Complete Shri Ganesh Chaturthi pujavidhi

List of articles of worship

Kumkum 100 gm	Coconut 5	Shri Ganesh Idol 1	Mango leaves 5 small branches
Turmeric powder 100 gm	Betel leaves 25	Chourang (small table to place the idol)	Ekarti 1
Sindur 100 gm	Rice 1 kg	Wooden seat 3	Pancharti 1
Sandalwood paste / Ashtagandha 50 gm	Rupee coins 10	Pot 1	Matchbox 1
Rangoli 250 gm	Sesame seed oil 1 ltr	Tamhan 3	Paraat (tray) 1
Fragrance 1 bottle	Pure Ghee 100 gm	Ghanta 1	Modak 21
Yagyopaveet 1	Flowers (Hibiscus and others) 1 kg	Metal lamps 1 or 2	Small Bowls 15
Incense sticks 25	Flower Garland 1	Five-petaled metal lamp-dish 4	Dhoop 100 gm
Camphor 25 gm	Tulsi 25 twigs each with 2 leaves	Panchapatri 1	Dhoti – Uparna for the worshipper 1 set
Cotton wicks 50	Durva 50 ^{See Note}	Offering spoon 1	Cloth to wipe the chourang
Cotton vastra 2 (with 7 beads) or vastra – uparna for the idol	Trifoliate Bel leaves 15	Tabak (Dish) 5	Cloth to wipe the Deity
Akshata 100 gm	Fruits 10 (5 varieties)	Panchamrut (milk, curds, ghee, honey, sugar – one small bowl each)
Supari (betel nuts) 15	Patri (Leaves) ^{See Note}	Vessels 1

Note on Durva – if you plan on offering puja with the 108 or 1000 names of Shri Ganesh, then have as many Durva at hand.

Note on Patri – jasmine, bhringaraja, bel, white durva, Indian jujube, tulsi, prickly chaff, shami, kewra, nerium (kaner), bidi leaf, calotropis (milk weed), arjuna, butterfly pea, pomegranate, deodar cedar, marwa (marjoram), indian nettle (nirgudi), jasmine, august tree leaves – 5 leaves each or more of which ever are available.

Installation of the Idol on the seat

Before commencing the ritualistic worship, rice (any other food grain if rice not available) is spread over the seat and then the Idol is placed on it. A fistful or a small mound of rice is used depending on the local custom. The benefit obtained by installing the Idol on rice grains is given ahead.

After invoking Shri Ganapatitattva (Shri Ganapati Principle) into the Idol and performing the ritualistic worship, energy is created in the Idol. The rice on which the Idol is placed gets charged with this energy. If two stringed musical instruments of the same frequency are placed side by side and sound is generated in one, the same sound is resonated by the other too. Similarly, generation of vibrations of Shakti in the rice kept below the Idol results in generation of vibrations of Shakti in the rice stored in the house, too. Thus, rice grains charged with Shakti can be consumed as Prasad (Holy sacrament) throughout the year.

Reference : Sanatan’s Holy Text ’Shri Ganapati’

Ritualistic worship of Shri Ganapati

Prayer to be offered prior to commencing the puja : While performing each of the following rituals, a specific mantra of each ritual is recited. O Shri Ganesha, let this worship happen with Bhav (Spiritual emotion). Let my mind be constantly in communion with You while worshipping You. Let me have the Bhav that I have the opportunity of worshipping You in person. Let all possible obstacles in this worship be removed. May all of us gathered here benefit from the Chaitanya of this worship.

Applying tilak : The worshipper (also known as the yajmaan) should apply a tilak of kumkum to his own forehead.

Achaman : This brings about internal purification. One should perform mudra of achaman with the right hand and pour water from offering spoon with the left hand into the right hand palm and drink the water after pronouncing Shrivishnu’s Name after the word ‘नमः’

श्री केशवाय नमः । shrI keshavAya namaH |

श्री नारायणाय नमः । shrI nArAyaNAya namaH |

श्री माधवाय नमः । shrI mAdhavAya namaH |

While pronouncing the fourth Name, the worshipper should pour the water into the tamhan through the right hand palm.

श्री गोविन्दाय नमः । shrI govindAya namaH |

Worshipper should perform the mudra of namaskar with the hands joined and placed near the chest and pronounce the remaining Names with the spiritual emotion of surrender.

श्री विष्णवे नमः । shrI viShNave namaH |

श्री मधुसूदनाय नमः । shrI madhusUdanAya namaH |

श्री त्रिविक्रमाय नमः । shrI trivikramAya namaH |

श्री वामनाय नमः । shrI vAmanAya namaH |

श्री श्रीधराय नमः । shrI shrIdharAya namaH |

श्री हृषीकेशाय नमः । shrI hRRiShIkeshAya namaH |

श्री पद्मनाभाय नमः । shrI padmanAbhAya namaH |

श्री दामोदराय नमः । shrI dAmodarAya namaH |

श्री सङ्कर्षणाय नमः । shrI saNkarShaNAya namaH |

श्री वासुदेवाय नमः । shrI vAsudevAya namaH |

श्री प्रद्मुम्नाय नमः । shrI pradmumnAya namaH |

श्री अनिरुद्धाय नमः । shrI aniruddhAya namaH |

श्री पुरुषोत्तमाय नमः । shrI puruShottamAya namaH |

श्री अधोक्षजाय नमः । shrI adhokShajAya namaH |

श्री नारसिंहाय नमः । shrI nArasiMhAya namaH |

श्री अच्युताय नमः । shrI achyutAya namaH |

श्री जनार्दनाय नमः । shrI janArdanAya namaH |

श्री उपेन्द्राय नमः । shrI upendrAya namaH |

श्री हरये नमः । shrI haraye namaH |

श्री श्रीकृष्णाय नमः ।। shrI shrIkRRiShNAya namaH ||

Devatasmaran (Remembrance of God) :

श्रीमन्महागणाधिपतये नमः । shrImanmahAgaNAdhipataye namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to the chief of the ganas (Assistants of Deities), Shri Ganapati.

इष्टदेवताभ्यो नमः । iShTadevatAbhyo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to my Deity of worship.

कुलदेवताभ्यो नमः । kuladevatAbhyo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to my Family Deity.

ग्रामदेवताभ्यो नमः । grAmadevatAbhyo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to the Village Deity.

स्थानदेवताभ्यो नमः । sthAnadevatAbhyo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to the Presiding Deity of the place.

वास्तुदेवताभ्यो नमः । vAstudevatAbhyo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to the Deity of the Premise.

आदित्यादिनवग्रहदेवताभ्यो नमः । AdityAdinavagrahadevatAbhyo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to the Deities of the 9 planets including the Sun Deity.

सर्वेभ्यो देवेभ्यो नमः । sarvebhyo devebhyo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to all the Deities.

सर्वेभ्यो ब्राह्मणेभ्यो नमो नमः । sarvebhyo brAhmaNebhyo namo namaH |

Meaning : I pay obeisance to all Brahmins (Those possessing knowledge of the universe).

अविघ्नमस्तु । avighnamastu |

Meaning : Let all obstacles be overcome.

सुमुखश्चैकदन्तश्च कपिलो गजकर्णकः ।

लम्बोदरश्च विकटो विघ्ननाशो गणाधिपः ।।

sumukhashchaikadantashcha kapilo gajakarNakaH |

lambodarashcha vikaTo vighnanAsho gaNAdhipaH ||

धूम्रकेतुर्गणाध्यक्षो भालचन्द्रो गजाननः ।

द्वादशैतानि नामानि यः पठेच्छृणुयादपि ।।

dhUmraketurgaNAdhyakSho bhAlachandro gajAnanaH |

dvAdashaitAni nAmAni yaH paThechChRRiNuyAdapi ||

विद्यारम्भे विवाहे च प्रवेशे निर्गमे तथा ।

सङ्ग्रामे सङ्कटे चैव विघ्नस्तस्य न जायते ।।

vidyArambhe vivAhe cha praveshe nirgame tathA |

saNgrAme saNkaTe chaiva vighnastasya na jAyate ||

Meaning : One who chants these 12 Names of Shri Ganapati or listens to their recitation during the marriage ceremony, before starting to study, while entering the home or exiting the home, while going on the battlefield or when in distress, he or she will never face any obstacles in the tasks undertaken.

शुक्लाम्बरधरं देवं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् ।

प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये ।।

shuklAmbaradharaM devaM shashivarNaM chaturbhujam |

prasannavadanaM dhyAyet sarvavighnopashAntaye ||

Meaning : I meditate on Bhagwan Shrivishnu, the One with fair complexion, wearing white clothes, bearing 4 hands and having pleasant face, for destroying all the obtstacles.

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।

शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तुते ।।

sarvamaNgalamANgalye shive sarvArthasAdhike |

sharaNye tryambake gauri nArAyaNi namo.astute ||

Meaning : O Narayani Devi, the One most pious, sacred, benevolent, bearing 3 eyes, is a place of surrender for all and having fair complexion, I pay obeisance to you.

सर्वदा सर्वकार्येषु नास्ति तेषाममङ्गलम् ।

येषां हृदिस्थो भगवान्मङ्गलायतनं हरिः ।।

sarvadA sarvakAryeShu nAsti teShAmamaNgalam |

yeShAM hRRidistho bhagavAnmaNgalAyatanaM hariH ||

Meaning : Those who reside in a sacred place (heaven) with Shrivishnu dwelling in their hearts, the tasks of such souls always become successful.

तदेव लग्नं सुदिनं तदेव ताराबलं चन्द्रबलं तदेव ।

विद्याबलं दैवबलं तदेव लक्ष्मीपते तेंऽघ्रियुगं स्मरामि ।।

tadeva lagnaM sudinaM tadeva tArAbalaM chandrabalaM tadeva |

vidyAbalaM daivabalaM tadeva lakShmIpate teM.aghriyugaM smarAmi ||

Meaning : O Master of Devi Lakhsmi (Shrivishnu), remembrance of Your holy feet itself is marriage, auspicious day, and imparts benevolence of planets, Deities, Moon and knowledge.

लाभस्तेषां जयस्तेषां कुतस्तेषां पराजयः ।

येषामिन्दीवरश्यामो हृदयस्थो जनार्दनः ।

lAbhasteShAM jayasteShAM kutasteShAM parAjayaH |

yeShAmindIvarashyAmo hRRidayastho janArdanaH |

Meaning : When the One with bluish-black complexion and benevolent (Bhagwan Shrivishnu) for all, resides in the heart of His devotee, how will such devotee face any failure? He will always succeed and his wishes would be fulfilled.

यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः ।

तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम ।।

yatra yogeshvaraH kRRiShNo yatra pArtho dhanurdharaH |

tatra shrIrvijayo bhUtirdhruvA nItirmatirmama ||

Meaning : ‘Where a great Yogi Shrikrushna and a great archer Arjun are present, there the wealth and success are guaranteed’, is my firm opinion.

विनायकं गुरुं भानुं ब्रह्मविष्णुमहेश्वरान् ।

सरस्वतीं प्रणौम्यादौ सर्वकार्यार्थसिद्धये ।।

Meaning : For achieving success in all the tasks I first pay obeisance to Ganapati, Guru, Surya, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and Devi Saraswati.

अभीप्सितार्थसिध्द्यर्थं पूजितो यः सुरासुरैः ।

सर्वविघ्नहरस्तस्मै गणाधिपतये नमः ।।

vinAyakaM guruM bhAnuM brahmaviShNumaheshvarAn |

sarasvatIM praNaumyAdau sarvakAryArthasiddhaye ||

Meaning : For achieving success in all the tasks, I pay obeisance to Gananayak, who is worshipped by everyone including Deities and Daemons, and who alleviates all the obstacles.

सर्वेष्वारब्धकार्येषु त्रयस्त्रिभुवनेश्वराः ।

देवा दिशन्तु नः सिद्धिं ब्रह्मेशानजनार्दनाः ।।

sarveShvArabdhakAryeShu trayastribhuvaneshvarAH |

devA dishantu naH siddhiM brahmeshAnajanArdanAH ||

Meaning : Prayer to Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh, the Masters of the three regions – Earth, Heaven, Nether region, to bestow success in all the activities initiated.

Desh-kal-kathan : Pronounce the name of the country and time-period. Worshipper should apply water to both of his eyes and recite the following

श्रीमद्भगवतो महापुरुषस्य विष्णोराज्ञया प्रवर्तमानस्य अद्य ब्रह्मणो द्वितीये परार्धे विष्णुपदे श्रीश्‍वेतवाराहकल्पे वैवस्वतमन्वन्तरे अष्टाविंशतितमे युगे युगचतुष्के कलियुगे प्रथमचरणे जम्बुद्वीपे भरतवर्षे भरतखण्डे दक्षिणपथे रामक्षेत्रे बौद्धावतारे दण्डकारण्ये देशे गोदावर्याः दक्षिणतीरेे शालिवाहन शके अस्मिन् वर्तमाने व्यावहारिके क्रोधी नाम संवत्सरे, दक्षिणायने, वर्षा ऋतौ, भाद्रपद मासे, शुक्ल पक्षे, चतुर्थ्यां तिथौ, शनि वासरे, चित्रा (१२.३४ नंतर स्वाती) दिवस नक्षत्रे, ब्रह्मा योगे, विष्टी करणे, तुला स्थिते वर्तमाने श्रीचंद्रे, सिंह स्थिते वर्तमाने श्रीसूर्ये, वृषभ स्थिते वर्तमाने श्रीदेवगुरौ, कुंभ स्थिते वर्तमाने श्रीशनैश्‍चरे, शेषेषु सर्वग्रहेषु यथायथं राशिस्थानानि स्थितेषु एवङ्गुणविशेषण विशिष्टायां शुभपुण्यतिथौ…

shrImadbhagavato mahApuruShasya viShNorAj~nayA pravartamAnasya adya brahmaNo dvitIye parArdhe viShNupade shrIsh{}vetavArAhakalpe vaivasvatamanvantare aShTAviMshatitame yuge yugachatuShke kaliyuge prathamacharaNe jambudvIpe bharatavarShe bharatakhaNDe dakShiNapathe rAmakShetre bauddhAvatAre daNDakAraNye deshe godAvaryAH dakShiNatIree shAlivAhana shake asmin vartamAne vyAvahArike krodhI nAma saMvatsare, dakShiNAyane, varShA RRitau, bhAdrapada mAse, shukla pakShe, chaturthyAM tithau, shani vAsare, chitrA (12.34 naMtara svAtI) divasa nakShatre, brahmA yoge, viShTI karaNe, tulA sthite vartamAne shrIchaMdre, siMha sthite vartamAne shrIsUrye, vRRiShabha sthite vartamAne shrIdevagurau, kuMbha sthite vartamAne shrIshanaish{}chare, sheSheShu sarvagraheShu yathAyathaM rAshisthAnAni sthiteShu eva~NguNavisheShaNa vishiShTAyAM shubhapuNyatithau…

If the worshipper is unable to recite the above ‘Desh-kal’, he can recite the following shloka

तिथिर्विष्णुस्तथा वारो नक्षत्रं विष्णुरेव च ।

योगश्च करणं चैव सर्वं विष्णुमयं जगत् ।।

tithirviShNustathA vAro nakShatraM viShNureva cha |

yogashcha karaNaM chaiva sarvaM viShNumayaM jagat ||

Meaning : By remembering Shrivishnu’s Name, one can derive the same benefit of reciting Tithi, day, nakshatra, yog and karan, as entire universe is Shrivishnu’s form.

Sankalpa (Resolve) : It is difficult to derive the benefit of a ritual without making a sankalpa. One should take akshata in one’s right hand and make following resolve.

मम आत्मनः परमेश्वराज्ञारूपसकलशास्त्रश्रुतिस्मृतिपुराणोक्तफलप्राप्तिद्वारा श्रीपरमेश्वरप्रीत्यर्थं मम श्रीसिद्धिविनायक- प्रीतिद्वारा सकलपापक्षयपूर्वकं सर्वकर्मनिर्विघ्नत्वपुत्रपौत्राभिवृद्धिमहैश्वर्यविद्याविजयसंपदादिकल्पोक्तफलसिध्द्यर्थम् श्री सिद्धिविनायकदेवताप्रीत्यर्थं ध्यानावाहनादि षोडशोपचारैः पूजनमहं करिष्ये । तत्रादौ निर्विघ्नतासिध्द्यर्थं श्री महागणपतिपूजनं करिष्ये । शरीरशुद्ध्यर्थं विष्णुस्मरणं करिष्ये । कलशशङ्खघण्टादीपपूजनं च करिष्ये ।।

mama AtmanaH parameshvarAj~nArUpa sakala shAstra shruti smRRiti purANokta phalaprAptidvArA shrIparameshvara prItyarthaM mama shrIsiddhivinAyaka- prItidvArA sakalapApakShayapUrvakaM sarva karma nirvighnatva putrapautrAbhivRRiddhi mahaishvarya vidyA vijaya saMpadAdi kalpokta phala sidhdyartham shrI siddhivinAyakadevatAprItyarthaM dhyAn AvAhanAdi ShoDashopachAraiH pUjanamahaM kariShye | tatrAdau nirvighnatAsidhdyarthaM shrI mahAgaNapatipUjanaM kariShye | sharIrashuddhyarthaM viShNusmaraNaM kariShye | kalasha sha~Nkha ghaNTA dIpapUjanaM cha kariShye ||

Shri Mahaganapatipujan

Tamhan or banana leaf is placed in front of the Idol. Small heap of rice is created on it. Coconut is placed on the heap of rice with its tuft pointing towards the worshiper. Shri Mahaganapati is then worshiped by offering sandalwood paste and other articles to the coconut.

1. Dhyan (Meditation) : In the mudra of Namaskar, the worshipper should hold both the hands close to his chest and recite the following sholka while meditating on Shri Mahaganapati

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय कोटिसूर्यसमप्रभ ।

निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ।।

vakratuNDa mahAkAya koTisUryasamaprabha |

nirvighnaM kuru me deva sarvakAryeShu sarvadA ||

Meaning : I pray to Shri Ganapati, One who brings about positive changes in the crooks, having huge body and radiance equivalent to million Suns, to remove all obstacles coming in the way of my tasks.

श्री महागणपतये नमः । ध्यायामि ।।

shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | dhyAyAmi ||

2. Avahan (Invitation) : Take akshata in the thumb, middle and ring fingers of the right hand and offer them to the holy feet of Mahaganapati in the form of coconut while saying ‘आवाहयामि’

श्रीमहागणपतये नमः । महागणपतिं साङ्गं सपरिवारं सायुधं सशक्तिकं आवाहयामि ।।

shrImahAgaNapataye namaH | mahAgaNapatiM sA~NgaM saparivAraM sAyudhaM sashaktikaM AvAhayAmi ||

3. Asan-shuddhi (Purification of the seat) : This is done by touching the seat and paying obeisance. Take akshata in right hand and offer them to the holy feet of Mahaganapati while saying ‘समर्पयामि’

श्री महागणपतये नमः । आसनार्थे अक्षतान् समर्पयामि ।।

shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | AsanArthe akShatAn samarpayAmi ||

4. Chandanadi upachar (Offering sandalwood paste) : Apply sandalwood paste to the Deity using ring finger of the right hand. Recite below mantras and perform the tasks as mentioned in the brackets while saying ‘समर्पयामि’

श्री महागणपतये नमः । चन्दनं समर्पयामि ।। shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | chandanaM samarpayAmi || (Apply sandalwood paste)

ऋद्धिसिद्धिभ्यां नमः । हरिद्रां समर्पयामि ।। RRiddhisiddhibhyAM namaH | haridrAM samarpayAmi || (Offer turmeric powder to Mahaganapati’s feet)

ऋद्धिसिद्धिभ्यां नमः । कुङ्कुमं समर्पयामि ।। RRiddhisiddhibhyAM namaH | ku~NkumaM samarpayAmi || (Offer kumkum to Mahaganapati’s feet)

श्री महागणपतये नमः । सिन्दूरं समर्पयामि ।। shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | sindUraM samarpayAmi || (Offer sindur)

श्री महागणपतये नमः । अलङ्कारार्थे अक्षतान् समर्पयामि ।। shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | ala~NkArArthe akShatAn samarpayAmi || (Offer akshata)

श्री महागणपतये नमः । पुष्पं समर्पयामि ।। shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | puShpaM samarpayAmi || (Offer flowers)

श्री महागणपतये नमः । दूर्वाङ्कुरान् समर्पयामि ।। shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | dUrvA~NkurAn samarpayAmi || (Offer durva)

श्री महागणपतये नमः । धूपं समर्पयामि ।। shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | dhUpaM samarpayAmi || (Lit Incense sticks to be waved)

श्री महागणपतये नमः । दीपं समर्पयामि ।। shrI mahAgaNapataye namaH | dIpaM samarpayAmi || (Lit ghee lamp to be waved)

Hold 2 durva leaves in the right hand and sprinkle water on them. Using the durva, sprinkle water on the naivedya (Holy sacrament) and while doing so place the fingers of the left hand on both the eyes and offer the naivedya by reciting following mantras

प्राणाय नमः । prANAya namaH |

अपानाय नमः । apAnAya namaH |

व्यानाय नमः । vyAnAya namaH |

उदानाय नमः । udAnAya namaH |

समानाय नमः । samAnAya namaH |

ब्रह्मणे नमः ।। brahmaNe namaH ||

Note : In Vedik rituals the prANAya namaH | is recited as OM prANAya svAhA |

Place one durva leaf on the naivedya and offer the other one at the holy feet of Shri Ganapati. Take some water in the right hand palm and pour it in the tamhan while reciting following mantra

श्रीमहागणपतये नमः । नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि ।। मध्ये पानीयं समर्पयामि ।

shrImahAgaNapataye namaH | naivedyaM samarpayAmi || madhye pAnIyaM samarpayAmi |

उत्तरापोशनं समर्पयामि । हस्तप्रक्षालनं समर्पयामि । मुखप्रक्षालनं समर्पयामि ।।

uttarAposhanaM samarpayAmi | hastaprakShAlanaM samarpayAmi | mukhaprakShAlanaM samarpayAmi ||

(Offer flowers anointed with sandalwood paste)

करोद्वर्तनार्थे चन्दनं समर्पयामि ।। karodvartanArthe chandanaM samarpayAmi ||

Offer prayer to Shri Ganapati in namaskar mudra

कार्यं मे सिद्धिमायातु प्रसन्ने त्वयि धातरि । विघ्नानि नाशमायान्तु सर्वाणि गणनायक ।।

kAryaM me siddhimAyAtu prasanne tvayi dhAtari | vighnAni nAshamAyAntu sarvANi gaNanAyaka ||

Meaning : O Gananayak, be pleased and remove all obstacles in the path of my tasks and get them completed successfully.

Take spoonful of water and pour it in the tamhan while saying ‘प्रीयताम्’

अनेन कृतपूजनेन श्री महागणपतिः प्रीयताम् ।

anena kRRitapUjanena shrI mahAgaNapatiH prIyatAm |

5. ShriVishnu Smaran (Paying obeisance to Shrivishnu) : Wipe both hands and hold them in namaskar mudra near the chest. Chant ‘विष्णवे नमो (viShNave namo)’ 9 times and then at the end chant ‘विष्णवे नमः । (viShNave namaH |)’

Worshipping implements used in puja

1. Kalashapuja (Worship of the pot) : All Deities, seas, Holy rivers etc. should be invoked in the pot and sandalwood paste, flowers and akshata should be offered to it. This sattvik water is then to be used in the ritualistic worship.

गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।

नर्मदे सिन्धुकावेरि जलेऽस्मिन् सन्निधिं कुरु ।।

कलशे गङ्गादितीर्थान्यावाहयामि ।।

कलशदेवताभ्यो नमः ।

सर्वोपचारार्थे गन्धाक्षतपुष्पं समर्पयामि ।।

ga~Nge cha yamune chaiva godAvari sarasvati |

narmade sindhukAveri jale.asmin sannidhiM kuru ||

kalashe ga~NgAditIrthAnyAvAhayAmi ||

kalashadevatAbhyo namaH |

sarvopachArArthe gandhAkShatapuShpaM samarpayAmi ||

2. Shankhapuja (Worship of the conch) : Offer sandalwood paste and white flowers to the conch. (Not everyone has a conch at home. If you have one, you can offer worship in this manner)

शङ्खदेवताभ्यो नमः ।

सर्वोपचारार्थे गन्धपुष्पं समर्पयामि ।।

sha~NkhadevatAbhyo namaH |

sarvopachArArthe gandhapuShpaM samarpayAmi ||

Meaning : O Deity Conch, I pay obeisance to You and I am offering sandalwood paste and flowers to You.

3. Ghantapuja (Worship of the bell) : To welcome the Deities and drive away the negative energies, ring the ghanta (Bell). The bell should be washed, placed to the worshipper’s left and gandha, flowers and akshata should be offered to it.

आगमार्थं तु देवानां गमनार्थं तु रक्षसाम् ।

कुर्वे घण्टारवं तत्र देवताह्वानलक्षणम् ।।

घण्टायै नमः । सर्वोपचारार्थे गन्धाक्षतपुष्पं समर्पयामि ।।

AgamArthaM tu devAnAM gamanArthaM tu rakShasAm |

kurve ghaNTAravaM tatra devatAhvAnalakShaNam ||

ghaNTAyai namaH | sarvopachArArthe gandhAkShatapuShpaM samarpayAmi ||

4. Deep-puja (Worship of the lamp) : Sandalwood paste, akshata and flowers should be offered to the lamp. (Some people also offer kumkum and turmeric powder)

भो दीप ब्रह्मरूपस्त्वं ज्योतिषां प्रभुरव्ययः ।

आरोग्यं देहि पुत्रांश्च मतिं शान्तिं प्रयच्छ मे ।।

दीपदेवताभ्यो नमः ।

सर्वोपचारार्थे गन्धाक्षतपुष्पं समर्पयामि ।।

bho dIpa brahmarUpastvaM jyotiShAM prabhuravyayaH |

ArogyaM dehi putrAMshcha matiM shAntiM prayachCha me ||

dIpadevatAbhyo namaH |

sarvopachArArthe gandhAkShatapuShpaM samarpayAmi ||

4. Purification of the implements used in puja, place of worship and the worshipper

Pavitrikaran (Purification) : Take some water from the conch and the kalash onto the offering spoon and sprinkle it using a tulsi leaf over yourself. the land and the implements used during the puja while saying the following mantra..

अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थाङ्गतोऽपि वा ।

यः स्मरेत् पुण्डरीकाक्षं स बाह्याभ्यन्तरः शुचिः ।।

apavitraH pavitro vA sarvAvasthA~Ngato.api vA |

yaH smaret puNDarIkAkShaM sa bAhyAbhyantaraH shuchiH ||

If you find the above mantra difficult to say, then you can also say ‘श्री पुण्डरीकाक्षाय नमः । (‘shrI puNDarIkAkShAya namaH |)’ while sprinkling water. Then drop the tulsi leaf into the tamhan.

Consecration and ritualistic worship of Shri Ganesh idol

The Idol of Ganapati should be installed in the East direction. If this is not possible, then install the idol in such a manner that the worshipper does not face the south.

Place one fistful akshata on the seat where the idol will be placed. Then draw a swastik on this using kumkum.

1. Pranapratishtha (Consecration of the Idol) : Place the right hand over the heart of the Idol of the Deity and recite the mantra. (Consecration of an Idol is done on Shri Ganesh Chaturthi or to awaken any new Idol. This is not included in the day-to-day ritualistic worship since the God Principle is already present in it due to regular worship.)

अस्य श्री प्राणप्रतिष्ठामन्त्रस्य ब्रह्मविष्णुमहेश्वरा ऋषयः ऋग्यजुःसामानि छन्दांसि पराप्राण-शक्तिर्देवता
asya shrI prANapratiShThAmantrasya brahmaviShNumaheshvarA RRiShayaH RRigyajuHsAmAni ChandAMsi parAprANa-shaktirdevatA

आं बीजं ह्रीं शक्तिः क्रों कीलकम् ।  अस्यां मूर्तौ प्राणप्रतिष्ठापने विनियोगः ॥
AM bIjaM hrIM shaktiH kroM kIlakam |  asyAM mUrtau prANapratiShThApane viniyogaH || 

ॐ आं ह्रीं क्रों अं यं रं लं वं शं षं सं हं ळं क्षं अः  
क्रों ह्रीं आं हंसः सोहम् । देवस्य प्राणा इह प्राणाः ॥
OM AM hrIM kroM aM yaM raM laM vaM shaM ShaM saM haM LaM kShaM aH
kroM hrIM AM haMsaH soham | devasya prANA iha prANAH ||

ॐ आं ह्रीं क्रों अं यं रं लं वं शं षं सं हं ळं क्षं अः  
क्रों ह्रीं आं हंसः सोहम् । देवस्य जीव इह स्थितः ॥
OM AM hrIM kroM aM yaM raM laM vaM shaM ShaM saM haM LaM kShaM aH
kroM hrIM AM haMsaH soham | devasya jIva iha sthitaH ||

ॐ आं ह्रीं क्रों अं यं रं लं वं शं षं सं हं ळं क्षं अः  
क्रों ह्रीं आं हंसः सोहम् । देवस्य सर्वेन्द्रियाणि ॥
OM AM hrIM kroM aM yaM raM laM vaM shaM ShaM saM haM LaM kShaM aH
kroM hrIM AM haMsaH soham | devasya sarvendriyANi ||

ॐ आं ह्रीं क्रों अं यं रं लं वं शं षं सं हं ळं क्षं अः 
क्रों ह्रीं आं हंसः सोहम् । देवस्य वाङ्मन:चक्षुःश्रोत्र-जिह्वाघ्राणप्राणा इहागत्य सुखं सुचिरं तिष्ठन्तु स्वाहा ॥
OM AM hrIM kroM aM yaM raM laM vaM shaM ShaM saM haM LaM kShaM aH
kroM hrIM AM haMsaH soham | devasya vA~Nmana:chakShuHshrotra-jihvAghrANaprANA ihAgatya sukhaM suchiraM tiShThantu svAhA ||

The mantra above is Vedik. Those who have not studied reciting the Vedas should recite the following shloka to invoke Shri Mahaganapati into the idol

अस्यै प्राणाः प्रतिष्ठन्तु अस्यै प्राणाः क्षरन्तु च । अस्यै देवत्वमर्चायै मामहेति च कश्चन ॥

asyai prANAH pratiShThantu asyai prANAH kSharantu cha | asyai devatvamarchAyai mAmaheti cha kashchana ||

After reciting the above mantra, the worshipper should chant ‘ॐ’or ‘परमात्मने नमः । (paramAtmane namaH |)’ 15 times.

Shodhashopachar Puja (Offering 16 forms of worship)

Dhyan (Meditation) : Join both the hands in the mudra of namaskar and recite the following

ॐ गणानांत्वागणपतिंहवामहे- 

कविंकवीनामुपमश्रवस्तमम् । 

ज्येष्ठराजंब्रह्मणांब्रह्मणस्पत-आनःशृण्वन्नूतिभिःसीदसादनम् ॥

OM gaNAnAM tvA gaNapatiM havAmahe

kaviM kavInAmupamashra vastamam |

jyeShTha rAjaM brahmaNAM brahmaNaspata AnaHshRRiNvannUtibhiH sIdasAdanam ||

The mantra above is Vedik. Those who have not studied reciting the Vedas should recite the following shloka.

एकदन्तं शूर्पकर्णं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्भुजम् ।

पाशाङ्कुशधरं देवं ध्यायेत् सिद्धिविनायकम् ।।

ekadantaM shUrpakarNaM gajavaktraM chaturbhujam |

pAshA~NkushadharaM devaM dhyAyet siddhivinAyakam ||

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः । ध्यायामि ।।

shrI siddhivinAyakAya namaH | dhyAyAmi ||

1. Avahan (Invocation) : At the time of invoking, hold Akshata in the thumb, middle and ring fingers of the right hand and offered unto the holy feet of Siddhivinayak while saying ‘आवाहयामि’

आवाहयामि विघ्नेश सुरराजार्चितेश्वर ।

अनाथनाथ सर्वज्ञ पूजार्थं गणनायक ।।

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः । आवाहयामि ।।

AvAhayAmi vighnesha surarAjArchiteshvara |

anAthanAtha sarvaj~na pUjArthaM gaNanAyaka ||

shrI siddhivinAyakAya namaH | AvAhayAmi ||

2. Asan (Seat) : Hold Akshata in the thumb, middle and ring fingers of the right hand and offered unto the holy feet of Siddhivinayak while saying ‘आवाहयामि’.

विचित्ररत्नरचितं दिव्यास्तरणसंयुतम् ।

स्वर्णसिंहासनं चारु गृहाण सुरपूजित ।।

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः ।

आसनार्थे अक्षतान् समर्पयामि ।।

vichitraratna rachitaM divyAstaraNa saMyutam |

svarNasiMhAsanaM chAru gRRihANa surapUjita ||

shrI siddhivinAyakAya namaH |

AsanArthe akShatAn samarpayAmi ||

3. Padya (Washing the Holy feet) : To wash the Deity’s Holy feet, sprinkle water on the Idol’s feet with 2 leaves of durva.

सर्वतीर्थसमुद् भूतं पाद्यं गन्धादिभिर्युतम् ।

विघ्नराज गृहाणेदं भगवन्भक्तवत्सल ।।

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः । पाद्यं समर्पयामि ।।

sarva tIrthasamud bhUtaM pAdyaM gandhAdibhiryutam |

vighnarAja gRRihANedaM bhagavanbhaktavatsala ||

shrI siddhivinAyakAya namaH | pAdyaM samarpayAmi ||

4. Arghya : Take a flower in the right hand and wet it with a little water from the panchapatra. Then take this flower, sandalwood paste, akshata and a betel nut and offer these together at the holy feet of Ganapati while saying samarpayami in the mantra below.

अर्घ्यं च फलसंयुक्तं गन्धपुष्पाक्षतैर्युतम् । गणाध्यक्ष नमस्तेऽस्तु गृहाण करुणानिधे ।।

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः । अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि ।।

arghyaM cha phalasaMyuktaM gandha puShpAkShatairyutam | gaNAdhyakSha namaste.astu gRRihANa karuNAnidhe ||

shrI siddhivinAyakAya namaH | arghyaM samarpayAmi ||

5. Achaman : Considering that the Deity is performing achaman, take water in an offering spoon (in your left hand), hold 2 durva leaves in your right hand and while saying samarpayami sprinkle water using the durva at the holy feet of Ganapati.

विनायक नमस्तुभ्यं त्रिदशैरभिवन्दितम् ।

गङ्गोदकेन देवेश शीघ्रमाचमनं कुरु ।।

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः । आचमनीयं समर्पयामि ।।

vinAyaka namastubhyaM tridashairabhivanditam |

ga~Ngodakena devesha shIghramAchamanaM kuru ||

shrI siddhivinAyakAya namaH | AchamanIyaM samarpayAmi ||

6. Snan (Ablution) : Take water in the offering spoon. Sprinkle this water on the idol using durva when saying samarpayami.

गङ्गासरस्वतीरेवापयोष्णीयमुनाजलैः ।

स्नापितोऽसि मया देव तथा शान्तिं कुरुष्व मे ।।

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः । स्नानं समर्पयामि ।।

ga~NgA sarasvatIrevApayoShNIyamunAjalaiH |

snApito.asi mayA deva tathA shAntiM kuruShva me ||

shrI siddhivinAyakAya namaH | snAnaM samarpayAmi ||

Note : For clay Idol of Shri Ganapati, sprinkle water on the Idol with a flower or durva having a bhav of actually bathing Shri Ganapati in subtle. For a metal idol you can pour water over the

6A. Panchamrutsnan (Bathing with the five nectars) : Take 2 durva leaves in the right hand. Then while saying the samarpayami in the mantras below, offer (sprinkle) milk, honey, curd, ghee and sugar – in this sequence on the holy feet of Ganapati using the durva. After each offering, take clean water and sprinkle it on the idol’s feet.

श्री सिद्धिविनायकाय नमः । पयस्नानं समर्पयामि ।