Sankatahara Ganapati is a revered form of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and bestower of good fortune. Worshipping Sankatahara Ganapati is believed to bring relief from difficulties, peace of mind, and fulfillment of desires. Here's a detailed guide to performing the Sankatahara Ganapati Puja using eco-friendly traditional products, with steps and essential details.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Before beginning the puja, cleanliness is paramount in Hindu rituals, as it creates a pure and sacred environment.
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes.
- Home Preparation: Clean the puja area thoroughly. Create a serene, clutter-free space.
- Eco-Friendly Setup: Ensure the use of organic or biodegradable items for the puja, such as brass or clay idols, cotton wicks, and natural incense.
2. Best Time for Worship
The ideal time to worship Sankatahara Ganapati is during Chaturthi Tithi, especially the Sankatahara Chaturthi, which falls every month, four days after the full moon. Early morning or evening hours are auspicious.
3. Attire – What to Wear
For performing the puja, wearing traditional, comfortable, and natural fiber clothes is recommended.
- Men: Preferably wear white, saffron, or yellow cotton dhoti and an upper cloth.
- Women: Choose simple, traditional sarees in cotton or silk, preferably in shades of yellow, red, or green.
Avoid synthetic materials, as natural fabrics symbolize purity and connection to nature.
4. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Use sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly products wherever possible. Below is a list of essential items:
- Ganapati Idol: Clay idol or reusable brass/silver idol.
- Kalash: Copper or brass vessel filled with water, topped with a coconut and mango or betel leaves.
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Fresh Flowers: Jasmine, marigold, hibiscus, or lotus.
- Garlands: Made of fresh flowers.
- Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, and seasonal fruits.
- Turmeric and Kumkum (natural, organic).
- Akshata (uncooked rice mixed with turmeric).
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): Natural sandalwood paste.
- Paancha Patra: For water offerings, preferably copper or brass.
- Incense and Camphor: Made from natural ingredients.
- Ghee lamps: Made from cotton wicks and pure cow ghee (preferably in brass lamps).
- Prasad Ingredients: Coconut, jaggery, rice flour, fruits, and milk.
5. Simple Steps of Sankatahara Ganapati Puja
Step 1: Invocation and Sankalpam
- Sit facing east or north and light the ghee lamp.
- Place the Ganapati idol on a clean altar decorated with flowers.
- Sprinkle water around the idol to purify the space.
- Offer your prayers by saying, "Om Ganeshaya Namah."
- Take water in your right hand, make a vow (Sankalpam) to complete the puja sincerely.
Step 2: Offerings (Upachara)
Perform the following simple offerings with devotion:
- Dhyana (Meditation): Visualize Lord Ganesha and mentally bow down.
- Avahana (Inviting the Deity): Invite Sankatahara Ganapati to reside in the idol with mantras like "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah."
- Asana (Seat Offering): Offer flowers to the Lord.
- Padya (Washing of Feet): Symbolically offer water at the feet of the idol.
- Arghya (Offering Water): Offer water to wash the hands of the deity.
- Achamana (Drinking Water): Offer water for the deity to drink.
- Snana (Bathing the Idol): Perform a symbolic bathing (Abhishekam) using milk, curd, honey, ghee, and water. Clean with fresh water and wipe the idol.
- Vastra (Clothing): Offer fresh clothes or a piece of white/yellow cloth to the deity.
- Pushpa (Flowers): Offer fresh flowers or a garland to the idol.
- Dhoopa (Incense): Light natural incense and offer it while chanting.
- Deepa (Lamp): Offer light with a ghee lamp while circling it around the idol three times clockwise.
- Naivedya (Offering Food): Offer the prepared prasad (modak, fruits, jaggery, etc.).
- Tamboola (Betel Leaves and Nuts): Offer betel leaves and nuts.
- Akshata (Rice): Offer Akshata to the deity.
6. Prasad to Be Prepared
The prasad offered to Sankatahara Ganapati should be simple and homemade using natural ingredients.
- Modak: A steamed sweet dumpling made from rice flour, coconut, and jaggery.
- Bananas: Ripe, fresh bananas are commonly offered.
- Coconut: Grated coconut or coconut pieces can also be offered.
- Pongal: A sweet or savory dish made from rice and jaggery.
Ensure that the prasad is prepared using eco-friendly and organic ingredients, without the use of artificial colors or preservatives.
7. Mantras and Prayers
Chant the following mantras during the puja:
- Ganapati Mantra: "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah"
- Vakratunda Mahakaya: "Vakratunda Mahakaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurumedeva, Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada"
- Sankatahara Ganapati Stotra: Recite this stotra dedicated to Sankatahara Ganapati.
After chanting, sit in meditation for a few minutes to connect deeply with Lord Ganesha.
8. Conclusion of the Puja (Mangala Aarti)
- End the puja by performing Aarti with a ghee lamp and camphor, accompanied by singing or playing traditional Ganapati bhajans.
- Pradakshina (Circumambulation): Walk around the idol at least three times, showing reverence.
Offer the prasad to everyone present and share the blessings of Lord Ganapati.
9. Importance and Benefits of Worshiping Sankatahara Ganapati
- Removes Obstacles: Sankatahara Ganapati is known for eliminating all kinds of difficulties and obstacles in life.
- Grants Success: Regular worship of this form of Ganapati brings success in endeavors and projects.
- Peace and Prosperity: Devotees receive peace of mind, protection from negative forces, and prosperity in family and career.
- Mental Strength: Worshiping Sankatahara Ganapati strengthens inner resolve and courage.
10. What to Do with Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly Disposal)
In keeping with eco-friendly principles:
- Flowers and Organic Offerings: Collect the flowers and organic items used during the puja and compost them. Avoid throwing them in water bodies.
- Milk, Water, and Abhishekam Items: If possible, pour the leftover liquids around the base of sacred plants like Tulsi or any garden soil.
- Prasad: Distribute the edible prasad among family, friends, or anyone in need. Avoid wastage.
By following these steps, you can maintain the eco-friendly nature of the puja and honor the Earth while worshipping the deity.
This guide ensures that your puja is done with reverence, eco-consciousness, and devotion, leading to spiritual growth and the blessings of Sankatahara Ganapati.