh festival the sattvikta of the society increases and social integration is also achieved.
Ganesh Idol
The science behind the idol of Lord Ganesh is given in the ‘Shriganapatyatharvashirsha’ as ‘Ekadantam, Chaturhastam ....(एकदन्तं चतुर्हस्तं०)’, meaning one who has only one tooth (ekadanta), four hands (chaturbhuj), adorns a noose (pash) and a goad (ankush), holds a (broken) tooth in one hand and holds the other hand in a posture bestowing blessings (varadmudra), whose flag bears the symbol of a mouse, who has a red complexion, a large abdomen (lambodar), whose ears are like sifting pans, who adorns red clothes, whose body is smeared with a paste of red sandalwood (raktachandan) and who is worshipped with red flowers.
Some Variations
1. Mudra : Sometimes one comes across Ganapati idols in the lotus posture (padmasan) or at times even in the dancing posture (nrutyamudra).
2. Mundkata Ganesh : There is a beheaded (Mundkata) Ganesh idol in the Himalaya. The name itself suggests that this idol is without a head. It is said that this is the idol of the son who was created by deity Parvati from the coating of sebum on Her body and who was later beheaded by Lord Shankar.
3. Other complexions : Haridraganapati and the Urdhvaganapati have a yellow complexion. The Pingalganapati is tawny (pingat) while the Lakshmiganapati is white in complexion.
4. Divine phallus (linga) : Just like the divine phallus of Lord Shiva, that of Ganapati too exists. It is called Ganpatyalinga. It is shaped like a pomegranate, lemon, white gourd or jamun.
5. Nude : In the Tantra path of worship, the Ganesh idol is mostly nude. The Energy (Shakti) of Ganesh too accompanies the idol.
6. Feminine form : ‘In the Shakta sect, Lord Ganesh is worshipped in the feminine form. Some such examples are given below.
A. Ganeshvari : An extremely attractive sculpted idol of Ganeshvari is found in the Suchindram temple in Tamilnadu.
B. Ardha Ganeshvari : It has a highly meaningful form in the Tantra path of spiritual practice.
C. Ganeshani : This female deity is found in an extremely rare form of worship performed by tantriks and mantriks (followers of the Path of Tantra and Mantra).’
7. Types of Ganapati idols: There are several types of Ganapati idols like the Saumyaganapati, Balganapati, Herambganapati, Lakshmiganapati, Haridraganapati, Uchchishtaganapati, Suryaganapati, Varadganapati, Dvibhujganapati, Dashbhujganapati, Nartanganapati, Uttishthitganapati, Ganapati with the trunk curved towards the right, etc.
Why is Ganesh idol made of clay only scientific?
Anything which is in consonance with the scriptures proves to be ideal and beneficial. According to this rule, if the idol of Shri Ganesh is sculpted as per the science behind the idol then the pure spiritual particles of Shri Ganesh get attracted towards the idol to a greater extent and those worshiping it are benefited. Unfortunately today, idols are worshiped in various forms and shapes based on one's liking and imagination without taking into account the science behind the idol. During the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Ganesh idol is worshiped on a large scale both, individually and in a collective manner. The non-conformity of the idols is conspicuous at this time. It is for this reason that it is discussed in depth as to how the Ganesh idol should be sculpted for Ganesh Chaturthi, the benefits of doing so and the spiritual loss if not made in that manner.
Making an idol from china clay or mud
One should prepare the Ganesh idol from china clay or mud. Nowadays, idols are made from plaster of Paris so that they become light weight and more attractive. There is a difference between idols made from mud and plaster of Paris. There are references in the Purans (mythological texts) that Ganapati was created from grime. Hence it is appropriate to use a Ganesh idol made of mud for ritualistic worship. The pure spiritual particles (pavitraks) of Ganapati get attracted to a greater extent towards an idol made of mud than to that made of plaster of Paris. The following points shall illustrate how it is improper as well as harmful to make idols from plaster of Paris or from substances other than china clay.
A) Plaster of Paris does not dissolve easily in water and hence the idol floats on water after immersion. Sometimes in cities, the remains of idols which have not dissolved in water for a long period are collected and a bulldozer is run over them to convert them into mud. This amounts to extreme denigration of the deity. The deity should be offered the same reverence when immersing it as when it is invoked. Since the idol is not immersed properly, in a way it amounts to dishonouring the deity.
B) Mixing of the plaster of Paris in water pollutes the river, sea, lake, etc. and can have an adverse effect on the health of living beings.
C) Nowadays a wrong trend has set in whereby idols are even made from coconuts, bananas, betulnut, silver, coins, etc. Some of these objects do not dissolve in water after immersion of the idol. The remains of such idols are used for other purposes or as toys by children.
Spiritual experiences of idol makers when making idols of mud or clay
Many idol makers get the spiritual experience of the God principle when making idols of mud rather than of plaster of Paris. The spiritual experience of an idol maker is given here as an example.
'I made idols of plaster of Paris as well as clay for the Ganesh festival. I experienced immense Bliss (Anand) when making idols of mud. So also my repetition (chanting) of the Name of my family deity (kuladevata) was occurring continuously. I did not experience this when making plaster of Paris idols.' - Mr. Lakshman Ahoman Chavhan, P.O. Dhule, Maharashtra
Sculpting an idol is superior to using a mould
Nowadays, idol making houses have taken the form of a vocation to earn money rather than considering it to be a holy mission or art. The Ganesh idols are made using a mould so that they can be made available for sale faster, merely keeping a commercial angle. However as far as possible, a readymade mould should not be used. The reasons for this are as follows. When making the idol manually, idol makers get an excellent opportunity to exhibit their artistic skill and consequently they obtain satisfaction. Besides, sculpting the idol generates more spiritual emotion (bhav) in the sculptor and such an idol is more sattvik (sattva predominant). From a sculptor's viewpoint, the amount of spiritual emotion generated when sculpting the idol is more important than making the idol artistic and attractive. Hence as far as possible idol makers should make idols manually. Sanatan's perspective too is 'Art for God realisation and not merely art for the sake of art or as business'.
Idols should not be huge
Since 1980, there has been a considerable increase in the number of huge idols used in the Ganesh festival celebrations. Prior to that, the idols were made upto a maximum height of 5 feet. Nowadays idols of 11, 21, 51 feet height are made. The possible losses which can be incurred due to huge idols are given below.
A) According to the scriptures, the height of the Ganesh idol should be limited. The idol should have a maximum height of 1.5 metres because an idol larger than that makes it difficult to perform ritualistic worship. The custom of keeping a small idol for ritualistic worship and a huge idol for exhibition is absolutely incorrect. Idols of deities cannot be objects of exhibition.
B) As sufficient clay is not available to make huge idols, sometimes the idols are made from dry leaves and grass with a coating of clay over it. How much divinity will be present in such an idol ?
C) When making huge idols, iron rods, bamboos, etc. are required to be inserted within them for support. It is improper to use such objects in the idols. Besides, if these idols surface above the water source after immersion, some people even break them and sell the iron rods and wooden plates found within.
D) It is very cumbersome and expensive to transport huge idols. Traffic congestion during transportation of these idols is a common phenomenon. There is also the risk of touching electric cables when transporting idols which are 51 feet high. At times, people even get injured while loading and unloading the huge idols from trucks.
E) Since transportation of huge idols is very slow, their arrival at the site of immersion is delayed. By then if there is high tide, one cannot go deep into the sea. By rule, the huge Ganesh idols should be taken into the sea for immersion before high tide, where the water is 10 to 15 feet deep. In reality however, the huge idols are immersed in water which is merely 6 to 7 feet deep. During immersion, the idols on trolleys are thrown into the water by fastening a rope around the neck of the idol. Thus the idol cracks and breaks down into several pieces. So also, sometimes the volunteers of the festival committees are so exhausted by singing and dancing in the procession that they are not prepared to immerse the idol in deep water. They partially immerse the idol in water, place it horizontally and leave.
F) The other idols and scenes kept along with the Ganesh idol should not be huge in size. When offering obeisance, one should touch the feet of the deity by which one can derive greater benefit of the energy emitted by the deity. This is not possible in the case of huge idols. It would be worth knowing the experience of a devotee of Shri Ganesh who insisted on having a huge idol. At Colval in Goa, a devotee obstinately made an idol which was the biggest in the entire village. He had to break the door of his house to take the idol inside ! The government itself should enact a law to check the production of huge idols. If those making huge idols and Ganesh festival committees are fined heavily then it will curb this practice.
Form of the idol should be according to the science behind the idol
The form of the idol should be such that devotion (bhakti) and spiritual emotion (bhav) towards the deity should be awakened instantly on seeing it. The Ganesh idol should be made according to the science behind the idol. The trunk of the idol should be curved towards the left.
Idols of Shri Ganesh should not have weird forms and attires
Nowadays, the custom of making idols of Shri Ganesh in varied forms and attires has become prevalent, e.g. Shri Ganesh attired in a loin cloth, resembling Shri Krushna adorning a peacock feather on the head, resembling Shri Dattatraya, attired as a child, etc. are seen. During the period of the freedom struggle, Ganesh idols would be made in the form of Gandhiji or Nehru on public demand. Similarly, idols resembling King Shivaji Maharaj or a saint are made today also. Idols of Ganapati playing cricket or football, riding a motorcycle, etc. are also made. A Ganesh festival committee in Kalyan near Mumbai had made a Ganesh idol from medical equipment, a syringe to depict the trunk, kidney trays were used for the ears, a bottle for the crown, gloves for the hands and capsules for eyes. An unnecessary and futile effort merely to combine imagination and modern lifestyle is seen when making such idols. This is totally erroneous because Shri Ganapati cannot be compared to a leader, soldier, sportsman, etc. The Ganesh idol is humanised to gain cheap popularity and publicity. There is a difference between saints and Deities; hence idols should not be made in the form of saints too. In 1950, the Maharashtra government had imposed a ban on the variation in attires of Ganesh idols and their humanisation. However in the course of time, these rules were relaxed. Idols in varied forms and attires adversely affect the faith (shraddha) and spiritual emotion (bhav) harboured by people towards the deity. So also, depicting the deity in such different forms amounts to disrespect for the deity. According to the science of Spirituality, each deity is a specific principle. According to the doctrine that the word, touch, form, taste, fragrance and the energy associated with them coexist, only if the idol is made in accordance with the science behind the idol, is the principle of the respective deity drawn towards it. If this doctrine is not followed when making the idol then that principle is not imbibed in that idol. Consequently, the devotee does not benefit spiritually from that idol from the view point of Spirituality.
Idol should be a seated one, not standing
If a guest pays a visit, we offer him a seat and not keep him standing. During Ganesh Chaturthi, we invoke Shri Ganapati, that is invite Him. One should offer Him a seat and proper hospitality. Harbouring the spiritual emotion (bhav) that Shri Ganapati has actually come to visit us. Besides due to the entire weight of the idol resting on the feet, the idol may even break if it is kept in the standing position for ten consecutive days. Hence one should make an idol which is seated on a wooden seat (pat).
Idol makers should refuse to make idols not in consonance with science
Refusal by the idol makers to make idols which are not in consonance with the science behind the idol shows their commitment to Righteousness (Dharma) and their dutifulness. If idol makers emphatically refuse to make such idols, such idols will not be made at all. It is now necessary that idol makers themselves take the initiative to eliminate the ignorance of the society and the Ganesh festival committees about the science behind the idol. They should not worry about losing customers and starvation because if we make a sacrifice for the sake of Righteousness then God will certainly take care of us. Sanatan launches a widespread campaign so that the idol makers understand the science behind the idol and make idols in accordance with it. Once this awareness is created in idol makers, it will not be long before people too realise it.
Colour of the idol
People have experience that an idol made with natural colour looks more appealing and imparts more Bliss (Anand) than one made with artificial red colour.
Necessity of observing religious restrictions when making an idol
According to the scriptures, prior to the commencement of making Ganesh idols, it is necessary to perform religious rituals such as ritualistic worship (puja), etc. It is vital that the idol maker observes all the religious restrictions in the idol making house when making the idol. The idol maker should observe restrictions such as abstaining from eating meat, not wearing foot wear, not allowing women having menses in the room where the idols are made, etc.
Making idols considering it to be a holy mission
The idol maker should harbour the spiritual emotion (bhav) that it is not he who is making the idol rather it is God Himself who is getting it done through him. He should repose faith that making idols is not a vocation but a holy mission. When an idol is made with this faith and with repeatition (chanting) of God's Name along with observance of all the restrictions given above, it becomes more sattvik (sattva predominant).
The idol should have a religious background
Many a time, scenes related to politics, the Kargil war, etc. are erected around the idol. Such raja-tama items erected merely for public entertainment and cheap popularity adversely affect the overall sattvik atmosphere there. If at all any scenes are to be displayed in front of or behind the idol of Shri Ganesh or other idols are to be kept there then they should be associated with Shri Ganapati. This helps to generate spiritual emotion (bhav) in the devotees.