Vara Ganapati, a form of Lord Ganesha, is a powerful deity representing boons and blessings, often invoked for prosperity, wisdom, and removing obstacles. Worshipping him requires devotion, adherence to tradition, and a sense of environmental responsibility. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to perform a simple, eco-friendly worship (puja) of Vara Ganapati.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Cleanliness, both internal and external, is an essential part of any Hindu puja. Before starting the puja, ensure the following:
- Personal Hygiene: Bathe and wear clean clothes. White, yellow, or red clothes are considered auspicious for Ganapati worship. White represents purity, yellow symbolizes wisdom, and red signifies energy and prosperity.
- Altar Preparation: Clean the area where the puja will take place. Use a small wooden or metal stool to place the idol or image of Vara Ganapati. Ensure the altar is cleaned with water and a clean cloth.
- Eco-Friendly Decoration: Decorate the altar with fresh flowers and garlands, preferably marigold and hibiscus, which are loved by Lord Ganesha. Avoid plastic or synthetic decorations to maintain eco-friendliness.
2. Time for Puja
Morning is considered the most auspicious time for performing any Ganapati puja, especially during the Brahma Muhurta (around 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM). If not possible, performing the puja at sunrise or before noon is also ideal. If performed in the evening, ensure that it is completed before sunset.
3. Clothes to Wear
Wearing clean, modest, and traditional attire is important. For men, white dhoti and angavastram (shoulder cloth), and for women, sarees in white, yellow, or red are ideal. These colors are associated with purity, positivity, and devotion to Ganapati.
4. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Here’s a list of traditional, eco-friendly items for the puja:
- Idol of Vara Ganapati: Made of clay or natural materials.
- Flowers: Fresh flowers such as marigold, hibiscus, and jasmine.
- Fruits: Coconut, banana, and seasonal fruits.
- Betel Leaves & Betel Nuts: Betel leaves are significant in Ganesha worship.
- Turmeric and Kumkum (Vermilion): Organic turmeric and kumkum for tilak.
- Camphor: Organic camphor for aarti.
- Sandalwood Paste: Used for applying on the deity.
- Paanch Patra and Uddharini: For offering water (use silver or copper vessels).
- Earthen Diya (Oil Lamp): A simple clay lamp with sesame oil or ghee.
- Akshata (Unbroken Rice mixed with turmeric): Used for offerings.
5. Simple Steps of Vara Ganapati Puja
Step 1: Dhyanam (Meditation)
Start by meditating on Lord Ganesha, focusing on his form. You can chant the Ganapati Dhyana mantra:
"Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kurumedeva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada."
Step 2: Avahana (Invocation)
Invite Vara Ganapati to the puja by offering flowers and rice while chanting:
"Om Ganapataye Namah. Ganapati Avahayami."
Step 3: Offering Water and Panchamritam
Offer water and Panchamritam (mixture of milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar) to the deity to symbolize purity. Afterward, offer fresh water again.
Step 4: Apply Sandalwood and Kumkum
Apply a tilak of sandalwood paste and kumkum to the forehead of the Ganapati idol.
Step 5: Offering Flowers and Akshata
Offer fresh flowers and Akshata while chanting:
"Om Ganapataye Namah. Pushpam Samarpayami."
"Om Ganapataye Namah. Akshatam Samarpayami."
Step 6: Naivedyam (Food Offering)
Offer fruits, coconut, and Modak (sweet dumplings) or any traditional prasad. Chant:
"Om Ganapataye Namah. Naivedyam Samarpayami."
Step 7: Aarti
Light an earthen diya with sesame oil or ghee and perform aarti, rotating the lamp in a clockwise direction in front of the idol. You can chant or play the Ganesha Aarti, such as:
"Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva,
Mata Jaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva."
Step 8: Mantras and Prayers
Chant the following mantras to invoke blessings:
Ganesh Gayatri Mantra:
"Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaya Dhimahi
Tanno Danti Prachodayat."108 Names of Lord Ganesha: Reciting these names brings great benefits.
6. Prasad to Prepare
The prasad offered to Vara Ganapati should be simple and made with devotion. Traditional prasad items include:
- Modak: A favorite of Lord Ganesha.
- Laddu: Sweet, round treats made with gram flour and sugar.
- Bananas and Coconut: Offering seasonal fruits.
- Rice Kheer: Sweet rice pudding.
Ensure all offerings are eco-friendly and avoid using plastic plates or spoons. Use banana leaves or reusable metal plates for the offerings.
7. Concluding the Puja
After offering the aarti and mantras, seek forgiveness for any mistakes made during the puja (known as Kshama Prarthana):
"Aparadha Sahasrani Kriyantehar Nisham Maya,
Daso’yamiti Mam Matva Kshamasva Parameshwara."
Final Aarti: Conclude the puja with a final aarti. Afterward, sprinkle water around the idol with a flower to symbolize cleansing.
Prasad Distribution: Distribute the prasad to family members and devotees.
8. Importance and Benefits of Worshipping Vara Ganapati
- Remover of Obstacles: Vara Ganapati is believed to clear obstacles in life, be it in education, career, or personal matters.
- Granting Wishes: Worshipping this form of Ganapati helps in fulfilling desires and receiving boons.
- Wisdom and Prosperity: He is a harbinger of wisdom and prosperity, making his puja essential for students and businesspersons.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular worship helps purify the mind and elevate spiritual consciousness.
9. What to Do with the Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost the flowers and leaves in a garden or bury them in soil as an offering back to nature.
- Clay Idol: If you used a clay idol, immerse it in a bucket of water at home. After the idol dissolves, use the water for gardening.
- Puja Materials: Betel nuts, rice, and turmeric can be placed near plants or trees in your garden, returning the items to nature respectfully.
- Oil Lamp Remains: The used oil or ghee from the diya can be offered to plants or trees instead of discarding it.
By adhering to eco-friendly practices, you honor Lord Ganapati and nature simultaneously, ensuring that your devotion leaves a positive impact on the environment.
This guide ensures that your worship of Vara Ganapati remains simple, traditional, and environmentally conscious while invoking his blessings for success, prosperity, and wisdom in your life.