5. About Ganesha idols

These idols are made from clay by skilled artisans. The height of the idol varies from .75 inches to 25 feet. The idols vary in their forms, colors, facial and hand depictions.

The Vamamukhi has its trunk turned towards left. It is also known as Idampuri Vinayak. This form of Ganesha is believed to be serene and blissfully happy. It is also known as Vastu Ganesha and is associated with rectifying Vastu-related problems.

The idol of Lord Ganesha with its trunk curved towards the right side is called Dakshin Ganesha. It is also called  Dakshinaabimukhi meaning one who faces south. This idol is a form of Siddhi Vinayak. Unlike other idol, the Dakshin Ganesha requires strict and special rituals for worshipping. The worship process here is rather difficult to follow and hence such idols are generally seen in temples. However, if the idol of Siddhivinayakaya is worshipped stringently according to the ritualtic rules and guidelines, it is pleased and grants boon early.

The idol of Lord Ganesha with its trunk in the centre is known as Sushumna. These idols are rare to find and are considered special.

According to posture, the idol of Ganesha can be in standing, sitting, dancing or reclining form. Each posture holds a meaning.

The idols of seated Ganesha are most commonly worshipped. Standing Ganesha can be also worshipped. However, reclining and dancing Ganesha are not worshipped in idolatry of Ganesha Chaturthi.

There are different types of Ganesha idols such as Saumyaganapati, Balganapati, Herambganapati, Lakshmiganapati, Haridraganapati, Uchchishtaganapati, Suryaganapati, Varadganapati, Dvibhujganapati, Dashbhujganapati, Nartanganapati, Uttishthitganapati, to name a few.

The Mundkata Ganesha is the beheaded form of Ganesha. This idol is found in Himalayas and is the same idol which was created by Goddess Parvati and was beheaded by Lord Shiva.

The Lakshmi Ganapati idol bears a white complexion, whereas Haridra Ganapati and the Urdhva Ganapati idols have a yellow complexion. The Pingal Ganapati has tawny (pingat) hues. 

If Ganesha is deciphered seated in a lotus blosooms in Padmasa posture, he is called Kanal Ganapati. In dancing posture (Nrutyamudra) he is referred to as Natrya Ganapati.

The Ganpatyalinga is the phallus of Lord Ganesha like Shivalinga. It is worshipped as well. 

13. Ganesh Chaturthi Recepies

6. Eco friendly Ganesha

15. Best Practices During Ganesh Chaturthi

The following practices should be followed during the period of idol placement -

1. The area where idol is placed should be clean and tidy. It should be cleaned everyday.

2. Ganesha must be offered red Flowers, Modaks and 'Durva grass. These things are particularly liked by Ganesha. 

3. Tulsi leaves should not be offered to Lord Ganesha.

4. Avoid placing leather products near the idol.

5. Avoid taking slippers near the area where idol is installed. Even the shoe cabinet should be placed in a different room when Ganesha idol is seated for worship.  

6. Ganesha must be glorified by singing aarti during morning offering, during noon, evening and night. A lamp must be lit to glorify Ganesha. 

7. The idol of Ganesha should face either East or West. Ideally it should be installed in the north east corner (Ishan cone) of the house.

8. After the idol us installed, it should not be displaced nor its direction should be changed.

9. One should recite holy text from scriptures sitting besides the idol of Ganesha. Devotional songs in praise of Ganesha should be sung.

10. The rice in which idol of Ganesha is placed, should be preserved and mixed with the stored grains in the house. This ensures Ganesha's blessings remain with us throughout the year.

7. Selecting Ganesha Idol

Murti Puja (Idol Worship or Idolatry) is a unique way of relating or connecting to God.

The left side of the body is considered feminine side. It is attributed to be calm and serene.

The right side is considered to be the masculine side. It is fiery and aggressive. The right trunked Ganesha requires ritualistic attention.

While selecting Ganesha idols, the following points should be remembered -

1. The idol should be sculpted i.e. hand made. Idols prepared from moulds donot qualify for worship according to science of idol worship. A sculpted idol carries emotions of the sculptor (satvik bhav) and hence is more energized. It carries more satvik component and hence is more beneficial for the worshipper.

2. Idol should be made from soft clay or mud. Idols made of plaster of Paris should be avoided. If an idol is sculpted, it has greater power to attract particles (pavitraks) of Ganesha Principle. In this way, the worshipper derived more benefit. Secondly, Puranic text (scriptures) illustrate how Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from clay mould mixed with tumeric smear from her body. Hence, a clay complies with scripture guidelines.

3. There are two variants of idol available according to the twist of trunk - the right trunked Ganesha and the left trunked Ganesha. For idol worship at home, left trunked Ganesha should be chosen.

4. The idol should be depicted seated on a wooden platform (pat). The idol is placed on a heap of unbroken rice (akshat). After immersion, these rice are mixed with grains stored for domestic use.

5. The size of the idol worshipped at home can vary from 1 to 5 feet maximum. Larger idols are used in public pandals only. According to scriptures height of the idol should not exceed 1.5 meters or 18 inches.

6. Idols should painted using natural substances such vermilion, tumeric; etc. Such idols impart more bliss. Toxic paints should be avoided.

7. An idol should immediately awaken devotion (bhakti) and spiritual feelings (bhav) in the worshipper. In other words, the worshippers should be able to connect or bond with the idol.

8. Seated and standing firm of Ganesha can be worshipped. However, reclining and dancing forms should not be used for ritualistic worship. 

16. Chaturthi Worship for PreInstalled Idols

If the idol of Lord Ganesha worshipped during Ganesh Chaturthi is same as the idol which is worshipped daily at home, then remember the following points -

1. During ritualtic worship, the pre installed idol is not given Avahana (आवाहन) and Pratishthapan (प्रतिष्ठापन). Any new idol (metal or clay) should be given avahana and pratisthapan.
2. Pre installed idols are not immersed. Thus such idols are not given Visarjan (विसर्जन). These idols are given Utthapana (उत्थापन) at the conclusion of worship.

8. Chaturthi Customs Outlined

1. Custom of Worshiping Ganesha Idol Ritualistically 

The idol of Lord Ganesha is worshipped ritualtiscally during the festival Ganeshiutsav. The preparation of the idols begans on a commercial scale as early as three months before the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The idol is brought covered with red or saffron cloth one day before in auspicious time as read / known from the Daily Panchang for given place. Following this, the idol is installed and ritualistically worshipped on the day of Chaturthi. The idol stay period varies from one and a half days to ten (or eleventh) day. During this stay, Ganesha is worshipped everyday with offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, lamps and glorified by chanting of Mantras, slogans and singing of aarti.
On the final day, the idol of Ganesha is taken for immersion in a grand street procession. The idol is immersed in flowing water such as sea or river while praying to Ganesha to return early next year.

2. Home cleaning
A day before Ganesh Chaturthi, the house is super cleaned and may be whitewashed to attain purity.
If Ganesha is seated in pandal (temporary shrines) then the arrangements for setting up pandals or mandaps commences about one month before the date of Chaturthi. These are decorated with flowers, leaves, and lights.

People take bath early in the morning on the day of Ganapati puja; they wear new clothes and perform the puja with all the rituals. Idols of Ganesha are bought from the shops and are taken to the homes, temples or pandals with the faces of covered with a saffron cloth. Chanting of prayers in the praise of the Lord continues all the way. These days it is advised to buy eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha. These idols of Lord Ganesha are then placed at the podium, at a place where puja is held. Ganapati's idols is then beautified with floral garlands and sandalwood paste and A kalash containing holy water or rice is then placed before the Lord's statue, it is known as Purna Kumbha. After this, the prayers are performed to invoke the presence of Lord in the idol by the priest. This ritual is called Pranpratishhtha. Chanting of mantras and hymns takes place while the custom of pranpratishhtha is completed.
After that, a 16-fold praying procedure, Shodashopachara is followed: Aavaahana, Aasana, Paadya, Arghya, Aachamana, Madhuparka, Snaana, Vastra, Gandha, Pushpa, Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedya, Taamblooa, Aarati, and Mantrapushpa.
Aavaahana means 'to invite'.
Aasana means offering our guest the seat. This is called as Aasana Samarpana.
Paadya is to wash the feet of the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Arghya means to wash off the hands.
Aachamana is about taking three gulps of water to smoothen the speech faculty.
Madhuparka means offering to the idol of Lord Ganesha something to drink.
Snaana means bathing the idol with milk, curd or ghee.
Vastra or Upaveeta is about offering new clothes to the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Gandha is application of sandalwood paste on the forehead as per tradition.
Pushpa means to offer flowers to the Lord Ganesha.
Dhoopa means fragrant smoke by burning of herbs, considered good for health.
Deepa means light. It's about acknowledging Lord Ganesha in the form of light.
Naivedya is a practice of offering different varieties of dishes to Lord Ganesha.
Taamblooa is the chewing of betel leaf with other herbs, considered to be good for health.
Aarati means showing a big flame of camphor lit diya to Lord Ganesha.
Mantrapushpa is about chanting the mantras and going round (pradakshina) to imply that deity is present in every direction.
When the Shodashopachara is completed, aarti with 108 names of Lord Ganesha is recited along with Ganesh mantras. This aarti admiring the Lord is performed twice a day. Incense sticks are shown to the god and coconuts are offered.
Ganesh Chaturthi is generally celebrated for 10 days from Bhadrapada Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi. The festival marks its end on Chaturdashi, when the idols of the lord from homes, temples and pandals are taken with a royal procession for immersion with aloud chants of of "Ganapati Bappa Maurya" or "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai", with strong belief that Lord Ganesha would take their sorrows with him while going and earnestly request the Lord to return again soon next year.

Ganesh Chaturthi, birthday of Lord Ganesha, is one of the popular Hindu festivals and falls on 4th of the fortnight of Bhadrapada. This festival is observed throughout India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Elephant-headed Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is the god of wisdom, knowledge and prosperity. 

Ganesh Chaturthi being the most important of all Maharashtrian festivals is celebrated with splendour and zeal. The festival is celebrated from 5-10 days depending upon the family customs. All these days, puja and aarti are performed, and the devotees are offered modak (a sweet) in the form of prasad (holy offering). Many cultural activities are held during these days of festivities that add on to the enthusiasm of people. On the tenth and last day, people submerge the idols of the Lord in water, with a request to return sooner next year and a faith that he will take their every distress with him while going.

Although the festival lasts for ten days, the arrangements begin with the preparations of idols two to three months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi. These clay idols are huge and are carved by skilled craftsmen, depicting Ganapati in various poses. Then few days before the puja day, people start to clean their houses, or may be get their homes white-washed. Ganesh Mandap or Ganesh Pandal is decorated with flowers and leaves of coconut or banana, several days before the beginning of the festivities. After the cleaning and decking up of the place, the place is prepared for establishment of idol of Lord Ganesha.
People take bath early in the morning on the day of Ganapati puja; they wear new clothes and perform the puja with all the rituals. Idols of Ganesha are bought from the shops and are taken to the homes, temples or pandals with the faces of covered with a saffron cloth. Chanting of prayers in the praise of the Lord continues all the way. These days it is advised to buy eco-friendly idols of Lord Ganesha. These idols of Lord Ganesha are then placed at the podium, at a place where puja is held. Ganapati's idols is then beautified with floral garlands and sandalwood paste and A kalash containing holy water or rice is then placed before the Lord's statue, it is known as Purna Kumbha. After this, the prayers are performed to invoke the presence of Lord in the idol by the priest. This ritual is called Pranpratishhtha. Chanting of mantras and hymns takes place while the custom of pranpratishhtha is completed.

After that, a 16-fold praying procedure, Shodashopachara is followed: Aavaahana, Aasana, Paadya, Arghya, Aachamana, Madhuparka, Snaana, Vastra, Gandha, Pushpa, Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedya, Taamblooa, Aarati, and Mantrapushpa.
Aavaahana means 'to invite'.
Aasana means offering our guest the seat. This is called as Aasana Samarpana.
Paadya is to wash the feet of the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Arghya means to wash off the hands.
Aachamana is about taking three gulps of water to smoothen the speech faculty.
Madhuparka means offering to the idol of Lord Ganesha something to drink.
Snaana means bathing the idol with milk, curd or ghee.
Vastra or Upaveeta is about offering new clothes to the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Gandha is application of sandalwood paste on the forehead as per tradition.
Pushpa means to offer flowers to the Lord Ganesha.
Dhoopa means fragrant smoke by burning of herbs, considered good for health.
Deepa means light. It's about acknowledging Lord Ganesha in the form of light.
Naivedya is a practice of offering different varieties of dishes to Lord Ganesha.
Taamblooa is the chewing of betel leaf with other herbs, considered to be good for health.
Aarati means showing a big flame of camphor lit diya to Lord Ganesha.
Mantrapushpa is about chanting the mantras and going round (pradakshina) to imply that deity is present in every direction.
When the Shodashopachara is completed, aarti with 108 names of Lord Ganesha is recited along with Ganesh mantras. This aarti admiring the Lord is performed twice a day. Incense sticks are shown to the god and coconuts are offered.
Ganesh Chaturthi is generally celebrated for 10 days from Bhadrapada Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi. The festival marks its end on Chaturdashi, when the idols of the lord from homes, temples and pandals are taken with a royal procession for immersion with aloud chants of of "Ganapati Bappa Maurya" or "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai", with strong belief that Lord Ganesha would take their sorrows with him while going and earnestly requesting the Lord to return again soon next year.
Ganesh Chaturthi Customs

Idol Making
Artisans begin making the idols of Lord Ganesh two or three months before the main event. The idols are made of clay depicting the deity in various poses. Nowadays artisans put their own thought and imagination in beautifying the idol. The statues range from very small to really tall and big ones.

House Cleaning
A day before Ganesh Chaturthi, people clean and whitewash their houses to freshly welcome the God. A spot is chosen to place the idol and a platform is prepared. Then the house is colorfully decorated. Once the decoration is over, the idol of Lord Ganesha is kept on the podium.

Public/Community Celebration
A lot of public celebrations take place in which many communities raise huge and decorative tents called pandals and place the idols of Lord Ganesha.

The Main Event(s)
The puja is mostly begins towards the noon or the afternoon, depending on the auspicious time and moment, according to the Hindu calendar. All the members of the household or at the pandals gather around the idol. The priest then begins the puja which starts with the revealing of the deity's face, which when brought is covered with a piece of cloth or paper. The rituals that follow are said to fill life into the idol. The priest sips the holy water and bows to Lord Ganesha and continues the aarti. The aarti is accompanied by devotional chanting and songs to the sound of cymbals and bells. The whole atmosphere resonates with this sound. While the puja is being performed, the priest offers various sweets and fruits, which includes the confectionary 'modak' .

Once the puja is over, devotees offer their prayers and chant 'Ganpatibappa Morya' (a slogan). Then the sweets which were offered to Lord Ganesha are distributed among the devotees. This is takes place on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi. For the next 10 days the idol is worshipped and with the simple recitation of devotional songs.

The Last Day
On the last or the 11th day, a final worship is performed and the idol is taken to a water source to be immersed. The idol is carried in a procession amidst the chanting of Lord Ganesha's praise and sing devotional songs. The procession may take one whole day.

Above mentioned procedure is the standard manner in which Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated, but there can be slight variations in some rituals in several Hindu communities. Since Ganesh Chaturthi is an age-old festival, people have developed various rituals (e.g. the ones performed by the priest) particular to their community or region. But the basic procedure remains the same throughout the country.

14. Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat (Fasting)

According to the lunar month in Hindu calendar, there are two Chaturthi Tithis in each month. The Chaturthi fast is observed on the following dates (thithis) -

1. The Sankashti Chaturthi - It falls in Krishna Paksha (after Purnimasi or Full Moon). Every month on the day of Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is done to please Ganesha. However, Sankashti Chaturthi during the month of Magha is very significant. 

2. The Vinayaka Chaturthi - It falls during Shukla Paksha. In other words, Sankashti Chaturthi falls during the rising phase of moon, whereas Vinayaka Chaturthi falls during the waxing phase of moon. The vow in this fast is for the entire day. 

3. Angarki Chaturthi

If Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Chaturthi. Angarki Chaturthi is considered highly auspicious.  Before moonrise, Ganapati Astha
The fast concludes the same day and devotees can take meal at the end of day (in the night) after a appraising Lord Ganesha. 

The fast of Chaurthi is believed to please Lord Ganesha.

The person observing fast should not see the moon as it is considered inauspicious. Moon is worshipped only without seeing it.

The devotees who wish to fast on the say of Ganesh Chaturthi should take bath early.

Before observing the fast, a resolution is taken by taking some clean water and grass in right hand and chanting the following mantra - 'maam Sarvakarmsiddhaye Siddhivinayak Pujanmaham Karishye'.

Following this an idol of Lord Ganesha is worshiped and Ganesha Asthavashesha is recitated before moonrise. Before listically by placing it on a Kalaash. This involves sixteen sequential worship, chants and aarti.

Sankashta Chaturthi, Angarak Chaturthi, and Vinayak Chaturthi are auspicious days of Lord Ganesha. Devotees visit Ganesh Temples and offer coconut, Durva, red-colored flowers (especially Jaswand) and sweets.

The fast of Ganesh Chaturthi ends next morning after offering prayers to Lord Ganesh in a temple or at home.

The fast of Chaturthi is believed to relieve the devotees and observers from problems and bring prosperity. 

19. Ganesh Chaurthi Messages

May the Great God Ganesha shower  his blessings on you * Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

May the Great God Ganesha bestow you with success in all your endeavours. Wish you a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

I wish you a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi and I pray to God for your prosperous life.
May you find all the delights of life; may all your dreams come true. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Hoping this Ganesh Chaturthi will be the start of year that brings happiness for you.
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

I heartily wish Lord Ganesha fills your home with prosperity and fortune. Best wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi!

May the Lord vigna vighna vinayaka remove all obstacles and shower you with gifts. Jai Shri Siddhi Vinayaka Ganesha!

Gajanana Shri Ganesha Morya!
Ganpati bappa morya! Mangal murti morya!

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Jay Ganesh! Mangal murti morya
Jay Ganesh deva Ganapati bappa morya
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!!!

Ganesh ki jyoti se noor milta hai
Sabke dilon ko surur milta hai,
Jo bhi jaata hai Ganesha ke dwaar,
Kuch na kuch zaroor milta hai
Jai Shri Ganesha!

Aapka sukh Ganesha ke peth jitna bada ho,
Aapka dukh undar jaisa chota ho,
Aapki life Ganeshji ke soond jitni badi ho,
Aapke bol modak jaise mithe ho,
BOLO GANPATI BAPPA MORAIYAA!!!

Aate bade dhoom se Ganpati Ji,
Jaate bade dhoom se Ganpati Ji,
Aakhir sabse pahale aakar,
Hamare dilon me bas jate Ganpati Ji.
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!!!

18. Ganesh Chaturthi and Mithya Dosham

Mithya Kalank means false accusation for wrongdoing (such as stealing).  .

It is believed that sighting moon on the auspicious day of Ganesha Chaurthi brings Mithya Kalank which means that the person who happens to see the moon on the day of Ganesh Chaurthi is falsely accused with stealing or theft. It may be considered as a myth, but the tradition or custom of not seeing moon on the day of Chaurthi continues till date.

The time of refraining from moon sight depends on the start and end of Chaurthi. These timings are defined according to the Hindu Calendar. <>

It is important to remember that even if Chaurthi ends before the moonset, moon which rose during the prevailing of Chaurthi should not be seen.

However if the Chaturthi moon is seen, then the affiliated person should listen or recite the 'Story of Syamantaka Jewel'.

2. History of Ganesh Chaturthi

Where is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated all over India. However the festival is celebrated on a grand scale especially in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In fact, it is the most popular festival in the state of Maharashtra, where the festival has a political and historical connection.

When was the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi first celebrated?

One logical answer to this question is - when Ganesha was born!! However, we have no records of this time. The stories of Ganesha derived from Hindu scriptures have been told and retold, reinforcing human faith in the existence of God. We humans began glorifying God based on knowledge laid in scriptures and began celebrating his divine existence. However, there is no record as to when humans first began celebrating this festival. It is believed that the festival first came to be celebrated in Pune. The Peshwa (Administrators, Prime Ministers in the Maratha reign) were ardent devotees of Lord Ganesha and worshipped Him as their family deity (kuldevta meaning God of clan or descendants). Till this time, the festival celebration remained confided to the families influenced by Peshwas and their customs. It was largely a family affair.

1. The first sovereign Emperor of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680) elevated the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi to mass level to promote and reinforce the traditions, customs and feeling of unity and nationalism. The festival continued to be celebrated during the reign of  later Maratha rulers like Satavahana, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta.

2.  After the fall of Peshwas and the Maratha empire, the festival lost its state patronage. It became more of a family affair for the Peshwa family clan.

3./However, the festival was once again revived during the freedom struggle of India.

In late nineteenth century, the great patriot, social reformer and freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak revitalised the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. He encouraged mass participation in the celebration of this festival, which helped to promote feeling of oneness and nationalism. Poised against the 'divide and rule' strategy of British rulers, the festival enabled to bring the masses together by eliminating the caste differences. The cultural events organised during the festival over a span of ten days, brought people together and promoted mutual understanding. People came to have the feeling of belongingness and oneness. Lokmanya Tilak organized the first public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in 1893.

4. However, the public celebration as witnessed today in Maharastra was introduced and lead by Bhausaheb Laxman Javale. In 1892 Javale installed the first Sarvajanik (Public) Ganesh idol- Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, Bhudwar Peth. This endeavour was appreciated by Lokmany Tilak in 1893 in the Kesari Newspaper. The consecutive year (1894) Lokmany Tilak installed the idol of Ganesh in Kesari wada too. He actively began preaching Ganesh Utsav and deployed the concept of festivity and mass gathering to abridge the gap between the Brahmins and non Brahmins.

The festival soon again mass popularity and acceptance. Even today, the zeal and fervor of the festival continues to add to the oneness and enthusiasm of the masses.

Ganesh Chaturthi Timings 2017

Ganesh Chaturthi Timings For Mumbai

Muhurut to bring Vigraha / Idol home
Chaurthi Begins at 20:27 on 24 August, ends at 20:31 on 25 August 2017

Madhyahana Kaal

Ganesh Pooja is preferred during Madhyanhana as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahana Kaal.
Day 25 August 2017
Time between 11:25 to 13:55

No Moon Sighing Timings
24 August 2017 - 20:27 to 21:00
25 August 2017 - 9:26 to 21:40

12. Significance of Ganesh Visarjan

It is assumed that the deity comes for on a visit to earth for 10 days and returns to his heavenly adobe on the 11th day. He gives the mankind the opportunity to unite and rejoice the festival to the fullest. But finally, they have to bid him adieu by immersing his idols large water bodies. This process is called 'Visarjan'. The city of Mumbai witnesses great vigor and fervor for the farewell procession in which the statue of Lord Ganesh is carried by the devotees. 

Every year thousands of idols of Ganesha are immersed.

The idols once brought with so much love and fervor are submerged and parted forever. ...it is very touching moment to immerse the idol so dearly worshipped. But immersions are both ritualistic and symbolic.

According to rituals, the idol of Ganesha should be submerged at the conclusion of festivity. However, what does this signifies?

Though 1

The creator of this world, Lord Brahma is formless. He takes form as Ganesha.  Thus, Ganesha is described as nirguana para Brahma. He is the primordial sound (or first vaak) OM. Ganesha is worshipped in form of idol which is made from clay. The idol is invoked and Ganesha is welcomed, worshipped and celebrated. However, according to the cosmic law, everything which takes form must deform. Thus the clay form of God must be submerged to comply with said cosmic law. This is a cyclic progression and every year the clay is remoulded and reimmersed.

  

Though 2

The immersion of idol symbolises the concept of salvation, moksha, or liberation. Thus Ganesha is idolized and worshipped dearly. However, as we intend to liberate ourselves, so we offer the same to God. 

17. Ganesh Caturthi - Symbolic Worship and Immersions

Symbolic immersion is perform by sprinkling water on Ganesha while reciting appropriate immersion mantras. Such immersion is applicable to idols made of metal or porcelain which are retained and reused next year.

The Ganesha idols of metal or porcelain which are not immersed in open water bodies and retained at home are carefully placed in the altar or in a place where these are not disturbed. Such idols are not worshipped daily. These idoks are cyclically put for ritualistic worship during the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi only.

In emergency situations, when idol worship is not conducted to certain constrains, Ganesha can be worshipped symbolically using a betelnut. The betelnut is worshipped as manifested form of Ganesha. After conclusion of worship, the betelnut is ritualistically immersed in flowing water. 

The water from symbolic immersion is not drained. This water is fed to the plants. 

11. Ganesh Visarjan Procedure

Ganesh Visarjan Mantras and Procedure

On day of Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesha is welcomed, praised and ritualistically worshipped. People worship Ganesha according to family custom and traditions for a day and a half, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days or 11 days depending on the family customs or individual commitments.

The idol of Ganesha is immersed on the day of Anath Chaturdashi or before. The immersion can be done the one and half day, fifth, seventh or eleventh day.

The immersion procedure is as follows-

There are no specific mantras for immersion. The only chant that is done is Ganapati Bappa Morya...

While immersing the divine idol one can chant the following prayer -

Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,
Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,
Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,
Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe.

Meaning of prayer
O Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, you are the son of Lord Shiva. You have an adorable pleasing form and ride on the small mouse. You have a sweet pudding in hand. Your ears are wide and winnow like. Your trunk is long and cursed. May you always bless us, as we prostrate before your lotus like feet.

Ganesh Visarjan Procedure
Udwasan or Visarjan Mantra
Chant the visarjan mantra and shift the idol towards in North East direction.

Yagnena yagnam aya jantha devaa. Thaani dharmani pradhamanyasan.
Theha naakam mahimaana sachanthe.yatra poorvo saadhyaa santhi devaa.

1. Uttarang Pooja- Before leaving the house with the idol for immersion, Ganesha is appraised and glorified with Uttarang puja. The Uttaranga puja involves offering five items namely, ghee/oil lamp, flowers, incense, fragrance and naivedya (food).

2. Aarti- After offering, a family members gather to sing Aarti.

3. Akshant Sprinkling - Following aarti, Ganesha is remembered by chanting Ganesha mantras and raw rice (akshant) are sprinkled over the idol of Ganesha.

4. Idol Displacement - The idol is lifted and carried to the threshold of house in a manner that the idol keeps facing the house. The idol is placed on the ground at threshold. Here prostrate before Ganesha and gratify him for visiting your home. Pray for perennial prosperity and auspiciousness, ask pardon for any mistakes, committed. If the family wishes to bring Ganesha next year as well, then ask Ganesha to return next year.

4. Curd Offering - Pour a spoonful of curd mixed with sugar in Ganesha's outstretched palm. This is done to ensure that Ganesha comes back. In Maharashtra believed that any guest who receives curd and rice would revisit.

5. Removal of Garlands and Decoration - Before performing visarjan, all garlands and other decorations on Ganesha should be removed. These should be collected separately in a bag and deposited in hole in compound or separate place assigned by authorities. 

6. Final Proceedings - Sprinkle some water on person performing Visarjan. The  idol is taken with provisions for the journey such as coconut, puffed rice, curd, Modaks; etc.

The person who is set to perform visarjan will now take the idol in arms outstretched, in such a way that the back of Ganesha idol faces the person. The idol is circumambulated (carried inside house to enable Ganesha see where he visited) and then the family leaves for immersion with chanting. As far as possible, all members of the family should go for immersion.

** It is critical that once the idol is lifted from the threshold, it is not placed again in the floor or elsewhere in the house. The lifted idol should be carried out of the house and one should remember not to see back with idol in hand. One shod quickly proceed towards the immersion point.

At the immersion point, Aarti can be performed. While immersing the idol, the slogan of Ganesha's glory-  ...Ganapati Bappa moriya...should be reiterated all the time.

After immersion, return back only to home and take bath. Following this, one should offer prayers.

The murti is submerged into a river or lake on Anant Chaturdashi. The day is also called Parivartini, or Jal Jhilani Ekadashi. Devotees observe nirjala - a waterless fast. On this day special prasad is distributed to devotees. This includes Ladoos, Modaks, chopped cucumbers; etc.

Before final immersion, the idol of Ganesha is placed in a boat and offered five pujas and five aartis. The boat boat sails until the last aarti when the idol is submerged into the ocean.

4. Ganesh Visarjan Dates 2015

This year the Ganesha Visarjan will fall on the following dates -

1. 1.5 Day

One and half day Ganpati Visarjan will be performed on 18 September 2015.

2. 3 Days

The third day of Visarjan is on 19 September 2015. This is due to overlapping of thithis.

3. 5 Day 

Five day Ganpati Visarjan will be performed on 21 September 2015

4. 7 Day

Seven day Ganpati Visarjan will be performed on 23 September 2015

5. 11 Days (Anant Chaturashi) 

The last day of Ganpati Visarjan is on 27 September 2015.

13. Ganesh Visarjan- Processions

The city of Mumbai hosts one of the biggest celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi with installation of over six thousand idols. The city is known for its grand processions around life-size statues of Lord Ganesha who is considered as patron God of the state of Maharashtra. Ganesha is not only revered in masssive and small pandals, but also in homes where idol of Ganesha is ritualistically worshipped. The advent of Ganesh Chaturthi is considered as a grand festivity and people celebrate the occasion wholeheartedly with insennce of devotional love.  

On the last day of Ganeshovtsav the idol is taken out in a grand gala street procession.
The fanfare procession is very colourful and musical with devotees rejoicing the grace of Lord Ganesha.

On the last day of immersion, thousands of devotees join the street procession. The entire atmosphere is filled with joy. Slogans such 'Ganapati Bappa Morya', 'Ganesh Maharaj Ki, Jai' reverberate as people rejoice and bid thanksgiving to Ganesha for his coming.

In Mumbai the procession of larger idols is performed under the guidance of Ganpati Mandals. The street processions are accompanied with dhol, tasha and the other traditional instruments. Nowadays, the processions are accorded with modern music. The immersions continue throughout the night till the next morning.

10. Ganesh Visarjan - Introduction

Ganeshotsav (Ganesh-Utsav) commences on the day of Ganesha Chaturthi. The festival culminates on the day of Anant Chaturdashi when final immersions are carried out. The Ganesha Visarjan is called Vinayaka Nimajjanam in Telugu speaking regions.

20. Ganesh Chaturthi Katha

On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, people worship Lord Ganesha, recite vrat katha and observe fast in praise of God. Here is the story of Ganesh Chaurthi Fasting-

Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha (In English)
Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha (In Hindi)

9. Ganesh Chaturthi Worship (Pooja)

The Ganesh Chaturthi worship begins with the bringing of idol of Lord Ganesha in the house.

During auspicious hours of the day (generally one day before Chaturthi) people leave their homes after bathing with a wooden platform. The platform is laid with red cloth. Some unbroken rice (akshant) are kept on the covered platform and the idol of Ganesha is seated on it in the idol selling stall. 

The idol seller is given a charity token (beyond the selling price). The idol is shown lamp and incense sticks. A kumkum Tilak is laid on the forehead of idol. The idol is then covered with red or saffron cloth and carried on extended arms. 

The idol is worshiped with incense sticks and offered paan and betelnut. All these objects are placed in a Pooja thali.

The idol should be carried in a way that the idol and the face each other. The idol (with platform) is taken home and kept covered on a raised platform. The idol seated such that it faces west or east. 

The idol is covered brought covered with a red or saffron cloth. The idol is placed on a makhar in the house (or pandal). 

Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja Timings 

Next day during auspicious hours, the cloth is removed from the idol and the worship begans. The most preferred time for Ganesh Pooja is Madthyakala which coincides with the midday. The Rituals are performed during auspicious timings according to Panchang. 

Pooja Rituals

Here is how the rituals are performed -

1. Purna Kumbha Kalasha Sthapana - The ritualistic worship begins with Purna Kumbha Kalasha Sthapana. In this step, a pot (brass or copper or earthen) filled with holy water is placed on a seat of unbroken rice. The water in the pot has piece of betelnut and some rice. The mouth of pot is covered with watery coir coconut.

2. Pranapratishtha - Pranapratishtha means infusing life in the idol. It is done by chanting special mantras. The idol of Ganesha is beautified with crown, garland, sandalwood paste and dress.  

Next day during auspicious time, the idol of Ganesha is invoked. 

On the day of Ganesh Chaurthi, people perform anga Pooja, 21 patra pooja and 16 shhodashopachara pooja to appraise Ganesha. Here is the description of each of these -

Before initiating the pooja, lamp is lit (deepprajwalan) and a vow is taken by the devotees in their respective names. This vow is called Sankalpa.

3. Anga Pooja

4. 21 Patra or Eka Vinshati Pooja

5. Shhodashopachara - It means sixteen ways of worship. For performing this ritual, there are various things which are required and it includes coconut, 21 modaks, betel leaf and betel nut, 21 blades of dhruva grass, incense sticks, sandalwood paste, sindur, camphor, cotton wicks. 

While performing the rituals, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad can be chanted. Along with this Ganesha Stotra from the Narada Purana can be chanted. After chanting the mantras, Ashtottara Shatanamavali or 108 names of Lord Ganesha and the Ganesh Chaturthi Katha are recited to glory and pay salutations to Lord Ganesha.

4. Aarti - Then, at the end of performing all the rituals, Ganesha aarti is recited and is performed by using the earthen lamp (diya) with the cotton wick dipped in pure ghee. This is performed twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. People offer prasad of modaks, laddus, pedas, charnamrit made up honey, curd, ghee, milk and fresh flowers to Lord Ganesha. After all this, people bow in front of the idol of Lord Ganesha and pray for the well being of everyone. They also apologise for any mistake done while performing the rituals.

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What the number 21 signify?

The number 21 signifies the five organs of action, five organs of perception, five vital air (pranas), five elements, and the mind.