Worshipping Ucchista Ganapati, a tantric form of Lord Ganesha, is a powerful spiritual practice in Hinduism that requires both devotion and proper rituals. Ucchista Ganapati represents the power of unclean or leftover things, but this does not mean impurity in the ordinary sense. His worship is believed to bring spiritual purification, fulfillment of desires, and protection from obstacles. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive method for worshipping Ucchista Ganapati while emphasizing eco-friendly and traditional practices.
1. Preparation and Cleanliness
Before beginning the puja, it is essential to purify both the body and the environment:
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes (preferably in the morning or during auspicious hours).
- Clean the puja area thoroughly. Use organic and natural cleaning agents, such as cow dung or mud to mop the floor, which are eco-friendly and traditional.
- Clean your mind by meditating for a few minutes and focusing on Lord Ganesha.
- Prepare a simple altar with eco-friendly materials like clay or copper for Ganesha’s idol or yantra.
2. Time for Worship
Ucchista Ganapati is often worshipped during dusk or night, as it aligns with tantric practices. However, early morning hours are also auspicious for general Ganesha worship. Tuesdays, Chaturthi (4th day of the lunar fortnight), and days associated with Ganesha are best for worship. Consult a Hindu panchang (calendar) for the most auspicious timing.
3. Color of Clothes
When worshipping Ucchista Ganapati, it is customary to wear red, orange, or saffron-colored clothes, as these colors are associated with power, energy, and Ganesha’s shakti (divine energy). Always use natural dyes and organic fabric like cotton or silk to stay eco-friendly.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Alternatives)
For the puja, only eco-friendly and traditional items should be used. The basic list includes:
- Ganesha idol or Ucchista Ganapati yantra: Made of clay or copper.
- Kumkum, turmeric (haldi), sandalwood paste: All natural and organic powders.
- Flowers: Use fresh flowers that are biodegradable (red hibiscus, marigold).
- Betel leaves and betel nuts.
- Fruits: Bananas, pomegranates, and coconuts.
- Rice: Eco-friendly organic rice grains.
- Incense sticks or dhoop: Use natural fragrances like sandalwood or frankincense.
- Ghee (clarified butter) lamps: Use clay or brass lamps.
- Water in a copper or clay vessel: Used for offering and purification.
- Cloth: A red cotton or silk cloth to wrap the idol.
- Akshata: Unbroken rice mixed with turmeric.
- Panchamrit: A mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee (all organic).
- Eco-friendly plates and utensils: Made from clay or copper.
- Prasad: Prepare food using organic ingredients (details below).
5. Simple Steps of Puja
Follow these basic steps for a simple yet spiritually effective worship:
- Aachamanam (Purification): Begin by sipping a small amount of water three times for internal purification.
- Dhyana (Meditation): Meditate upon Ucchista Ganapati, imagining his form with a partially eaten modak (sweet) and consort beside him.
- Avahanam (Invocation): Chant the mantra to invite Ucchista Ganapati into the idol or yantra.
- Om Ucchista Ganapataye Namah
- Offering Items (Upachara):
- Padyam: Offer water to wash Ganesha’s feet.
- Arghyam: Offer water to wash hands.
- Achamaniyam: Offer water for sipping.
- Snanam (Bathing the idol): Offer panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar) for bathing the idol, followed by clean water.
- Vastram (Clothing): Offer a red cloth to cover the idol.
- Chandan (Sandalwood paste): Apply a sandalwood paste mark on the idol.
- Flowers: Offer hibiscus and marigold flowers.
- Dhoop and Deep: Light natural incense sticks and a ghee lamp.
- Naivedya (Food offering): Offer prasad (details below) to the deity.
- Mantras and Prayers: Recite the following mantras during the offerings:
- Om Gan Ganapataye Namah (108 times)
- Ucchista Ganapati Moola Mantra: Om Hrim Glaum Ucchista Ganapataye Hum Phat Swaha
- Arati (Final Prayer): Conclude the puja by waving the ghee lamp around the idol while chanting the aarti.
- Sing the Ganesha aarti: Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva.
- Pranam (Final Offering): Offer your respect by bowing down and touching your forehead to the ground.
6. Prasad to be Prepared
The food offering for Ucchista Ganapati should be simple but made with purity and devotion. Prepare:
- Modaks (sweet dumplings) using eco-friendly jaggery and rice flour.
- Panchamrit (as part of the ritual itself).
- Coconut.
- Bananas and other fruits like pomegranates.
- Any homemade sweet like ladoo or kheer made from organic ghee, sugar, and milk.
7. Conclusion of the Puja
- Udvasana: Politely request the deity to return to his abode after accepting the offerings.
- Chant: Om Ucchista Ganapataye Namah while offering flowers.
- Final Prayers: Sit in meditation, expressing gratitude to Ucchista Ganapati.
- Distribute Prasad: Serve the prepared prasad among family members and friends.
8. What to Do with Leftover Puja Items
It is crucial to dispose of the puja materials in an eco-friendly manner:
- Flowers and leaves: Compost them in your garden or dispose of them in a water body, ensuring that they decompose naturally.
- Water from the puja: Pour the water around plants or trees.
- Coconut and fruits: Use the coconut in cooking or distribute it to family members, and ensure no food is wasted.
- Clay or metal idols: If using a clay idol, immerse it in water and allow it to dissolve. If using metal, clean and store it for future use.
9. Importance and Benefits of Ucchista Ganapati Worship
Worshipping Ucchista Ganapati is especially powerful for:
- Purification of the mind and spirit: It removes both inner and outer obstacles, especially the ones related to desires and temptations.
- Protection from negativity: Ucchista Ganapati’s worship is believed to shield devotees from malevolent forces.
- Fulfillment of material and spiritual desires: Devotees can achieve personal and spiritual growth, wealth, and prosperity.
- Tantric empowerment: As a tantric form of Ganesha, his worship is ideal for practitioners seeking deeper spiritual insights and siddhis (supernatural powers).
10. Eco-Friendly Practices in Ucchista Ganapati Worship
- Always prioritize biodegradable and natural materials.
- Use organic, sustainable products, including cloth, ghee, flowers, and food ingredients.
- Avoid plastic, chemical-based powders, and non-biodegradable items.
By following this comprehensive guide, devotees can respectfully and consciously worship Ucchista Ganapati in a way that honors both tradition and the environment.