Vinayagar (also known as Lord Ganesha) is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, intellect, and prosperity. Praying to Vinayagar is considered auspicious, especially before embarking on a new venture, task, or project. Here's a detailed guide on how to pray to Vinayagar, including mantras, puja steps, and relevant information.
1. Ideal Time to Pray to Vinayagar
- Before Beginning Any Task: It is customary to pray to Vinayagar before starting any important work, rituals, or religious ceremonies.
- Chaturthi: The fourth day after the new moon (Shukla Paksha Chaturthi) is particularly sacred and known as Sankashti Chaturthi.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: The birthday of Lord Ganesha is celebrated with great devotion and prayers.
- Wednesdays: Many devotees also consider Wednesday (Budhwar) to be special for praying to Vinayagar.
2. Simple Steps for Daily Vinayagar Puja
Preparation:
- Clean the prayer space and yourself.
- Place a clean cloth on the prayer area and place a small idol or picture of Vinayagar.
- Light an oil lamp (deepam) and incense (agarbatti).
- Offer fresh flowers (red hibiscus and marigold are ideal) and fruits, especially bananas and modaks (Ganesha's favorite sweet).
Steps:
- Invoke Vinayagar (Dhyana): Sit comfortably in front of the deity, close your eyes, and meditate on Vinayagar. Visualize His elephant head, large ears, trunk, and the mouse at His feet.
- Offerings (Naivedya): Place your offerings such as fruits, modaks, or coconut in front of the idol. Offer water (achamanam) and sprinkle some of it around the deity.
- Light the Lamp and Incense: Light the oil lamp and incense sticks, wave them in a circular motion in front of the deity while chanting the mantras.
- Chant Vinayagar Mantras: Recite any of the simple mantras given below to invoke Lord Ganesha's blessings.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the puja by waving the aarti (plate with a lit lamp) in front of the deity while singing Vinayagar aarti or any devotional song dedicated to Him.
3. Simple Prayers and Mantras for Vinayagar
Here are a few short, easy-to-recite mantras that can be chanted daily during puja:
Vakratunda Mahakaya:
- Sanskrit: Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva, Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.
- Meaning: "O Lord with the curved trunk and massive body, with the brilliance of a million suns, remove all obstacles in my endeavors, always."
Ganapati Gayatri Mantra:
- Sanskrit: Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat.
- Meaning: "We meditate upon the one-tusked Lord. We contemplate the one with the curved trunk. May that tusked one illuminate our mind."
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha:
- This is a powerful bija (seed) mantra to invoke the energy of Lord Ganesha. It is simple yet potent and can be chanted in multiples of 108 for special effects.
4. Other Deities to Worship Along with Vinayagar
In Hinduism, Vinayagar is often worshipped along with certain other deities to invoke well-rounded blessings:
- Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity): Worshipping Lakshmi along with Ganesha is a common practice, especially during Diwali.
- Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge and Arts): Vinayagar and Saraswati are invoked together for success in academics and creative endeavors.
- Murugan (Kartikeya): Ganesha’s brother, often worshipped together, especially in South India.
- Shiva and Parvati: As Vinayagar’s parents, they are naturally honored when praying to Vinayagar.
5. Rare and Interesting Facts About Vinayagar Worship
Ashtavinayak Yatra: This is a pilgrimage of eight temples dedicated to Vinayagar, all located in the state of Maharashtra. These eight forms of Ganesha are said to represent different aspects of life and divine intervention.
Sankashti Chaturthi: Observing fast on Sankashti Chaturthi and breaking it after sighting the moon is believed to remove obstacles and grant wishes.
21 Modaks: It is believed that Lord Ganesha’s favorite food is modak, and offering 21 modaks is considered especially auspicious.
Mouse as Vehicle: The mouse, Vinayagar's vahana (vehicle), symbolizes control over desire and ego. The small mouse bowing before the large Vinayagar shows that no matter how insignificant one may seem, devotion to the divine is what matters.
6. Meaning Behind Vinayagar's Iconography
- Elephant Head: Represents wisdom, understanding, and the intellect required to overcome obstacles.
- Big Ears: Symbolizes listening to those in need and being open to advice.
- Broken Tusk: Represents the idea of sacrifice and letting go of imperfections.
- Large Belly: Represents the ability to absorb and digest both good and bad experiences in life.
7. Extended Ritual for Ganesha Chaturthi or Special Occasions
For more elaborate rituals (e.g., during Ganesh Chaturthi), the following additional steps can be included:
- Kalash Sthapana: Place a small pot filled with water (kalash) near the idol, invoking Lord Varuna (the deity of water) for purification.
- Panchamrit Abhishekam: Bathe the idol with five offerings (milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee), followed by clean water.
- Sandalwood Paste (Chandan) and Vermilion (Kumkum): Apply sandalwood and vermilion on Vinayagar’s forehead.
- Recite Ganesha Ashtottara: Chant the 108 names of Lord Ganesha while offering flowers.
8. Relevant Facts About Vinayagar
First Worshipped God: It is said that even other gods worship Vinayagar first before starting any task. He is known as the "Lord of Beginnings."
Ekadanta: Ganesha is often referred to as "Ekadanta" because he has one broken tusk. This tusk broke during the writing of the Mahabharata, which he penned down as Sage Vyasa dictated it.
Ganapati Atharvashirsha: This is one of the most powerful prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Reciting this scripture is said to remove all fears and bestow divine protection.
By following these simple steps, reciting the mantras, and understanding the symbolism of Lord Vinayagar, devotees can deepen their connection with Him and seek His blessings for success, prosperity, and spiritual growth.