Ganapathi Puja

📖 For background and inspiration behind this blog, please read my Preface .

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.


=> Chant below lines and while doing so, sprinkle water on yourself and all surroundings.


Deeparadhana:


=> 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 !!