In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is revered as the presiding deity of all auspicious beginnings. It is believed that no work is complete without first invoking his blessings. During Ganesh Chaturthi, those who faithfully worship Ganpati Ji for 10 days are said to have all their endeavors successfully fulfilled.
In the past, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were primarily limited to public squares and temples. However, today, Lord Ganesha is welcomed into almost every home across India. The festival is an occasion to wish for a happy and prosperous life by installing the idol of Bappa. You too can partake in this tradition by bringing Lord Ganesha into your home.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the proper method of installing and worshiping the idol of Lord Gajanan on Ganesh Chaturthi. By following these steps, you can ensure that your devotion is recognized and that you receive the full blessings of Lord Ganpati.
Steps for Installing and Worshiping Lord Ganesha
To ensure the correct installation and worship of Lord Ganesha, it’s important to follow certain guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step process:
Daily Aarti: It is vital to perform the Aarti (a devotional song) of Lord Ganesha every morning and evening from Ganesh Chaturthi until Anant Chaturdashi. This practice honors the presence of Lord Ganesha in your home and invites his blessings.
Prepare Your Home: Before bringing Lord Ganesha into your home, thoroughly clean your house. It’s essential to remove any intoxicants or impure substances to maintain a sacred environment.
Personal Purification: After cleaning your home, take a bath to purify yourself and wear freshly washed clothes. Gather all the necessary puja materials before proceeding.
Placing the Idol: Place the idol of Lord Ganesha in the north or northeast corner of your home. Light a lamp in the south direction, and position the Kalash (sacred water pot) to the east of the idol. On either side of the idol, place Riddhi and Siddhi, symbolizing prosperity and spiritual power, with a betel nut next to each.
Invoking Lord Ganesha: Sprinkle water on yourself while chanting the mantra “Om Pundarikakshaya Namah.” Bow to Lord Ganesha, rinse your mouth three times, and apply a tilak on your forehead as a sign of reverence.
Bathing and Dressing the Idol: Bathe the idol of Ganpati with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar). Then, dress the idol in clean clothes and adorn it with a sacred thread, sandalwood paste, durva grass, akshat (unbroken rice), incense, a lamp, shami leaves, yellow flowers, and fruits.
Performing the Puja: Follow the traditional rituals carefully, especially during the auspicious time on Ganesh Chaturthi. Proper adherence to these rituals ensures that you receive the full benefits of your worship.
Aarti of Lord Ganesha
It is very important to do this every morning and evening at home from Ganesh Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva.
Mata Jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva.
(जय गणेश जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥)
Ek Dant Dayavant, Char Bhuja Dhari.
Mathe Sindoor Sohe Moos Ki Sawaari.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva.
Mata Jaaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva.
(एक दंत दयावंत, चार भुजा धारी ।
माथे सिंदूर सोहे मूसे की सवारी ॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥)
Paan Chade Phal Chade, Aur Chade Meva.
Ladduan Ka Bhog Lage Sant Karen Seva.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva.
Mata Jaaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva.
(पान चढ़े फल चढ़े, और चढ़े मेवा ।
लड्डुअन का भोग लगे संत करें सेवा ॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥)
Andhan Ko Aankh Det, Kodhin Ko Kaya.
Baanjan Ko Putra Det Nirdhan Ko Maya.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva.
Mata Jaaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva.
(अंधन को आंख देत, कोढ़िन को काया ।
बांझन को पुत्र देत निर्धन को माया ॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥)
‘Soor’ Shyam Sharan Aaye, Safal Keeje Seva.
Mata Jaaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva.
Mata Jaaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva.
(‘सूर’ श्याम शरण आए, सफल कीजे सेवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥)
Deenan Ki Laaj Rakho, Shambhu Sutkaari.
Kamna Ko Purn Karo Jaaun Balihari.
Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva.
Mata Jaaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva.
(दीनन की लाज रखो, शंभु सुतकारी ।
कामना को पूर्ण करो जाऊं बलिहारी ॥
जय गणेश जय गणेश, जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती पिता महादेवा ॥)
The Significance of Worshiping Lord Ganesh
In Sanatan Hindu religion, Lord Ganesha is the deity who oversees the successful completion of all auspicious works. Worshiping him during Ganesh Chaturthi, particularly over the 10-day period, is believed to bring success to all endeavors. While the festival was once celebrated mainly in public places, it has now become a household event across India.
This article provides essential information on the correct method for installing and worshiping Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi. By following these steps, you can ensure that your devotion is performed correctly and that you receive the full blessings of Lord Ganpati.