Ganesh Puja at Home: Why Every New Beginning Starts With Him
Before a wedding, a new job, a house or a puja, Ganesh is remembered first. Here is why, and how to do a simple Ganesh Puja at home.
Why Ganesh comes first
Ganesh is called Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Families begin new things with his name so that the work starts calmly. It is also a way of slowing down and starting with a clear mind, which helps whatever comes next.
When to do it
- Wednesdays, which are dear to Ganesh, or Sankashti Chaturthi
- Before starting a job, a business, an exam or a journey
- Before any larger puja, such as Lakshmi Puja
What you need
A Ganesh murti or picture, a chowki and cloth, durva grass, red flowers, roli, rice, a ghee diya, incense, modak or laddu and fruit. The Ganesh Puja guide has the full list with pictures and a checklist.
Steps in short
- Clean the place and set the murti on the chowki, facing east if possible.
- Light the diya, take a sankalp and bow.
- Offer durva, flowers and roli, and apply a small tilak.
- Offer modak or laddu and fruit.
- Chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" 11 or 108 times.
- Do the aarti, and share the prasad.
A calm reminder
The puja does not replace preparation. Pray, and also do the work. If you have a decision to make, make your free kundli and look at the timing, and read Gita chapter 2 on doing your best and letting go of the result.