Praying to Lord Ganesha is a significant practice in Hinduism, especially when seeking the removal of obstacles. Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is also the god who is traditionally worshipped first before any major endeavor, event, or puja (religious ceremony) due to his role as the remover of obstacles.
How to Pray to Ganesha to Remove Obstacles
1. Preparation for Prayer or Puja:
Before starting the prayer or puja, it is essential to prepare oneself and the place of worship:
- Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes. The place where you intend to pray should also be clean.
- Altar Preparation: Set up a small altar with an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha. Place it on a clean, elevated surface like a table or a designated altar area.
- Offerings: Gather the offerings (puja items) such as flowers (preferably red hibiscus or marigold), incense sticks, diya (oil lamp), fresh fruits, sweets like modaks or laddus (Lord Ganesha's favorite), betel leaves, coconut, and durva grass (a sacred three-bladed grass).
2. Steps for Ganesha Puja:
Lighting the Lamp: Begin by lighting an oil lamp or diya and incense sticks. The light represents knowledge and purity, while incense represents the spirit of devotion.
Invocation (Dhyana): Sit comfortably in front of the altar and take a few deep breaths to calm your mind. Close your eyes and visualize Lord Ganesha in your mind's eye. You can chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" while focusing on Ganesha’s image, which means, "Salutations to the Lord of all beings."
Offering Prayers (Pushpanjali): Offer flowers and durva grass to Ganesha while chanting the Ganesha mantra or your own personal prayers asking for the removal of obstacles.
Offering Naivedyam (Food Offering): Offer the sweets (modaks or laddus), fruits, and coconut to the deity. Break the coconut into halves and place it on the altar as a symbol of breaking your ego and surrendering to Ganesha.
Performing Aarti: Perform the aarti (a devotional song sung in praise of the deity while circling the lamp in front of the idol). This can be done with a traditional aarti plate, which includes a lamp, incense sticks, and flowers. Chant the Ganesha aarti or mantra while doing this.
Reciting Mantras and Prayers: Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha is an essential part of the worship. Below are a few powerful mantras:
- Vakratunda Mahakaya:
Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.Translation: "O Lord with a curved trunk, massive body, and the brilliance of a million suns, remove all obstacles in my endeavors at all times."
- Ganesha Gayatri Mantra:
Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat.Translation: "We meditate on the one-tusked Lord. We contemplate on him who has a curved trunk. May the tusked one guide us on the right path."
- Ganapati Atharvashirsha: Reciting this Vedic hymn dedicated to Lord Ganesha is considered highly auspicious and powerful.
Silent Meditation: After reciting the prayers and mantras, sit silently for a few minutes and meditate upon Ganesha, seeking his blessings to remove any obstacles and provide guidance in your life.
Closing the Prayer: After the meditation, offer your final salutations to Lord Ganesha, thank him for his blessings, and extinguish the diya and incense sticks if they are still burning. Consume the prasad (offered food) with reverence and share it with family members.
Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Alongside Ganesha
While Lord Ganesha is primarily worshipped for removing obstacles, certain other deities are also worshipped to complement his blessings:
Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning is often worshipped alongside Ganesha to seek intellectual growth and removal of mental obstacles.
Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped with Ganesha to ensure that obstacles in financial matters are removed, and prosperity is achieved.
Durga or Parvati: As the mother of Ganesha, worshipping Parvati (or her fierce form, Durga) is also believed to enhance Ganesha’s blessings and provide overall protection.
Rare and Relevant Facts About Ganesha Worship
Ganesha's Birth: According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from the sandalwood paste she used for her bath. She breathed life into the idol, making him her son. This signifies his creation from divine energy, emphasizing his power over all obstacles.
Ganesha and the Moon: It is said that viewing the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi night (the birth anniversary of Ganesha) brings misfortune or accusations of false charges. This belief stems from a myth where the moon laughed at Ganesha’s appearance, and Ganesha, in turn, cursed the moon.
Ganesha’s Mouse (Vahana): Ganesha’s mount, a mouse named Mooshika, symbolizes the ability to penetrate even the most minor and toughest of places. This represents how Ganesha can remove even the smallest obstacles in one's path.
Elephant Head Symbolism: Ganesha’s elephant head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. The large ears signify that a perfect person hears everything, pays attention to all people, and hears all sides of a story.
Praying to Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles involves a deep sense of devotion and a structured approach to worship. By preparing the altar, offering sincere prayers, and chanting specific mantras, devotees can connect with the divine energy of Ganesha. Worshipping with a pure heart and seeking his guidance can lead to the removal of both spiritual and material obstacles in life.