Before the start of any pooja, we workship our Guru and Lord Ganesh. Below is the procedure.
Lines in Italic are comments on what needs to be done while reciting the lines. I hope you have gone thru the Preface section of the Blog.
Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu
Guru Devo Mahesvara
Guru Sakshat Para Brahma
Tasmaisree Guruve Namaha
Prardhana:
Om Gan Ganapataye Namah (×3)
Vakra Tunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva, Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
Suklam Baradharam Vishnum,Shashi varnam chathurbhujam
Prasanna vadanam Dhayayet, Sarva Vignopa Shantaye.
Suma Kayecha Ka Dantaksha Kapilo Gaja karnakam
Lambo daracha Vikato Vignarajo Vinayakam
Dhuma ketuga Gana daksha Palachandra Gaja nanam
Vakratunda Soorpa karno Hai rambo Skanda poorvajam
Soda saita namani yam patecha yadapi
Vidhya Rambhe Vivaheche Pravese Nirghame tada
Sangrame sarva karyeshu Vignastasya najayute
Abhi preechardha siddhijam Poojito essu sairapi
Sarva Vignachide Tasmaishree Shree Ganadhipataye namaha.
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Chant below lines and while doing so, sprinkle water on yourself and all surroundings.
Deeparadhana:
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Light Lamp and then chant below lines.
Deepam devi rupastyam Karma Sakshi Vyavignam Krutu
Yevat pujam karisyami. Tavatam Susthiro bhava
Deepa rardhana muhurta su muhortoste.
Aachamanyam:
While reciting 1st three lines, take water 3 times (i.e. for each line once) using a spoon.
Om Kesavaya Swaha
Om Narayanaya Swaha
Om Madhavaya Swaha
Om Govindaya Namaha
Om Vishnuve Namaha
Om Madhusudanaya Namaha
Om Tri Vikramaye Namaha
Om Vamanaya Namaha
Om Sridharaya Namaha
Om Rrishikeshaya Namaha
Om Padmanabhaya Namaha
Om Damodaraya Namaha
Om Shankarshanaya Namaha
Om Vasudevaya Namaha
Om Anirudraya Namaha
Om Purushottamaya Namaha
Om Adoksha jaya Namaha
Om Narasimhaya Namaha
Om Achutaya Namaha
Om Janardhanaya Namaha
Om Upendraya Namaha
Om Hariye Namaha
Om Sri Krishnaya Namaha
Om Sri Krishna Parabhramane Namaha
or when Gaṇapati Pūjā is done as a purvaṅga (preliminary) for Lalitā Pūjā,
Om Aim Hrīm Śrīm Aim Ācamyāmi Namaḥ
Om Aim Hrīm Śrīm Hrīm Ācamyāmi Namaḥ
Om Aim Hrīm Śrīm Śrīm Ācamyāmi Namaḥ
oṃ apavitraḥ pavitro vā sarvāvasthāṃ gato’pi vā
yaḥ smaret puṇḍarīkākṣaṃ sa bāhyā abhyantaraḥ śuciḥ
śrī-viṣṇuḥ śrī-viṣṇuḥ śrī-viṣṇuḥ
Now take Water and Akshantulu (Mixture of Rice & Turmeric with little amount of Ghee) and throw it back while reciting below lines:
Uttistotu bhoota pisacham
Eti bhumi bharakam
Yeteshama Virodane
Brahma Karma Samaradhe
Pranayama
This is usually done with Gayatri mantra or Panchadasi mantra (if initiated). Step-by-step (3 cycles is enough): Sit comfortably, back straight, right hand in nasika mudra (thumb closes right nostril, ring finger closes left).
Puraka (Inhale) – through left nostril, mentally chant Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah.
Kumbhaka (Hold) – close both nostrils, mentally chant Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi.
Rechaka (Exhale) – through right nostril, mentally chant Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.
Repeat reversing sides (inhale right → hold → exhale left).
āpo jyotī raso'mṛtam brahma bhūr bhuvaḥ suvarom ||
Nitya Puja Karisye
Mama upāta samasta duritakṣaya dvārā
Sri Parameswara Mudrisyam
Sri Parameswari Preechidham
śubhe śobhane muhūrte
śrī mahāviṣṇoḥ ājñayā pravartamānasya
brahmaṇaḥ dvitīya-parārdhe
śveta-varāha-kalpe
vaivasvata-manvantare
kali-yuge prathama-pāde
(If doing pooja from India otherwise replace below with your location)
jambu-dvīpe bhārata-varṣe bhārata-khaṇḍe
godāvarī-kr̥ṣṇa-madhye deśe
śrīśailasya dakṣiṇe bhāge
śobhane gṛhe samasta devata Brahmana Aacharya Hari Hara Sannitho
Aswin Vartamana Vyavaharika
(In Place of blank line, recite the respective year, month etc.)
-------------------- Samascharam
Uttarayanam/Dakshinayam
(Anyone depending on time of pooja)
-------------------- Ritu
-------------------- Masam
Krishnapakshe/Shuklapakshe
(Anyone depending on time of pooja)
-------------------- Tidiya
Subha Nakshatre Subha Yoge
Subha karanam Yevam guna Visheshana Vishistiyam
Subha tido, Sreeman
----------------------Gotram
(Incase of married people say "Dharmapatni sametasya" now and then recite all Family member names)
mama sakutumbasya
kṣema-sthairya-vijaya-abhaya-āyuḥ-ārogya-dhairya-aiśvarya-abhivṛddhidvārā
dharma-artha-kāma-mokṣa-caturvidha-phala-puruṣārtha-siddhyarthaṁ
dhana-dhānya-vāhana-sampad-samr̥ddhyarthaṁ
sarvābhīṣṭa-siddhyarthaṁ
śrī maha ganapathi devata prītyarthaṁ
ahaṁ śrī maha ganapathi devata arcayiṣye ||
Kalisa Aradhana :
( Assuming Thumb is the 1st finger, hold Flower between 3rd & 4th finger and immerse it in a small Pot with water. Decorate this Pot with Sandle and Vermilion. Recite below lines by keeping fingers in the Pot )
kaleśasya mukhe viṣṇuḥ
kaṇṭhe rudraḥ sthito hyasau
mūle tatra sthito brahmā
madhye mātṛ-gaṇāḥ smṛtāḥ ||
kukṣau sāgarāḥ sarve
saptadvīpā vasundharā
ṛgvedo yajurvedo
sāmavedo’pyatharvaṇaḥ ||
aṅge ca sahitāḥ sarve
kalāśāmbu samāśritāḥ ||
āpo vai idaṁ sarvaṁ
viśvā bhūtāny āpah
prāṇā vā āpah
paśava āpah
sarvāṇy āpah
amṛtam āpah ||
āpohiṣṭhā mayo bhuvaḥ
tā na ūrjē dadhātana
mahe raṇāya cakṣase
yo vaḥ śivatamo rasaḥ
tasya bhājayatehanah
uśatīr iva mātaraḥ
tasmā aram gama yāma
supatayo yathā mudat ||
gaṅge ca yamune caiva
godāvarī sarasvatī
narmade sindhu kāverī
jala-sannidhim kuru ||
kāverī tuṅgabhadrā ca
kṛṣṇā veṇī ca gautamī
bhāgīrathī ca viśrutā
pañcagaṅgā prakīrtitāḥ ||
āyantu devyaḥ pūjārtham
duritakṣaya-kāriṇyaḥ
oṁ oṁ oṁ
kalaśodakena
pūjā-dravyāṇi saṁprokṣaye ||
(Now remove your fingers from the Pot and sprinkle that water all around including on yourself)
Ghanta Radhana:
(Recite below lines and then ring the Bell)
āgama-dātvā devānām
gamana-dātvā rakṣāsam
kuru ghaṇṭāravam tatra devatā-nam
laṅghya idam ghaṇṭa-nādaṁ kṛtvā ||
Pooja:
Gaṇa-nātvatvam Gaṇa-patiṃ āvaha me
Kavim Jñāna-vān Mūrti-mātra-vastu-pratishṭhām
Jyeṣṭha-rājāṃ Brahmaṇaṃ Brahmana-sprutam
Meaning: “I invoke Lord Ganesha, the leader of the celestial attendants (ganas), the wise sage, elder king, revered by Brahmanas, and the embodiment of knowledge and supreme consciousness.”
Ganapati Pooja Offerings (Samarpana)
| Mantra |
Offering |
Meaning / Symbolism |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Āvahayāmi |
Flower (Pūṣpam) |
To welcome and honor the Lord, symbolizing devotion and purity |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Ratna-Simhasanam Samarpayāmi |
Seat / Throne (Simhasanam) |
Offering a royal seat for the Lord; symbolizes respect and readiness to receive divine presence |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Pādyam Samarpayāmi |
Water to wash feet (Pādyam) |
Purification of the Lord’s feet; symbolizes humility and service |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Arghyam Samarpayāmi |
Water for respect (Arghyam) |
Offering respect and honoring the Lord |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Ācamaniyam Samarpayāmi |
Sipping water (Ācamana) |
Purification; invoking divine presence in oneself |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Madhuparkam Samarpayāmi |
Sweet offerings (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar) |
Symbolizes nourishment, sweetness, and auspiciousness |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Panchamṛta Stannam Samarpayāmi |
Mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar (Panchamṛta) |
Represents purity, prosperity, and spiritual nectar |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Suddhodakam Samarpayāmi |
Fragrant / scented water |
Symbolizes purification and divine fragrance |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Vastra Samarpayāmi |
Cloth or cotton-turmeric offering (Vastra) |
Respect and care for the Lord; if new cloth is unavailable, cotton ball with turmeric can be offered |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Yajñopavītam Samarpayāmi |
Sacred thread (Yajñopavītam) |
Represents spiritual discipline and sacredness |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Ābharaṇāni Samarpayāmi |
Ornaments (Ābharaṇāni) |
Beautification and honoring the Lord |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Gandham Samarpayāmi |
Sandal paste / fragrance (Gandham) |
Purity, cooling effect, and divine aroma |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Akṣatam Samarpayāmi |
Unbroken rice (Akṣatam) |
Auspicious offering symbolizing prosperity and completeness |
| Om Śrī Mahā Gaṇādhipataye Namaḥ Pūṣpam Samarpayāmi |
Flower (Pūṣpam) |
Final offering to conclude welcome and devotion |
Adanga Pūjā (Āṅga Pūjā) - Optional
| Mantra |
Body Part |
Meaning / Symbolism |
| Om Gaṇeśāya Namaḥ |
Pādam Pūjayāmi |
Feet – humility, foundation, grace |
| Om Eka-dantāya Namaḥ |
Gulpham Pūjayāmi |
Ankle – balance, steadiness |
| Om Vighnarājāya Namaḥ |
Jānunī Pūjayāmi |
Knees – strength to stand in dharma |
| Om Mūṣika-vāhanāya Namaḥ |
Ūru Pūjayāmi |
Thighs – physical and mental power |
| Om Herambāya Namaḥ |
Kaṭim Pūjayāmi |
Waist / Hip – core strength, discipline |
| Om Lambodarāya Namaḥ |
Udaram Pūjayāmi |
Belly – prosperity, digestion of life |
| Om Śrī Ganānāthāya Namaḥ |
Nābhiṃ Pūjayāmi |
Navel – center of energy, life-force |
| Om Gaṇeśāya Namaḥ |
Hṛdayaṃ Pūjayāmi |
Heart – compassion, devotion, love |
| Om Sthūla-kaṇṭhāya Namaḥ |
Kaṇṭhaṃ Pūjayāmi |
Throat – speech, truth, chanting |
| Om Śrī Skandāgrajāya Namaḥ |
Skandham Pūjayāmi |
Shoulder – strength, responsibility |
| Om Śrī Pāśa-hastāya Namaḥ |
Hastam Pūjayāmi |
Hand – action, giving, divine activity |
| Om Śrī Gaja-vaktrāya Namaḥ |
Vaktraṃ Pūjayāmi |
Face – expression, benevolence, joy |
| Om Vighna-hantrē Namaḥ |
Netraṃ Pūjayāmi |
Eyes – wisdom, perception, divine vision |
| Om Sūrpa-karṇāya Namaḥ |
Karṇaṃ Pūjayāmi |
Ears – receptivity, listening to prayers |
| Om Śrī Phāla-chandrāya Namaḥ |
Lālāṭaṃ Pūjayāmi |
Forehead – divine will, intellect |
| Om Śrī Sarveśvarāya Namaḥ |
Śiraḥ Pūjayāmi |
Head – supreme consciousness, wisdom |
| Om Vighnarājāya Namaḥ |
Sarvāṅgāni Pūjayāmi |
Entire body – totality of divine presence |
Astotram:
(108 Names of GOD)
“SarvaVignaharam Devam SarvaKaryaphalapradham
Sarvasiddhi pradhataram Vandeham Gaananayakam“
Ganapati Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 Names)
| Mantra / Name |
Meaning / Significance |
| Om Vinayakaya Namaha | Lord of all beings, remover of obstacles |
| Om Vighnarajaya Namaha | King of obstacles |
| Om Gauripatraya Namaha | Son of Goddess Parvati |
| Om Ganesvaraya Namaha | Lord of the ganas |
| Om Skandagrajaya Namaha | Elder brother of Lord Skanda |
| Om Avyayaya Namaha | Imperishable One |
| Om Putaya Namaha | Son (of Shiva and Parvati) |
| Om Dakshaya Namaha | Lord of the Daksha lineage |
| Om Adhyakshaya Namaha | Lord and Protector |
| Om Dvijapriyaya Namaha | Lover of Brahmins |
| Om Agnigarbhachide Namaha | Born of Agni, destroys ignorance |
| Om Indrasripradaya Namaha | Giver of wealth and prosperity |
| Om Vanipradaya Namaha | Giver of speech and knowledge |
| Om Avyayaya Namaha | Imperishable One |
| Om Sarvasiddhipradaya Namaha | Giver of all accomplishments |
| Om Sarvatanayaya Namaha | Son of all, adored by all |
| Om Sarvaripriyaya Namaha | Beloved of all gods |
| Om Sarvatmakaya Namaha | Embodiment of everything |
| Om Srushtikatre Namaha | Creator of the universe |
| Om Devaya Namaha | Divine One |
| Om Anekarchitaya Namaha | Worshipped by many |
| Om Sivaya Namaha | Associated with Lord Shiva |
| Om Suddhaya Namaha | Pure One |
| Om Buddhipriyaya Namaha | Beloved of wisdom |
| Om Santaya Namaha | Peaceful One |
| Om Brahmacharine Namaha | Celibate One |
| Om Gajananaya Namaha | Elephant-faced One |
| Om Dvaimatreyaya Namaha | Son of the two mothers |
| Om Munistutyaya Namaha | Praised by sages |
| Om Bhaktavighnavinasanaya Namaha | Destroyer of obstacles for devotees |
| Om Ekadantaya Namaha | Single-tusked One |
| Om Chaturbahave Namaha | Four-armed One |
| Om Chaturaya Namaha | Four-faced One |
| Om Saktisamyutaya Namaha | Armed with weapons |
| Om Lambodaraya Namaha | Pot-bellied One |
| Om Surpakarnaya Namaha | Large-eared One |
| Om Haraye Namaha | Yellow One |
| Om Brahmaviduttamaya Namaha | Supreme among Brahma-vidya |
| Om Kalaya Namaha | Time itself |
| Om Grahapataye Namaha | Lord of the house |
| Om Kamine Namaha | Desirer of pleasures |
| Om Somasuryagnilochanaya Namaha | Three-eyed One |
| Om Pasankusadharaya Namaha | Holder of the noose and goad |
| Om Chandaya Namaha | Moon-like One |
| Om Gunatitaya Namaha | Transcendent of qualities |
| Om Niranjanaya Namaha | Spotless One |
| Om Akalmashaya Namaha | Unblemished One |
| Om Svayamsiddhaya Namaha | Self-realized One |
| Om Siddharchitapadambujaya Namaha | Worshipped by Siddhas |
| Om Bijapuraphalasaktaya Namaha | Fond of betel leaves and nuts |
| Om Varadaya Namaha | Giver of boons |
| Om Sasvataya Namaha | Everlasting One |
| Om Krutine Namaha | Doer of good deeds |
| Om Dvijapriyaya Namaha | Beloved of Brahmins |
| Om Vitabhayaya Namaha | Fearless One |
| Om Gadine Namaha | Holder of the mace |
| Om Chakrine Namaha | Holder of the discus |
| Om Ikshuchapadhrite Namaha | Bearer of the sugarcane bow |
| Om Sridaya Namaha | Giver of wealth |
| Om Ajaya Namaha | Unconquerable One |
| Om Utpalakaraya Namaha | Lotus-eyed One |
| Om Sripataye Namaha | Lord of wealth |
| Om Stutiharshitaya Namaha | Delighted by praise |
| Om Kuladribhettre Namaha | Breaker of family pride |
| Om Jatilaya Namaha | With matted hair |
| Om Kalikalmashanasanaya Namaha | Destroyer of the darkness of Kali |
| Om Chandrachudamanaye Namaha | Moon-crested One |
| Om Kantaya Namaha | Beautiful One |
| Om Papaharine Namaha | Remover of sins |
| Om Samahitaya Namaha | Concentrated One |
| Om Asritaya Namaha | Protector of devotees |
| Om Srikaraya Namaha | Bestower of prosperity |
| Om Saumyaya Namaha | Gentle and kind One |
| Om Bhaktavanchitadayakaya Namaha | Giver of what devotees desire |
| Om Santaya Namaha | Peaceful One |
| Om Kaivalyasukhadaya Namaha | Bestower of liberation and happiness |
| Om Sachidanandavigrahaya Namaha | Embodiment of truth, consciousness, bliss |
| Om Jnanine Namaha | Wise One |
| Om Dayayutaya Namaha | Compassionate One |
| Om Dantaya Namaha | Tusked One |
| Om Brahmadveshavivarjitaya Namaha | Free from hatred toward Brahmins |
| Om Pramattadaityabhayadaya Namaha | Remover of fear from demons |
| Om Srikanthaya Namaha | One with a beautiful throat |
| Om Vibhudesvaraya Namaha | Lord of all riches |
| Om Ramarchitaya Namaha | Worshipped by Lord Rama |
| Om Vidhaye Namaha | Giver of knowledge |
| Om Nagarajayajnopavitavate Namaha | One wearing the sacred thread of serpents |
| Om Sthulakanthaya Namaha | One with a large neck |
| Om Svayamkartre Namaha | Self-doer, independent |
| Om Samaghoshapriyaya Namaha | Loved in congregational chanting |
| Om Parasmai Namaha | One who blesses others |
| Om Sthulatundaya Namaha | Elephant-trunked One |
| Om Agranye Namaha | Leader / Foremost One |
| Om Dhiraya Namaha | Steadfast and resolute |
| Om Vagisaya Namaha | Master of speech |
| Om Siddhidayakaya Namaha | Bestower of success |
| Om Durvabilvapriyaya Namaha | Lover of the sacred grass Durva |
| Om Avyaktamurtaye Namaha | Manifestation of the unmanifest |
| Om Adbhutamurtimate Namaha | One of wondrous form |
| Om Sailendratanujotsanga Khelanotsukamanasaya Namaha | Delight of King of Mountains (Himalaya) |
| Om Svalavanyasudhasarajita Manmathavigrahaya Namaha | Charming like Kamadeva, adorned with purity |
| Om Samastajagadadharaya Namaha | Supporter of the entire universe |
| Om Mayine Namaha | Giver of illusion or wisdom |
| Om Mushikavahanaya Namaha | Rider of the mouse |
| Om Hrushtaya Namaha | Delighted One |
| Om Tushtaya Namaha | Contented One |
| Om Prasannatmane Namaha | Of pleasing mind |
| Om Sarvassiddhipradayakaya Namaha | Bestower of all accomplishments |
“Ithi Sri Vigneshwara Astothara Satharamavali hi”
Continuation : Ganapati Pooja Ritual Offerings
| Mantra |
Offering |
Meaning / Symbolism |
| Om Gam Ganapatiye Namaha |
Dhoopam Samarprayami |
Offer incense / dhoop – symbolizes purification and creating a divine fragrance |
| Om Gam Ganapatiye Namaha |
Deepam Samarprayami |
Light lamp / deepam – represents knowledge, enlightenment, and dispelling darkness |
| Om Gam Ganapatiye Namaha |
Naivedyam Samarprayami |
Offer food / prasad – symbolizes nourishment and gratitude to the Lord |
| Om Gam Ganapatiye Namaha |
Puspam Samarprayami |
Offer flowers – devotion, beauty, and purity |
| Om Gam Ganapatiye Namaha |
Tamboolam Samarprayami |
Offer betel leaves and betel nut – auspiciousness and respect |
| Om Gam Ganapatiye Namaha |
Neerajanam Samarprayami |
Light camphor / aarti – symbolizes the burning of ego and offering self in devotion |
After this, sing any Ganesha songs!!
Mantrapuspam:
(There is separate Blog for Mantrapuspam, however for those who don't have time, can use this)
(Take some Flowers in hand and recite below lines. Once done, offer them to GOD)
Ganadhipa Namastestu
Uma Putra Gajanana
Vinayakesha Tanaya Sarva Siddhi Pradayaka
Eka Dantaika Vadana Tada Mooshika Vahanam
Kumara Guruve Tubhya Sumanjalim Samarprayami
Pradakshana Mantra (Circumambulation - Take some Akshantulu in hand and rotate 3 times while reciting below lines and once done, offer it to GOD.)
| Mantra |
Meaning / Significance |
Notes / Devotional Tips |
Yani Kanicha Papani
Janmantara Krutanicha
Tani Tani Pranas yanti |
Whatever sins I have committed, in this life or previous ones, may they be removed from my life-force. |
Recite while holding Akshatulu; rotate 3 times around the deity. |
Pradakshana Pade Pade
Papoham Papakarmaham
Papatmam Papa Sambhavam |
With every step of circumambulation, I renounce sins, sinful actions, and sinful tendencies. |
Focus on internal purification as you walk clockwise around the deity. |
Trahimam Krupaya deva Saranagata Vatchala
Anyada Saranam Nasti Twameva Saranam Mama |
O Lord, protect me with Your grace; I have no refuge except You. |
Express complete surrender to Lord Ganapati during recitation. |
Tasmat Kurunya Bhavena
Rakshya Rakshya Janardhanam
Pradakshanam Karisyami |
Therefore, with humble devotion, I circumambulate; protect me, O Janardana (Lord). |
Maintain reverence and focus on devotion as you complete the circumambulation. |
Sarva Bhrama Nivarana
Sri Ganadhipati Namaskaram Samarprayami |
Remove all my errors and confusions; I offer my respectful salutations to Lord Ganadhipati. |
Conclude the Pradakshana by offering Akshatulu to the deity. |
7 Popular Stories of Lord Ganesha
1. The Birth of Lord Ganesha
Goddess Parvati wanted to take a bath. She needed someone to stand guard at the entrance and not let anyone in till she finished her bath. So she took the sandalwood paste on her body and created the form of a boy and breathed life into it. She told the boy (his son) to stand guard for her and not let anyone in. Lord Shiva returned after sometime and saw the boy. He did not know that the boy was his son. The boy refused him to enter which angered Shiva. So in his rage he cut off the boy’s head. When Parvati came outside after taking the bath she was horrified and filled with rage upon seeing her Son’s headless body. She threatened to destroy the entire creation if her son was not brought back to life. So Shiva asked Nandi, the Bull, to go and bring the head of the first animal he sees. Nandi first came upon an elephant on his search and brought its head to Shiva who then joined it to his son’s body. He named him Ganapati (lord of all the ganas) and gave him a boon that he will be worshiped first before any beginnings.
2. Ganesha and the Moon
Ganesha loved sweets a lot. So his devotees always offered him sweets which made him happy. One day a devotee gave him lots of sweets. Ganesha was so happy he sat and ate till his stomach was full. Then he got up, gathered the remaining sweets and started slowly towards home on his vehicle- a tiny mouse. The mouse couldn’t bear his weight and it tripped which led to Ganesha falling off and the sweets scattering everywhere. Ganesha was embarrassed and he quickly got up and gathered all the sweets, looking around to see if anyone had seen him fall. The moon, in the sky who saw all this, started laughing as he found it really funny. He was proud about his own handsome feature and had always found Ganesha’s pot belly very funny. Seeing him laugh filled Ganesha with anger. He called the moon vain and cursed him that anyone who looks at the moon on Chaturthi will be wrongly blamed. The moon realized his mistake and begged Ganesha to remove the curse. Seeing this Ganesha softened and forgave the moon. He told the moon that he couldn’t remove the curse but he would reduce its impact. Anyone who looked at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi could redeem themselves by looking at the moon on the second day of fortnight and listening to stories of Krishna or Syamantaka gem.
3. Ganesha’s Two Wives
Ganesha had an elephant head, there was no girl ready to marry him. While every god had someone, he did not have anyone. This angered him and he started creating troubles in the marriages of the other demi-gods using the help of his mouse friends. He asked them to dig holes along the way on which the wedding procession of demi-gods went. The demi-gods had to face a lot of trouble. So they complained to Lord Brahma who agreed to help them. He created two beautiful girls – Riddhi (wealth and prosperity and Siddhi (intellectual and spiritual power) and married them to Ganesha hence solving the problem. They had two sons together – Subha (auspiciousness) and Labha (profit).
4. Ganesha and Lord Murugan – The Fruit of Wisdom
Once the demi-gods had an argument over which son of Shiva and Parvati was the wisest. They couldn’t settle this argument and went to Lord Brahma to find the answer. But Lord Brahma did not know the answer. So he asked his son ‘Narad’ to go and find the answer using his tricks and antics. So Narad went to Shiva and Parvati and offered them a golden Mango. He said that the one who eats this mango will be granted immortality and supreme knowledge. Shiva and Parvati decided to give to one of their sons. Now they didn’t know who was more deserving of the fruit. So they decided to hold a test. The one to circle the world three times and return first will get the fruit. Lord Murugan immediately climbed on to his peacock and left. He knew he would win because Ganesha’s vehicle- the mouse was very slow as Ganesha was heavy. Ganesha knew this too. So he thought about it and came up with the solution. He circled his parents (Shiva and Parvati) three times with full devotion. They were surprised and asked him what his was doing. So he told them that they were his entire world and hence he circled them. Ganesha won the race and upon returning Murugan accepted defeat. Ganesha got the fruit and the demi-gods got their answer on who was the wisest among the two sons.
5. How Ganesha Broke His Tusk (There are two versions of this story)
Sage Vyasa wanted to write down the poem of Mahabharata. So he approached Ganesha and asked him to write down what he dictated. Ganesha agreed but he had a condition that Sage Vyasa would not stop dictating the poem till it ended. The Sage in turn also gave a condition that Ganesha will understand what he dictates before writing it down. Ganesha agreed and they started writing. Sage Vyasa would dictate a difficult verse each time he needed to catch his breath as Ganesha would take time to understand it. In his hurry to complete the poem Ganesha broke the feather he was writing with. So he broke of his tusk and dipped it in the ink and continued writing till the poem ended. In this way Ganesha sacrificed his tusk for knowledge.
According to another version Bhagwan Parshuram, the axe carrying incarnation of lord Vishnu came to visit Lord Shiva as he wanted to thank him for providing him with the power and the axe that led to his victory over Kartavirya Arjuna and the kings allied with him. Ganesha stopped him from visiting saying that his father was sleeping with his mother and he did not want him to disturb them. This angered Parashurama and he started fighting Ganesha. Ganesha was winning but then Parshuram threw his axe at Ganesha. But Ganesha did not block the axe as he knew that it was a gift of his father Shiva to Parshuram and the axe cut his tusk.
6. Ganesha and Kubera
Lord Kubera was the god of wealth and he was very proud of his riches. One day he organised a big feast and invited many popular people. He also went and invited Shiva. Lord Shiva knew his true intentions of keeping the feast. He just wanted to show off his wealth. So he told him that his son Ganesha would attend the feast and to take care of him and his hunger. Kubera was confident that he would be able to serve Ganesha well. When Ganesha came on the day of the feast he started eating. He ate everything given to him and each time asked for more. Eventually all the food finished and Ganesha was still hungry. He started eating the vessels and furniture and other things next. So Lord Kubera ran to Lord Shiva for his help. Lord Shiva handed Ganesha a cup of roasted ice that immediately satisfied his hunger. Lord Kubera realized his mistake and asked forgiveness for his pride over his wealth.
7. Ganesha’s Ride – The Mouse
Ganesha is famously depicted riding a tiny mouse. This symbolizes his mastery over desires and ego.
The mouse represents small obstacles, unchecked desires, and the ego that can disturb the mind.
By riding the mouse, Ganesha demonstrates control over these forces, teaching devotees to master themselves.
Additionally, the mouse’s small size carrying the mighty god signifies humility and the balance between strength and gentleness.
Devotees are reminded that no obstacle is too big when approached with wisdom and devotion.
8. Ganesha’s Blessings
Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. Before starting any new venture, ritual, or journey, devotees invoke his blessings.
He embodies wisdom, patience, and discernment. Devotees pray to Ganesha not just for material success but for guidance through life’s moral and spiritual challenges.
His blessings ensure clarity, courage, and devotion in every undertaking. Ganesha’s stories remind us to approach life with intelligence, humility, and reverence for divine guidance.
Visarjan Mantra (Udvasana)
| Mantra |
Meaning / Significance |
Notes / Devotional Tips |
| Yagnena yagna mayajantha devaa: |
The gods themselves performed the yajna (sacrifice) with great devotion. |
Recite while preparing for the idol’s immersion or mentally visualizing Ganapati’s return. |
| Thaani dharmaani pradhamaa nyaasan |
They established the dharmas (righteous practices) as primary acts. |
Focus on the importance of dharma and righteous actions during the offering. |
| Theha naakam mahimaana ssanchamthe |
Here, they manifested their greatness and glory. |
Contemplate Ganapati’s divine qualities and majesty. |
| Yatra poorve saadhyaassamthi devaa: |
Where in the past, the gods themselves performed the sacred rites and established offerings. |
Conclude the recitation with gratitude and devotion, preparing for the immersion. |
After chanting this mantra, move Ganesh idol towards Esshanya disha (North East direction) for a bit.
Then offer Mangal Aarti to Lord Ganpati.
Now, sprinkle somw water drops on Ganesh idol and take the Lord in procession.
This ends the Ganesha Pooja !!
