Bharat Rakshak

The symbolism of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the day on which Lord Ganesha is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Though it is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha [Images], the symbolism behind the festival is much deeper.

The essence of Ganeshji is brought out beautifully by Adi Shankara. Though Ganeshji is worshiped as the the elephant-headed God, the form (swaroop) is just to bring out its parabrahma roopa. Ganeshji is described as Ajam Nirvikalpam Niraakaaramekam. This means that Ganeshji is never born.

He is Ajam (unborn), he is Niraakaar (formless) and he is Nirvikalpa (attributeless). Ganeshji symbolises the consciousness which is omnipresent. Ganeshji is the same energy which is the reason for this universe, from which everything is manifested and it's the same energy in which the whole world will be dissolved. Ganeshji is not somewhere outside of us, but the very centre of our life. But this is very subtle knowledge. Not everybody can perceive the formless without the form. Our ancient Rishis and Munis knew this; so they created the form for the benefit and understanding of people at all levels. Those who can't experience of the formless, over a period of sustained experience of manifested form reach the formless Brahman.

So in reality, Ganeshji is formless; yet there is a form to which Adi Shankara prayed and that form carries the message of the formlesness of Ganeshji. Thus, the form serves as the starting point and gradually the formless consciousness begins to manifest. Ganesh Chaturthi marks a unique art of reaching formless Paramatma called Lord Ganesh by repeated worship of the manifest form of Ganesha. Even the Ganesh Stotram, the prayers recited in the praise of Ganeshji, conveys the same. We pray to Ganeshji in our consciousness to come out and sit in the idol for us for a while so that we can play with him. And after the puja, we again pray asking him to go back to where he comes from; that's our consciousness. While he is in the idol, we offer back whatever God has given us through the puja of the idol.

The ritual of immersing (visaran) the idols after few days of worship reinforces the understanding that God is not in the idol, it's inside us. So experiencing the omnipresent in the form and deriving joy out of the form is the essence of the Ganesha Chaturthi festival. In a way such organised festivity and worships lead to an upsurge in enthusiasm and devotion.

Ganeshji is the lord of all the good qualities in us. So when we worship him, all the good qualities will blossom in us. He is also the lord of knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge dawns only when we become aware of the Self. When there is inertia, there is no knowledge, no wisdom, nor is there any liveliness (Chaitanya) or progress in life. So the consciousness has to be awakened and the presiding diety of consciousness is Ganeshji. That's why before every puja, the Lord Ganesha is worshiped to awaken the consciousness.

Therefore, install the idol, worship it with infinite love, meditate and experience Lord Ganesha from within. This is the symbolic essence of Ganesh Chaturti festival, to awaken the Ganesha tatva which is masked inside us

21 Types of Patra-Patri used in Ganesha Chaturthi-Vinayaka Chavithi puja


Sanskrit Name Machi Patram
Telugu Name Machipatri (Davanam)
Mantra Sumukhaya Namaha
Botanical Name Artemisia vulgaris/Imperata Cylindrica
Medicinal Use used for curing skin diseases (leprosy, leucoderma), nervous diseases, and abdominal related


Sanskrit Name Brihathi Patram
Telugu Name Vaakudaaku
Mantra Ganadhipaya Namaha
Botanical Name Solanum indicum/Carisssa Carandass
Medicinal Use Used for asthma, cough, constipation. Also used for women in post natal period


Sanskrit Name Bilva patram
Telugu Name Maaredu
Mantra Gowriputraya Namaha
Botanical Name Aegle marmeolus
Medicinal Use Used for Dysentery. It also purifies water. Bilva leaf is very popular in the worship of Lord Shiva


Sanskrit Name Durvara Patram
Telugu Name Garika
Mantra Gajananaya Namaha
Botanical Name Cyanodon dactylon/Cyanodon Dacry
Medicinal Use used for Skin diseases, arresting bleeding, anemia. Durva leaf is used in the worship of Lord Ganesha


Sanskrit Name Dattura Patram
Telugu Name Ummetta
Mantra Harasunve Namaha
Botanical Name Stramonium
Medicinal Use Used for joint pains, abdominal, skin diseases, hair fall. Also used in poisonous bites


Sanskrit Name Badari patram
Telugu Name Regu
Mantra Lambodaraya Namaha
Botanical Name Zizyphus mauritiana/ Z.jujba
Medicinal Use Used for digestive disorders, wounds and injuries, blood impurities. Also used for maintaining the voice.


Sanskrit Name Apamarga Patram
Telugu Name Uttareni
Mantra Guhagrajaya Namaha
Botanical Name Achyranthus Aspera
Medicinal Use Used for digestive disorders and also used for poisonous bites.


Sanskrit Name Tulasi patram
Telugu Name Tulasi
Mantra Gajakarnaya Namaha
Botanical Name Ocimum sanctum
Medicinal Use Used for respiratory diseases, skin diseases, purifies air, water and surroundings. The leaves are used in the worship of Lord Vishnu who is very much fond of Thulasi


Sanskrit Name Choota Patram
Telugu Name Mamidaaku
Mantra Ekadantaya Namaha
Botanical Name Azadarcata indica/ Mangifera indica
Medicinal Use Used in Diabetics, for cracked heals, diseases of throat.

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Sanskrit Name Karaveera Patram
Telugu Name Ganneru
Mantra Vikataya Namaha
Botanical Name Thevetia Nerifolium/Nerium indicum
Medicinal Use Used for leprosy, wounds and injuries, hair fall, lice.


Sanskrit Name Vishnu Kranta Patram
Telugu Name Vishnukanta
Mantra Bhinnadantaya Namaha
Botanical Name Evolvulus Aisinoides/Convolvulus pluricaucis
Medicinal Use Used for Nervous related, memory power


Sanskrit Name Daadimee Patram
Telugu Name Danimma
Mantra Vatave Namaha
Botanical Name Punica granatum
Medicinal Use Used for Dysentery, Vata/Pitta/Kapha dosha


Sanskrit Name Devadaaru Patram
Telugu Name Devadaaru
Mantra Sarveswaraya Namaha
Botanical Name Cedrus deodar
Medicinal Use Used for skin diseases, wounds/injuries


Sanskrit Name Maruvaka patram
Telugu Name Maruvam
Mantra Sureswaraya Namaha
Botanical Name Cedrus deodar
Medicinal Use Used for Joint pains, skin diseases, heart diseases


Sanskrit Name Sindhuvara Patram
Telugu Name Vavili
Mantra Herambhaya Namaha
Botanical Name Vitex nirgundo
Medicinal Use Used for Vaata related problems and also used in anti poisonous drugs.


Sanskrit Name Jaji Patram
Telugu Name Jaji
Mantra Surpakarnaya Namaha
Botanical Name Jasminum grandiflorum/Myristica Fragrams
Medicinal Use Used for skin diseases, Mouth related problems and also in indigestion.


Sanskrit Name Gandaki Patram
Telugu Name Devakanchanam
Mantra
Botanical Name Sterculia Urens/Latha Durva
Medicinal Use Used for Heart related, Piles, Skin diseases.


Sanskrit Name Shami Patram
Telugu Name Jammi Aaku
Mantra Ibhavaktraya Namaha
Botanical Name Prosopis specigera
Medicinal Use It is used for respiratory problems. This tree is also worshipped as a remedy and we find people taking pradakshina around this tree on the day of Vijaya Dasami.


Sanskrit Name Aswatha Patram
Telugu Name Raavi Aaku
Mantra Vinayakaya Namaha
Botanical Name Ficus religiosa
Medicinal Use Its bark is used in preparation of many medicines. It is also used for arresting bleeding. The significance and importance of this tree is so much that it is considered as Trimurthi (Trinity) swaroopa (Trinal Lords, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). We find people performing Naga Devatha Pratishta under this tree.


Sanskrit Name Arjuna Patram
Telugu Name Tella Maddi
Mantra Surasevitaya Namaha
Botanical Name Morinda Tinctoria/Terminelia Arjuna
Medicinal Use Used for Joint pains, Vata/Pitta/Kapha related, heart diseases, wounds and septic conditions.


Sanskrit Name Arka Patram
Telugu Name Jilledu
Mantra Kapilaya Namaha
Botanical Name Calotropis Procera
Medicinal Use It is used in poisonous bites, wounds and injuries, curing skin diseases, leprosy, tumors, joint pains, etc… It is said that it has 64 varieties of medicinal usage. It is called as a healing herb. We find usage of this leaf on the day of Ratha Sapthami. It is associated with the worship of Sun God, Lord Hanuman and also Lord Ganesha.

RamaY wrote:After reading Atriji's tweets we (SHQ and I) did our own Ganesh Pratima this year.

Got natural clay from Michaeles and got different powders (Tulasi, Neem, Amla etc) and Gangajal from Indian store and made the Pratima.

Patri will be contributed by every plant in and around the house.

Ganesh Maharaj ki, JAI!

Vande Mataram!!!

SLOKAS ON LORD GANESH

Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum
Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet
Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye

Meaning: We meditate on Lord Ganesha - who is clad in white (representing purity), who is all pervading (present everywhere), whose complexion is gray like that of ash (glowing with spiritual splendor), who has four arms, who has bright countenance (depicting inner calm and happiness) and who can destroy all obstacles (in our spiritual and worldly path).

Vakratunda Mahakaaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva
Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

Meaning:The Lord with the curved trunk and a mighty body, who has the luster of a million suns, I pray to thee Oh Lord, to remove the obstacles from all the actions I intend to perform.

Agajaanana Padmaarkam
Gajaananam Aharnisham
Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam
Ekadantam Upaasmahey

Meaning:I worship day and night that elephant faced Lord Ganesha who is like sun to the lotus face of Mother Parvati. Giver of many boons, the single tusked Ganesh, I salute Thee to give e a boon.

Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam
Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam
Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam
Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam

Meaning: The Lord with the elephant face, served by all the Ganas, One who takes as His food, the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala (these are two favorite fruits of Ganesh), son of Uma (Mother Parvati), destroyer of misery of the devotees, controller of obstacles, we worship Your Lotus Feet.

Ganaanaam Twam Ganapathi Gam Havaamahe
Kavim Kaveenaam Upamasra Vastamam
Jyeshta Raajam Brahmanaam Brahmanaspatha
Aanashrunvanna Oothibhi Seedha Saadanam

Meaning: We invite You, the Lord of spiritual faith (of Lord Shiva). You are the wisest among the wise, the best to be given as a standard of comparison. You are the senior Lord, Lord of the Vedic manthras, listening to our prayers. Please visit our home with prosperous things and be seated here.

GANESH GAYATHRI

Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaaya Dheemahe
Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat

Meaning: We meditate on that super power, we invoke the single tusked boon giver, Ganesh.

GANESHA PANCHARATNAM

Mudakaraatha Modakam Sada Vimukti Saadhakam
Kalaadharaavatamsakam Vilasiloka Rakshakam
Anaaya Kaika Naayakam Vinasitebha Daityakam
Nataasubhasu Naashakam Namaami Tham Vinaayakam.

Meaning: I prostrate before Lord Vinaayaka who joyously holds modaka in His hand, who bestows salvation, who wears the moon as a crown in His head, who is the sole leader of those who lose themselves in the world. The leader of the leaderless who destroyed the elephant demon called Gajaasura and who quickly destroys the sins of those who bow down to Him, I worship such a Lord Ganesh.

Natetaraati Bheekaram Navoditaarka Bhaasvaram
Namat Suraari Nirjanam Nataadhi Kaapa Duddharam
Suresvaram Nidheesvaram Gajesvaram Ganeshvaram
Mahesvaram Samaasraye Paraatparam Nirantaram.

Meaning: I meditate eternally on Him, the Lord of the Ganas, who is frightening to those not devoted, who shines like the morning sun, to whom all the Gods and demons bow, who removes the great distress of His devotees and who is the best among the best.

Samasta Loka Samkaram Nirasta Daitya Kunjaram
Daredarodaram Varam Vare Bhavaktra Maksharam
Krupaakaram Kshamaakaram Mudaakaram Yasaskaram
Manaskaram Namaskrutaam Namaskaromi Bhaasvaram.

Meaning: I bow down with my whole mind to the shining Ganapati who brings happiness to all the worlds, who destroyed the demon Gajasura, who has a big belly, beautiful elephant face, who is immortal, who gives mercy, forgiveness and happiness to those who bow to Him and who bestows fame and a well disposed mind.

Akimchanaarti Marjanam Chirantanokti Bhaajanam
Puraari Poorva Nandanam Suraari Garva Charvanam
Prapancha Naasha Bheeshanam Dhananjayaadi Bhushanam
Kapola Daana Vaaranam Bhajaey Puraana Vaaranam.

Meaning: I worship the ancient elephant God who destroys the pains of the poor, who is the abode of Aum, who is the first son of Lord Shiva (Shiva who is the destroyer of triple cities), who destroys the pride of the enemies of the Gods, who is frightening to look at during the time of world's destruction, who is fierce like an elephant in rut and who wears Dhananjaya and other serpents as his ornaments.

Nitaantikaanta Dantakaanti Mantakaanta Kaatmajam
Achintya Rupa Mantaheena Mantaraaya Krintanam
Hrudantarey Nirantaram Vasantameva Yoginam
Tameka Danta Meva Tam Vichintayaami Santatam.

Meaning: I constantly reflect upon that single tusked God only, whose lustrous tusk is very beautiful, who is the son of Lord Shiva, (Shiva, the God of destruction), whose form is immortal and unknowable, who tears asunder all obstacles, and who dwells forever in the hearts of the Yogis.

Mahaaganesa Pancharatnam Aadarena Yonvaham
Prajapati Prabhaatake Hrudi Smaran Ganesvaram
Arogatham Adoshataam Susaahitim Suputrataam
Samaahitaayu Rastabhootim Abhyupaiti Sochiraat.

Meaning: He who recites this every morning with devotion, these five gems about Lord Ganapati and who remembers in his heart the great Ganesha, will soon be endowed with a healthy life free of all blemishes, will attain learning, noble sons, a long life that is calm and pleasant and will be endowed with spiritual and material prosperity.

TWELVE NAMES OF GANESHA

Pranamya Shirasa Devam
Gauriputram Vinaayakam
Bhakataavaasam Smare Nityam
Aayuh Kaamartha Siddhaye

Meaning:Every day, I bow down to that Lord, the son of Gowri, the Lord one who lives in the heart of the devotees, blessing them always with good health and prosperity.

Prathamam Vakratundam Cha
Ekadantam Dviteeyakam
Thriteeyam Krishna Pingaaksham
Gajavaktram Chaturthakam

Meaning: Starting from here the twelve names of Ganesha are mentioned and he is worshipped in those different forms. The first as the Lord with the curved trunk; second, as the one with only one tusk, third, as the one with black (red/brown) eyes, fourth, as the one with giant structure.

Lambodaram Panchamaam Cha
Shashtam Vikatameva Cha
Saptamam Vighnaraajendram
Dhoomravarnam Tathaashtamam

Meaning: Fifth, as the one with a big (long) stomach, six, as the one with a huge body Seven, as the remover of obstacles, eight, as the one with smoke gray color

Navamam Phaalachandram Cha
Dasamam Tu Vinaayakam
Ekaadasam Ganapatim
Dvaadasam Tu Gajaananam

Meaning: Ninth, as the one with moon on the front of His head, tenth, as the foremost leader, eleventh, as the leader of the ganas, twelfth as the one with elephant face.

Dvaadasaitaani Naamaani
Trisandhyam Yah Pathernnarah
Na Cha Vighna Bhayam Tasya
Sarva Siddhikaram Prabho

Meaning: Any person, who remembers these twelve names of Ganesha, three times in a day, will have all their obstacles and fear removed and will attain success. (This group of verses is said to be sage Narada's offering to Lord Ganesh.)

SIXTEEN NAMES OF GANESHA

Sumukhascha Ekadanthascha
Kapilo Gajakarnakaha
Lambodarascha Vikato
Vighnaraajo Ganaadhipaa

Meaning: The various names and associated forms of God Ganesha are enumerated and need to be meditated upon here - the one with an auspicious face, the single tusked Lord, the one who is of red color, the one with the ears of an elephant, the one with a big stomach, the one with a jovial disposition, the controller of obstacles, the Lord of the Ganas.

Dhoomaketur Ganaadhyashah
Phaalachandro Gajaanana
Vakratundo Shoorpakarno
Heyrambho Skandapoorvajaha

Meaning:The one of smoke gray color, the leader of the ganas, the one who has moon in the front of his forehead, the elephant faced one, the one with a curved trunk (or broken tusk), the one with big (basket like) ears, the one who is heroic like a buffalo, the elder brother of Skanda (Skanda is another name for Lord Subrahmanya)

Shodashaitaani Namaani
Yah Pateth Srunuyaadapi
Vidyaarambhe Vivahe Cha
Praveshey Nirgamey Tatah
Sangraamey Sarva Kaaryeshu
Vighnas Tasya Na Jaayathe

Abheepsitaartha Siddhyartham
Poojitoya Surairapi
Sarva Vighna Chhido Tasmai
Sree Ganaadhipataye Namaha

Meaning:Whoever the one who recites and listens to these sixteen names at the beginning of studies, at the time of marriage, while entering or departing a place, or at the battle field, all their obstacles will be removed. Even the Gods worship Lord Ganesha to receive the fulfillment of their actions. Oh Lord Ganesh, the One who has this power of destroying all the obstacles in the way of the devotees, I prostrate before you.

matrimc wrote:Atri: That is one well made pratima. You are quite an artist.

Atri wrote:

matrimc wrote:Atri: That is one well made pratima. You are quite an artist.

Well, it was mostly Mataji and bhabhi ji who did it.

In such cases when wimmen take matters in hand, opinions and ideas of a mujahid are usually worthless onlee, aren't they?

johneeG wrote:How to perform Ganesh Visarjan at home? What to do with the water(in which Ganesh Idol has been immersed)? What to do with pathri(all the leaves and other stems) which were used in puja?

Ganesh Visarjan at home can be eco-friendly if a viable method of disposing the water(in which Ganesh idol has been immersed) is found.

matrimc wrote:I have seen all except dEvadAru and brihatI. vAvilAku is put in while when bath water comes to a boil which is good for new mothers and people suffering from arthritis, muscle aches, sprains, and body pain in general. In addition the water is imparted with a subtle fragrance which makes taking a bucket bath a very pleasant affair. One has two buckets - a hot water one and a cold water one and can mix in proportion that is most comfortable and one can do this for every "muntha" (small brass/bronze pot oh about 1/2 litre or so).