Sanatan Dharma offers many different pathways which steer individuals towards the attainment of their final goal of moksha, of true enlightenment, of liberation. One of these ways is the sincere worship of the Lord in whichever form one perceives Him to be. Various modes of worship are prescribed, all of which nourish the spiritual element, ultimately leading to the experience of this state of oneness.
During the auspicious period of Shri Ganesh Utsav, which will be observed from August 31 to September 11, 2011, special worship is offered to Bhagavan Ganesh, the Lord of Beginnings and Remover of obstacles. Outlined below are some modes of worship which are recommended to devotees and which can be performed during the entire period and indeed, everyday. However, it should be noted that a detailed step-by-step procedure into any of these forms of worship will require the guidance of one’s Guru or Pundit.
1. Mantra-recitation
Mantra-jaap or the continuous repetition of mantras can be chanted loudly, whispered, done silently or by writing. Mantra recitation with the accompaniment of havan is even more efficacious. This spiritual discipline brings benefits to the saadhak as well as to the surroundings. The recitation of mantras is one form of niyam (positive virtues) that purifies the environment, builds positive vibrations, creates stability and lifts one to higher states of consciousness.
Some Ganesh mantras are:
1. Om Gam Ganapatayey Namah.
2. Ganesh Gayatri
Om Ekadantaaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaaya Dhimahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayaat.
3. OmVakratunda Mahakaaya
Soorya Koti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva
Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvadaa.
4. OmGajaananam Bhutaganaadi Sevitam
Kapitha Jambu-phala Saara Bhakshanam
Umasutam Shoka Vinaashakaaranam
Namaami Vighneshwar Paada Pankajam.
2. Chanting of Shri Ganapataye Atharvasheersha
This powerful composition praises Bhagavan Ganesh in His many roles. The chanting of this stotra brings many benefits, some of which are outlined in the verses themselves. A few of the benefits are as follows:
- Whoever fasts and practises jaap-yoga( repeated recitation) of this stotra gains knowledge.
- Whoever chants this stotra gains happiness everywhere. Whoever undertakes this jaap during solar eclipse, sitting on the bank of a river or in front of a murti of Bhagavan Ganesh, gets whatever is promised in the stotra. He becomes free from all sin and obstacles.
A copy of this stotra can be found in SWAHA’s publication, Ganesh Upaasanaa.
3. Observance of Ganesh Chowth Vrat
The fourth day after the new moon or full moon in the Hindu calendar is referred to as Chowth and is dedicated to the worship of Bhagavan Ganesh. Special vrat or fast is observed on this day. Offerings are made, mantra-jaap is done, havan may be performed, charity is given, stotras, chaalisas and other compositions dedicated to Shri Ganesh are read. Some scriptures dedicated to Bhagavan Ganesh are Mudgal Puraan, Ganesh Puraan and Shri Ganapati Atharvasheersh .
Offerings that are made may include sindoor, durva grass (doob), milk, bale leaves, ladoo and milk The devotee also fasts, while avoiding environments that are unwholesome and impure.
The benefits that accrue to the person engaging in such a saadhan are:
- Material progress, fulfilment and happiness
- Control of anger
- Removal of obstacles
- Overcoming of physical distress, illnesses and lethargy
- Spiritual elevation.
4. Ganesh Jayanti
This is the first day of the festival of Ganesh Utsav, the eleven-day celebration of Shri Ganesh Pujaa. Ganesh Jayanti is observed on the fourth day in the bright fortnight in the month of Bhaadon (August-September). It is marked with special worship, offerings, recitation of mantras, scriptural reading, bhajan, kirtan and other means of praising the Divine.
Usually, this day marks the commencement of Ganesh Utsav when special worship is performed to Bhagavan Ganesh in the form of the earthen murtis. Among other rituals, the worship includes the offering of sindoor on the entire body of the murti. Also, offerings of durva (doob), bale leaves, ladoo, orange clothing and other ingredients associated with Shri Ganesh are made.
At the end of the Ganesh Utsav period the earthen murtis are immersed, dissolving them in waterways.
