Rituals For The Worship Of
Shree Ganesha

The Puja (Worship) Process

The puja is a 16-step ritual known as Shodashopachara Puja. While the full ritual is elaborate, a simple and heartfelt home puja can be performed by following these steps:

  1. Preparation: Begin by cleaning the space and yourself. Place the Ganesha idol on a clean, decorated altar.
  2. Invocation: Offer a prayer to invite the presence of Lord Ganesha into the idol.
  3. Offerings: Offer items of worship such as water, flowers, and sweets. Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks.
  4. Chanting: Recite mantras and prayers with devotion.
  5. Aarti: Conclude the puja with the singing of an aarti (a devotional song), waving a lit lamp in front of the idol.

Significance of the Offerings

The offerings made during Ganesha puja are deeply symbolic. Each item shown in the visual design has a special meaning:

  • Modaks: A sweet dumpling believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favorite food, symbolizing joy and the sweetness of success.
  • Flowers: Represent devotion and the ephemeral beauty of life, offered to honor the divine.
  • Diya (Oil Lamp): Symbolizes the light of knowledge and truth, which dispels the darkness of ignorance.
  • Durva Grass: Ganesha is said to be pleased by the offering of 21 blades of this sacred grass, which represents purity and the ability to flourish even in adversity.

Mantras for Worship

Chanting Ganesha mantras is a powerful way to invoke his blessings. You can recite these mantras during the puja or at any time to remove obstacles and seek guidance.

  • Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha: The most widely used mantra, it is a simple yet powerful salutation to Lord Ganesha, asking him to remove obstacles and bring success.
  • Vakratunda Mahakaya: This mantra praises Ganesha’s form and power, asking him to make your endeavors free from all obstacles.