Difference Between Naivedhya and Prasada

Naivedyam is a Sanskrit word which means the supplication food offered to the God of worship as a part of ritualistic worship. It is also called nipunson or naivedhya. Naivedyam as a rule is offered to God first before it is accepted (eaten)  by the devotees. Tasting Naivedyam during its preparation or eating it before offering it to God is restricted. 

To offer Naivedyam, the food is placed before the deity. The devotees recite the mantra seeking divine acceptance for the offering made. However, if you do not know the mantras invoking the divinity for accepting food, you can say a prayer from heart (with devotion) asking God to accept the food and seek his blessings therewith. Once the offering is complete the Naivedyam becomes Prasadam- which is food brought/ distributed to the devotees for consuming. Thus Naivedyam is what is offered to God and Prasad (Prasadam) is what one gets from the God. 

Naivedyam includes cooked food (vegetarian without onions and garlic), sugarcane, dry and fresh fruits. 

9. Ganesh Vandana

Hindi Verse

गजाननं भूतगणादि सेवितं

कपित्थ जम्बूफलसार भक्षितम्

उमासुतं शोक विनाशकारणं

नमामि विघ्नेश्वर पादपङ्कजम् ॥

English Transliteration

Gajaananam Bhuta Ganadi sevitam, 

Kapittha jambu falachaaru bhaksharam,

Umaasutam shok vinashakaarakam

Namaami Vighneshwar pada pankajam.

Meaning

I prosotrates before the great elephant headed God Ganesha who is served by Ganas. I glorify the Lord of bounty Ganesha who relishes the luscious fruits like wood apple (core of Kapittha) and rose apple (jambu).

I bow before the dear son of Goddess Uma who annihilates all woes and obstacles in path of righteousness and religion.

I humbly bow to gratify and pay obedience to Lord Ganesha on His lotus feet.

1. Shhodashopachara (16 Step Pooja)

On the auspicious occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi, devotees also perform Eka Vinshati (21 Patra Pooja), Ganesha Anga Puja and Shodashopachara.

Shodashopachara is 16-fold praying ritual. Here are the various steps in it -

1. Aavaahana
Aavaahana means 'to invite'. Lord Ganesha is invoked when we give Him aavaahana.

2. Pratishthapan
In pratishthapan, Lord Ganesha is installed into the idol by reciting appropriate vedic mantras.

3. Aasana Samarpana
Aasana means offering our guest the seat. This is called as Aasana Samarpana.

3. Paadya
Paadya means washing the feet of guest who is Lord Ganesha here.

4. Arghya Samarpan
Arghya means offering scented water to Lord Ganesha.

5. Achamana (आचमन)
In this step, the ritual performer takes three gulps of water to purify and smoothen the speech faculty.

6. Madhuparka
In this step the idol is offered honey for sweet (auspicious) beginning.

7. Snaana
In this step, the idol is bathed the idol with milk, curd or ghee.
पञ्चामृत स्नानम्, पयः स्नानम्, दधि स्नानम्, धृत स्नानम्, मधु स्नानम्, शर्करा स्नानम्, सुवासित स्नानम्, शुध्दोदक स्नानम्

8. Vastra Samapana
In this step, the deity is offered vastra (clothing). The clothes are offered in the form of moli (sacred red thread) and upaveeta (sacred while thread, usually offered in woven bundle).

9. Yagyopavit Samarpan
In this step, Ganesha is offered yagnopavit (janeyau), a sacred thread.

10. Gandha
The deity is offered fragrance (eetra) or scent.

11. Pushpa
Deity is offered various flowers. Garland of flowers can be also offered.

12. Dhoopa
Dhoop is volatile substance burnt to obtain pious smoke. It is made up of ghee, herbs; etc and is said to create a purifying effect.

14. Deepa
Offering light to Ganesha in form of a lamp of ghee.

15. Naivedya
Diety is offered different varieties of dishes. The offering of food made to God is called naivedya. After the offering, the food is accepted as 'prasada'. Thus prasada is food tasted and blessed by God for devotees. 

16. Taamblooa
In this step, Ganesha is offered paan leaf with betelnut for chewing.

Deity is offered unbroken rice, Shamipatra, durva grass, Sindhoor, Sandalwood during Pooja.

The Shodashopachara Puja concludes with the offering of coconut (नारिकेल अर्पण) and coins (दक्षिणा समर्पण).

After the conclusion of Shodashopachara Puja, the deity is glorified by singing Neeranajan (नीरानजन/आरती), the Ganesha Aarti. The aarti involves singing and showing of camphor flamed lamp to appraise Ganesha.

Following this Ganesha is further remembered and praised by reciting 108 names and Mantras of Lord Ganesha (mantrapushpa). After this pradakshina is performed by turning around oneself to imply that Ganesha is omnipresent.

5. Ganesha Pooja and Tulsi Leaves

Tulsi Leaves

 The worship of Lord Ganesha with twenty one different types of leaves (called Patras) finds a special mention. It is believed that when Ganesha us ritualistically offered these leaves, he is pleased and bestows wealth and prosperity.

Each leaf type is associated with a unique name of Ganesha. Also, each type of leaf is offered with recitation of unique Mantra associated with the name of the leaf. Hence, the twenty one Patra Puja is also known as Eka-Vinshati.

It is important to note that though Tulsi leaves are highly pious, they are never offered to Ganesha. According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, the use of Tulasi leaves (basil leaves) is restricted in Ganesh Puja.
However, according to Narada Purana, Tulasi leaves can be offered to Surpakarna incarnation of Ganesha. Similarly, Vratraj Tulasi leaves can be offered to Gajavaktram incarnation of Lord Ganesha.

4. Durva Grass and Durvachan

'Durva Strands tied with

Red Hibiscus for offering 

Durva grass, also known as Arugambpul or Bermuda grass is a ritualistically used sacred plant. It is believed that the use of this grass in rituals began in Vedic period about 3500 years ago. Kusa Grass is a close variant of 'Durva, also used ritualistically.

Durva is also called Goroma which means hair of mother earth. The Vamana Purana states that durva is originated from Vasuki’s tail.

The kusha grass is sightly different from the durva grass. While the leafy blades of kusha grass have sharp edges, those of durva grass are smooth. Durva is perennial, hardy, creeping, fast growing plant that thrives in most climatic and soil conditions.

Its roots tapper deep into the soil in search of water - defying the message of perseverance.  'Durva has the ability to quickly regenerate and hence is a symbol of renewal, rebirth, fertility, and hence prosperity (hence 'Durva us particularly offered to household God like Ganesha and not to ascetic God like Shiva).

Durva Grass is also known as Bermuda Grass, Dog’s Tooth Grass, Bahama Grass, Devil’s Grass, Couch Grass, Arugampul, Grama or Scutch Grass. The names Durva and Haritali are Hindi names.

The Ganpati Atharvashirsha mentions that offering durva grass to Ganesha makes a person opulent like Lord Kuber. Similarly, offering of rice paddy helps to achieves fame and success. Offering of  thousand ladoos to Ganesha helps in fulfilling personal desires.

There are various spieces of Durva such as  Cynodon dactylon, Desmostachya bipinnata, Imperata cylindrica and Panicun dactylon.

How is 'Durva used in worship ?

'Durva is used in various ways for performing rituals, such as -

1. Rings of 'Durva are worn for performing sacrificial offerings (homa). It is said that 'Durva has a purifying effect.

2. 'Durva is woven into various floral arrangements such as garlands (called arugampul malai or mala), bunches which are offered to the Gods, especially Lord Ganesha.

3. 'Durva is woven into mats (sitting mats). These are used for sitting while performing prayers and rituals.

4. In Ganesh Puja Durva with 3 or 5 stocks is commonly used. It is called durvankur. In a durvankur, the middle leaflet is said to attract Ganesha, while the lateral leaflets attract Shiva and Parvati. 

It is believed that three stocked Durva helps in nullifying the bad effect of bad karma and destiny, while the five stocked Durva helps in attaining the five perquisites of life.

The offering of 'Durva to Ganesha is called durvarchanai or Durvarchan. In Durvarchan, 21 stocks of 'Durva are bundled up. Each stock should have either three or five leaflets.  The knotted bundle is washed by dipping in water and offered to Ganedha. In Durvarchan, the entire body of Ganesha is covered with 'Durva excluding the face starting from the feet. While offering 'Durva, the AUM Mantra is chanted along with names of Ganesha.

The word Durva is a derived from two words ‘duhu’ and ‘avam’ meaning one which is far away and brought closer. Thus it implies that durva helps in bringing the distant blessings and purity of Lord Ganesha closer.

Durva is a Sanskrit word meaning one which is cut or eaten by animals. It represents and has the ability to attract the principles of the three deities namely Shiva, Shakti and Ganesha (Primal Shiva, Primal Shakti and Primal Ganesh respectively).

If the 'Durva grass is unavailable, Akshata can be used in its place. The Akshata are unbroken grains of rice smeared with kumkum (red powder). Use of Akshata in offerings is considered as wholesome or all-encompasing i.e. akshata can substitute all substances offered in ritualistic offerings and prayers.

Ganesha Poojan comprises of Durva Pooja.

In Durva Pooja, durva comprising of having 3 or 5 stocks is commonly used.

The three stocked Durva is offered to nullifying the bad effect of destiny.

The five stocked Durva is offered to receive five perquisites.

3. Anga Pooja of Ganesha

In Anga Pujan, each part of Ganesha's body is appraised and evoke to seek his blessings.

Here is the list of Ganesha Mantra for each vital body parts-

ॐ गणेश्वराय नमः - पादौ पूजयामि।
Om Ganeshwaraya Namah, Paadou Poojayaami – Legs

ॐ विघ्नराजाय नमः - जानुनि पूजयामि।
Om Vighnarajaya Namah, Jaanuni Poojayaami – Knee

ॐ आखुवाहनाय नमः - ऊरूः पूजयामि।
Om Akhuvahanaya Namah, Oorooh Poojayaami – Thighs

ॐ हेरम्बाय नमः - कटि पूजयामि।
Om Herambaya Namah, Kati Poojayaami – Buttocks

ॐ कामरी सूनवे नमः - नाभिं पूजयामि।
Om Kaamari Sunve Namah, Naabhim Poojayaami – Navel

ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः - उदरं पूजयामि।
Om Lambodaraya Namah, Udaram Poojayaami – Stomach

ॐ गौरीसुताय नमः - स्तनौ पूजयामि।
Om Gaurisutaya Namah, Stanau Poojayaami- Bosom

ॐ गणनाथाय नमः - हृदयं पूजयामि।
Om Gananathaya Namah, Hrudayam Poojayaami – Chest

ॐ स्थूल कण्ठाय नमः - कण्ठं पूजयामि।
Om Sthula Kanthaya Namah, Kantham Poojayaami – Throat

ॐ पाश हस्ताय नमः - स्कन्धौ पूजयामि।
Om Pasha-hastaya Namah, Skandhau Poojayaami – Shoulders

ॐ गजवक्त्राय नमः - हस्तान् पूजयामि।
Om Gajavaktraya Namah, Hastaan Poojayaami – Hands

ॐ स्कन्दाग्रजाय नमः - वक्त्रं पूजयामि।
Om Skandagrajaya Namah, Vaktram Poojayaami – Face

ॐ विघ्नराजाय नमः - ललाटं पूजयामि।
Om Vighnarajaya Namah, Lalaatam Poojayaami – Forehead

ॐ सर्वेश्वराय नमः - शिरः पूजयामि।
Om Sarveshvaraya Namah, Shirah Poojayaami – Head

ॐ गणाधिपताय नमः - सर्वाङ्गाणि पूजयामि।
Om Ganadhipataya Namah, Sarvaangaani Poojayaami – Whole Body

2. 21 Patras Pooja

The worship of Lord Ganesha with twenty one different types of leaves (called Patras) finds a special mention. It is believed that when Ganesha us ritualistically offered these leaves, he is pleased and bestows wealth and prosperity. 

Each leaf type is associated with a unique name of Ganesha. Also, each type of leaf is offered with recitation of unique Mantra associated with the name of the leaf. Hence, the twenty one Patra Puja is also known as Eka-Vinshati.

Here is the list of 21 patras and associated mantras -

1. Shami Patram
ॐ सुमुखाय नमः ll
Om Sumukhaya Namah
Shami Patram Samarpayami

2.  Bhringraj Patram
ॐ गणाधीशाय नमः ll
Om Ganadhishaya Namah – Bhringraj Patram Samarpayami।

3. ॐ उमा पुत्राय नमः ll
Om Umaputraya Namah – Bilva Patram Samarpayami।

4. ॐ गजमुखाय नमः ll
Om Gajamukhaya Namah – Durvaa Patram Samarpayami।

5. ॐ लम्बोदराय नमः ll
Om Lambodaraya Namah – Badari (Ber) Patram Samarpayami।

6. ॐ हर सूनवे नमः ll
Om Harasunavey Namah – Datura Patram Samarpayami।

7. ॐ शूर्पकर्णाय नमः कहकर तुलसी पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Shurpakarnaya Namah – Tulasi Patram Samarpayami।

8. ॐ वक्रतुण्डाय नमः कहकर सेम का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Vakratundaya Namah – Sem Patram Samarpayami।

9.ॐ गुहाग्रजाय नमः कहकर अपामार्ग पत्र (चिरचिटाअजाझारा) चढ़ावें।
Om Guhaagrajaya Namah – Apamarga Patram Samarpayami।

10. ॐ एकदन्ताय नमः कहकर भटकटैया का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Ekadantaya Namah – Bhatakataiya Patram Samarpayami।

11. ॐ हेरम्बराय नमः कहकर सिन्दूर वृक्ष का पत्र या सिन्दूर चूर्ण अर्पित करें।
Om Herambaya Namah – Sindoor Patram Samarpayami।

12. ॐ चतुर्होत्रै नमः कहकर तेज पात अर्पण करें।
Om Chaturhotrai Namah – Tej Patram Samarpayami।

13. ॐ सर्वेश्वराय नमः कहकर अगस्त (अगस्त्य) का पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Sarveshvaraya Namah – Agastya Patram Samarpayami।

14. Kaner Leaves ॐ विकटाय नमः कहकर कनेर का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Vikataya Namah – Kaner Patram Samarpayami।

15. Kadali (Kela) Leaves
ॐ हेमतुण्डाय नमः कहकर कदली (केला) पत्र अर्पण करें।
Om Hematundaya Namah – Kadali (Kela) Patram Samarpayami।

16. Arka Leaves
ॐ विनायकाय नमः कहकर अर्क पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Vinayakaya Namah – Arka Patram Samarpayami।

17. Arjuna Leaves
ॐ कपिलाय नमः कहकर अर्जुन पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Kapilaya Namah – Arjuna Patram Samarpayami।

18.Devadaaru Leaves
ॐ वटवे नमः कहकर देवदारू का पत्र चढ़ावें।
Om Vatave Namah – Devadaaru Patram Samarpayami।

19. Maru Leaves
ॐ भाल चन्द्राय नमः कहकर मरुआ का पत्र अर्पित करें।
Om Bhal Chandraya Namah – Marua Patram Samarpayami।

20. Gandhari Leaves
ॐ सुराग्रजाय नमःll
Om Suraagrajaya Namah
Gandhari (Gandari) Patram Samarpayami

21. Ketaki Leaves

ॐ सिद्धि विनायकाय नमः ll
Om Siddhi Vinayakaya Namah
Ketaki Patram Samarpayami

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