As we prepare for the celebrations, here are some important considerations regarding the puja and visarjan, as advised by Pandit Jagannath Guruji.
As one of the most significant and revered festivals in the country, Ganesh Chaturthi is eagerly anticipated each year. This festival, which celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth, spans ten days, beginning on September 19th and concluding on September 28th this year. As we prepare for the festivities, Pandit Jagannath Guruji provides some important insights into the Ganesh Puja and visarjan (immersion) processes.
Ganesh Puja involves various stages, including:
1. Prana Pratishtha (Invocation of life): The priest invokes the life force into the Ganesha idol through mantras and rituals.
2. Shhodashopachara (16-fold worship): This is the main stage of the puja, where the Ganesha idol is offered 16 different types of offerings, such as flowers, fruits, sweets, and prayers.
3. Abhishekam (Bathing): The Ganesha idol is bathed with holy water, milk, and other liquids.
4. Aarti (Worship with light): The Ganesha idol is worshipped with light from a lamp or diya.
5. Vastradhana (Dressing): The Ganesha idol is dressed in new clothes and ornaments.
6. Naivedya (Offering of food): The Ganesha idol is offered food, such as modaks, laddoos, and other sweets.
7. Hawan (Fire ritual): A hawan is performed to invoke the blessings of the gods.
8. Visarjan (Immersion): The Ganesha idol is immersed in a river or ocean, symbolizing the return of Ganesha to the divine realm.
Certain materials are required for the Ganesh Puja, including the Ganesha idol, thali, flowers, fruits, sweets, water, milk, ghee, incense sticks, sandalwood paste, vermilion, Akshata (rice grains), durva grass (sacred grass), coconut, and money.
The visarjan, or immersion, is a significant ritual during Ganesh Chaturthi, and here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Choose a suitable location: Opt for a natural water body like a river, lake, or ocean for immersion, avoiding artificial tanks or local ponds whenever possible for environmental sustainability.
2. Timing: Ganesh idol immersion typically occurs on the final day of the festival, usually the tenth day. Check local customs and the festival calendar for specific dates and times.
3. Direction of immersion: Face the idol towards the North or East direction while immersing, as it is considered auspicious in Hindu tradition.
4. Procession and chanting: Begin the immersion procession by carrying the idol carefully towards the water body, chanting Ganesha mantras or devotional songs to express devotion and gratitude.
5. Flower and coconut offering: Before immersion, place fresh flowers at the idol’s feet and offer prayers to seek blessings. Breaking a coconut symbolizes surrendering one’s ego to the divine.
6. Kumkum (Vermilion): Apply a small dot of kumkum on the idol’s forehead or where the third eye would be, symbolizing the awakening of inner wisdom.
7. Aarti with camphor: Perform a final Aarti with lit camphor or diya, moving it in a clockwise circle in front of the idol to represent the removal of darkness from your life.
8. Gentle immersion: Immerse the Ganesha idol gently in the water, partially or fully, depending on the water body’s depth. Bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with reverence.
9. Witness the dissolution: Observe the idol slowly dissolving in the water, symbolizing Lord Ganesha’s return to his divine abode.
10. Environmental considerations: Ensure the materials used for the idol and decorations are eco-friendly, avoiding non-biodegradable idols.
11. Collect floating materials: After immersion, collect any materials like flowers or coconuts that may float back to the shore, as these are considered sacred.
12. Clean the surroundings: It’s essential to clean the immersion site and dispose of waste responsibly, leaving the environment as pristine as possible.
13. Continue with festivities: Return home or to your community with a sense of fulfilment and continue celebrating the festival with prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and feasting.
As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, it’s essential to understand the significance and rituals of the festival. Pandit Jagannath Guruji provides valuable insights into the Ganesh Puja and visarjan processes, emphasizing the stages and materials required. When performing visarjan, following guidelines like choosing a suitable location, the timing of immersion, and respectful rituals ensure a meaningful conclusion to the festival. Additionally, environmental considerations highlight the importance of eco-friendly practices. Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a celebration but an opportunity to express devotion, seek blessings, and promote sustainability.