Presented by Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha Hari Om. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Jaya Ganesha!
On this sacred day, we wish everyone the blessings of Lord Ganesha—Abhayam (protection and safety from obstacles), Shakti (power and strength in all fi elds), and Varam (bestowing blessings and boons). The elephant head of Lord Ganesha symbolizes intelligence, sharp memory, peacefulness, strength, and prosperity, qualities that inspire and guide devotees on their spiritual journey.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, which falls around August to September. While it is one of the grandest festivals in India, its celebration goes beyond borders, observed by Hindu communities worldwide—and even in countries like China, where it is known as Kangi Ten, and Cambodia as Parh Kenes.

Lord Ganesha holds a unique place in Indian spirituality and culture. He was not just the remover of obstacles but also the divine scribe who penned the epic Mahabharata as it was narrated by Vedavyasa. Beloved for his wisdom and compassion, Ganesha’s consorts are Siddhi (spiritual success) and Riddhi (material prosperity), and his sons, Shubha (auspiciousness) and Labha (profi t), symbolize the blessings he bestows upon his devotees.

Several sacred texts celebrate Lord Ganesha and elaborate on ways to worship him, including the Ganesha Puranam, Mudgala Puranam, Skanda Puranam (specifi cally the Ganesha Khanda), and Upanishads like the Ganesha Atharvasheersha, Purvatapini and Uttaratapini, as well as the Heramba Upanishad. His teachings are further expanded in works such as the Ganesha Gita and the devotional Ganesha Chalisa.
The practice of Ganesha Upasana (worship) is detailed in important spiritual scriptures like Tantra Sara, Sharada Tilaka, Mantra Maharnava, and Mantra Mahodadhi. These texts guide devotees in connecting deeply with Lord Ganesha through rituals, mantras, and meditation.

According to Shankara Digvijaya by Anandagiri Swami, there are six old and revered traditions of worshipping Lord Ganesha, each highlighting different divine aspects of the Lord:

1. Mahaganapati The great or supreme form of Ganesha, embodying divine wisdom and power. Worshipping Mahaganapati is believed to remove major obstacles and aid in spiritual liberation.
2. Haridraganapati This form emphasizes the protective, fi erce aspect of Ganesha. Associated with the color yellow, Haridraganapati helps devotees overcome fears and negative energies.
3. Ucchishtha Ganapati Linked closely with Tantric practices, Ucchishtha Ganapati represents the power to cleanse inner impurities and awaken spiritual energy within devotees through deeper meditation.
4. Navanita Ganapati Meaning “Butter Ganesha,” this form symbolizes innocence and joy. It blesses devotees with happiness, prosperity, and relief from daily troubles.
5. Svarnaganapati The “Golden Ganesha,” associated with wealth and material prosperity. Devotees pray to Svarnaganapati for fi nancial success balanced with spiritual growth.
6. Santanaganapati Known as the Lord of progeny, this form is worshipped for blessings related to fertility, healthy children, and the overall well-being of the family.

There are many meaningful ways to honor Lord Ganesha during this festival:

1. Pooja and Arti: Perform traditional pooja and arti of Shri Ganapati. Many choose to immerse the idol in water after a few days, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution. Others focus on adoration within themselves or their families, inviting the divine presence into everyday life.
2. Chanting Mantras: It is recommended to chant at least one mala (108 repetitions) of a Ganesh mantra. You can choose from:
   • Moola Mantra: “Om Gam Namah”
   • Bija Mantra (for initiated devotees): “Om Gam Ganapathiye Namah”
   • The popular longer mantra: “Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurume Deva, Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada.”
3. Chanting the Twelve Names of Ganesha: These sacred names, chanted with devotion, help remove obstacles and invite auspiciousness: Sumukhah, Ekadandah, Kapilah, Gajakarnakah, Lambodarah, Vikatah, Vighnarajah, Gajadhipah, Dhumaketuh, Gajadhyakshah, Bhalacandrah, Gajananah.
4. Community Involvement: Participate in activities that remove obstacles for the larger community. For example, raise awareness about eco-friendly and sustainable ways to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi—helping protect the environment while honoring Ganesha’s blessings.
5. Inclusion and Brotherhood: Promote unity by inviting family, friends, and neighbors to join in celebrations or visiting local temples together. Ganesh Chaturthi is a perfect festival to deepen bonds and spread joy.
6. Preparation for Festival Season: Ganesh Chaturthi marks the beginning of the vibrant Indian festival season, which includes Onam, Navaratri, Diwali, and more over the coming weeks. It is a wonderful time to cleanse and prepare your home, mind, and habits to receive divine blessings and new beginnings.

To bring Lord Ganesha’s blessings into your life, chant the sacred Moola Mantra: “ Om Gam Namah” or the Bija mantra: “Om Gam Ganapathiye Namah” Repeated 108 times, this mantra clears obstacles and fi lls your heart with wisdom and strength. It creates a spiritual shield that supports all your endeavors and opens the door to success.

Ganesh Chaturthi is more than a festival—it’s a time to refl ect, renew, and reconnect with the divine in all of us. Whether you follow ancient traditions, chant mantras, perform pooja, or serve your community, each act brings you closer to Lord Ganesha’s blessings. We invite you to share your personal ways of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with the community. Together, let us spread abundance, grace, and joy this festive season. 🙏🏼 Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi! Harih Om, Jaya Ganesha! 🙏🏼