Gowri : The Goddess of Prosperity, Ganesha: The Destroyer of Vanity, Selfishness & PrideGAURI VRATA AUR GANESH CHATHURTHI THYOHAR KI HARDHIK SHUBHKAAMANNAYE
Brief Introduction to Indian Festivals:
How do you start on a topic like festivals of a huge country like India that has a million or more strands to it? We have a suggestion ... start with a bird's eye view of the maze called festivals in India. Variations abound in India whether it is religious, cultural or regional in character. The festivals are often associated with seasonal changes and popular fables that more often than not describe the victory of good over evil. These festivals inform us about the cultural and traditional riches that we've been bestowed with. Every festival either welcomes a season, or harvest, rains etc and is celebrated with music, dance and color. The birthdays of saints are also celebrated as festivals whereas some festivals are common to all over India such as Diwali, Dassera, Durga-Pooja, Ganesha Chaturthi, Shivratri, & other Festivals Ramzan, Bakrid, Christmas, Vishu, Bengali Nab Barsha, Navreh - the Kashmiri New Year, Navroz - the Parsi New Year, Ugadi - Maharashtra & Karnataka etc. Most of the festivals follow the lunar calendar and therefore seldom fall on the same date of English calendar.
Legends of the Festivals:
The festivals are myriad but so are the legends associated with each festival that explain the rationale behind each festival. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on 4th day of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad and therefore Ganesh Festival is celebrated for 10 days continuously, from Ganesh Chaturthi to Anantha Chaturdashi. It is believed that the great epic Mahabharata was transcribed by him as it was dictated by Ved Vyas. Another important festival of India, Dassera, is also known as Vijayadashmi. In this festival, Goddess Durga is worshiped for ten days. She was created when the gods were under attack from Mahisasur and it was decided that an all powerful entity would be created to kill the demon King. Thus Goddess Durga was born. Legend has it that Diwali celebrations began when Lord Vishnu killed Narasur and this is not the only one. The more you dig into these legends, the more engrossed you become. This is not the end, this is the beginning of your interest in the legends associated with the festivals.
Now some Light on Gauri & Ganesha Festivities:
Firstly about Gauri Vrata:
Swarna Gowri Vratam or Gauri Vrat as the name indicates is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. This Vrat is known as Hartalika Vrat in North India. Gowri Habba and its rituals are of South Indian origin and is observed mainly in Karnataka. Swarna means ‘gold’ and in the ritual a golden image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped along with Shivling.
In many places a clay idols of Goddess Gauri and Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. It is later immersed in a pond.
There is an interesting legend involving Swarna Gowri Vratam and Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that Goddess Parvati comes to earth to answer the prayers of married and unmarried women during Swarna Gauri Vratam. Gowri Vrat day is followed by the Ganesh Chaturthi day. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva sends Ganesha to fetch his mother from earth.
Origin of Swarna Gowri Vratam
The important legend associated with Gowri Habba is that of the birth of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from her own body. She asked her son to guard the doors of the house and went to take bath. Shiva appeared there and was stopped by the boy. Shiva did not recognize the boy and after few heated arugements and Shiva in a fit of anger chopped off the head of the boy. Soon Goddess Parvati arrived at the scene and demanded that her son be brought back to life. Shiva brought Ganesha back to life by placing the head of an elephant instead of the human head. Gowri Habba celeberates the power of Goddess Gouri.
In another legend, importance of Swarna Gowri Vratam was narrated to Lord Muruga by Lord Shiva. Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva but Shiva was in no mood to reciprocate her love as he was mourning the death of Sati. Parvati was determined to win the love of Lord Shiva. So, she started intense austerities in a forest, surviving on grass and fruits. Parvati continued this intense ‘tapas’ for long sixteen years. Finally, Lord Shiva was moved by Parvati’s intense devotion and love and married her.
According to Puranas, Gowri Vratam will bestow wealth and worldly well being to the people who observe it. Legend has it that the ‘Vrata’ is so powerful that even a dry tree will turn green after its observance.
It is believed that unmarried women performing Swarna Gauri Vratam will get good husbands and married women will have a peaceful and happy married life.
Performing Gowri Habba
On the Swarna Gauri Vratam day, the house is cleaned thoroughly. After bathing married women and young girls in the family dress up neatly. Some people perform the puja at home; others at the houses of relatives or friends and some opt for the nearby temples.
A small temporary shrine is erected using banana leaves and banana stem. This is decorated with mango leaves, turmeric, tulsi and sandalwood paste. Those who already have a puja cabinet perform the ritual in it or in a separate temporary area.
Next is the installation of the idol of Goddess Parvati or Gowri. There are several methods for this. The indigenous method is to make an idol of Gowri with turmeric. Nowadays, people opt for the readymade idols of Goddess Gowri which is available in market. Some people opt for the family owned Swarna or gold idol of Gowri.
The idol of Gowri, which is decorated neatly with clothes, is placed on a bed of rice or wheat or other cereals. Some people place a Shivling and Ganesha idol along with the idol of Parvati. Flowers and green leaves are mainly used to decorate the idols. Some people also opt for a Purna Kumbh. A mirror is placed along with the idol.
A 16-knotted thread is prepared for the puja and some people tie it on their hands. (Perhaps indicating the 16 long years of intense austerities performed by Goddess Parvati to obtain Lord Shiva as husband).
Next is the preparation of special puja plates or thalas with various puja items also known as ‘bagina.’ The pooja thala or plate consists of turmeric, kum kum, a mirror, bangles, comb, various cereals, coconut, fresh cloth, rice, jaggery, the 16 knot thread, 16 different leaves and fruits. Some people prepare just one pooja thala for Goddess Parvati. Some prepare several ‘bagina’ and distribute among married women. (Please note that the number of items and those used varies from region to region.)
The main puja ceremony involves bathing the idol in milk, ghee, curd, honey and water. Some people only perform the simple Aarti and sing bhajans.
Then the prepared bagina is offered to Gowri and people recite the prayers dedicated to Parvati or the special phrases used during the occasion like ‘Savitri, Savitri, Bagina Tagoo.’ While taking away the bagina repeat the same prayers or say ‘muthiyadae, mutiyadae bagina kodu’
Various dishes are prepared on the day especially rice dishes.
Another important custom on the day is the sending of gifts by married women’s parents. Newly married girls also present ‘bagina’ to married elderly women.
It is believed that by performing this puja unmarried girls will get good husbands and married women will have a healthy and peaceful family life.
In some areas, people immerse the Turmeric idol along with Ganesha. (Gowri Habba is followed by Ganesh Chaturthi).
It must be remembered here that all these rituals are man made. It is easy to observe these rituals when you live along with relatives and friends. Today, most people live alone that too in countries alien to such rituals. A simple prayer to Goddess Parvati will be more than enough. Always remember the core concept of Santana Dharma is Brahman – the supreme soul present in all living and non-living - and realization of it is the ultimate aim.
Gowri Ganesha Festival, also known as Swarna Gowri Vratam, is an important festival that coincides with the famous Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Karnataka and in some parts of Andhra Pradesh. It is observed on the third and fourth day in the Kannada Bhadrapada month and the festival is also known as Gowri Habba. The first day of the festival is Gouri Habba and the second day is Vinayaka Chaturthi.
An idol of Goddess Gowri (Goddess Parvati) is worshipped on the Gowri Habba day. Usually the idol is prepared using Turmeric or a clay idol of Goddess Gowri is also procured from the market. There are several regional variations in the observance. In some places, a clay idol of Ganesha is also worshipped. The main legend is associated with a creation of Ganesha from her own body Goddess Gowri.
Swarna Gowri Vrata
Swarna Gauri Habba in Karnataka
Swarna Gowri Vrata, also known as Swarna Gauri Habba, is observed a day before Ganesh Chaturthi puja mainly by women in Karnataka. Swarna Gauri Vrata is dedicated to Goddess Gowri, popularly known as Goddess Parvati. It is observed on the third day of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month mainly in Kannadiga Culture.
Hindu women observe Swarna Gouri Vrata for the well-being of their husbands and for a peaceful and prosperous life. Unmarried women observe if for getting a good husband.
Swarna means ‘gold’ and in the ritual a golden image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped along with Shivling. In many regions a clay idols of Goddess Gowri and Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. It is later immersed in a pond.
It is believed that Goddess Parvati comes to earth to answer the prayers of married and unmarried women during Swarna Gauri Vratam. Gowri Vrat day is followed by the Ganesh Chaturthi day. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva sends Ganesha to fetch his mother from earth.
On the same day women in North India observe the Hartalika Teej Vrat which is also dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
Hartalika Teej Vrat
Hartalika Teej is an important Hindu fasting observed by Hindu women and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in North India. It is one of three Teej festivals and is mainly observed in North India and western parts of India. Hartalika Teez is observed mainly in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and is some parts of Maharashtra.
Popular belief is that by observing Hartalika Teej Vrat unmarried women will get good husbands. This Teez is observed by both married and unmarried women. Married women observe the Vrat for a happy and peaceful married life.
Hartalika Teej is based on the intense austerities (tapas) observed by Goddess Parvathi to get Lord Shiva as her husband. It is believed that Goddess Parvati will bless those women who observe the Vrat.
The fasting rules of Hartalika Teej Vrat are very tough and some women even don’t drink water during the fasting period.
Hartalika Teej is the most important of the three Teej - the other two are Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej.
Origin of Hartalika Teej Vrat
According to Hindu Mythology, Shiva took no notice of the love of Parvati for very long time as he was haunted by the death of Sati. To get the attention of Shiva, Parvati performed severe austerities on the Himalayas for several years. Some Puranas indicate that Goddess Parvati did penance for 16 years and survived on grass and fruits. Finally, Shiva acknowledged Parvati’s devotion and love and agreed to marry her.
Women observe Hartalika Teej Vrat in remembrance of Parvati’s deep determination to win over her love. It is believed that Goddess Parvati will be pleased with those women who observe the Vrat. There are several regional variations in the Hartalika Teej Vrat myth. But the essence is the same.
Even today, many married women and unmarried women observe ‘nirjala vrata’ (severe fasting even without water). A grand feast is held after the fast in all houses.
On the day, women wear green clothes and bangles which signify luck. Fresh fruits and green vegetables are offered to Parvati. Rice patolis, sweets and numerous delicacies are prepared on this day. Delicacies made out of coconut are a specialty.
Ganesh and Gauri Puja in Maharashtra during Ganesh Chaturthi
Gauri Puja is performed in many households during Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra. Goddess Gauri or Gowri is another name for Goddess Parvati, the mother of Ganesha. But in Gauri Puja during Vinayaka Chaturthi in certain parts of Maharashtra, especially in Pune, Goddess Gauri is the sister of Ganapati. Arrival of Goddess Gauri in homes is said to bring health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. Two idols of Goddess Gauri are brought home and worshipped and the arrival is regarded as the coming of the sisters of Ganesha.
The idols of Gauri are brought usually two days after the beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is placed for three days – first day is the avahana, next day it is Satyanarayan puja and on the third day Gauri is immersed in water.
Legend has it that the two sisters follow Ganesha to the homes.
Gauri Puja is also considered as Upasana of Goddess Lakshmi in some regions.
Many Hindus might raise an eyebrow when they hear Gauri as sister of Ganesha. A Gauri Puja is held the day before Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka and in it Gowri is the mother of Ganesha. In West Bengal, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati are sisters of Ganesha and all three are children of Goddess Durga.
Each region in India has an independent culture and most of these cultures are 5000 years old. Each region has developed its on way of interpreting the deities. But what is common in all regions is the basic idea – all idols are an attempt to give form to the Nirguna Parabrahman. Brahman cannot be defined but each individual has the freedom to make an attempt to define in it. The greatness of Sanatana Dharma lies in this freedom, respecting an individual’s quest to define Brahman and not in imposing ideas.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Vakrtund Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha |
Nirbhignam Kurumedaya Sarva Karyashu Sarvada |
Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha, one of the most important Gods of the Hindu Mythology. The festival is usually celebrated on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-paksh of Hindu calendar in (August and September). According to the Hindu belief Ganeshji is worshipped first on all auspicious occasions, whether it is a marriage or a religious function. Ganeshji is the foremost god of the Hindu Pantheon. He is regarded as the destroyer of all problems and obstacles. That's the reason in Hindu family whenever they start a new venture they perform his puja he is regarded as an extremely benevolent god, fulfilling the wishes of those who pray to him sincerely. Ganesh is remembered on chauth or chaturthi, the 4th day of every month of the Hindu calendered, but most of all on Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated as his birthday. On the day of the festival Hindus performs pujas at temples and even in homes. Fasting, feasting and distribution of sweets mainly ladoos are offered to him. These are some of the important aspects of Ganesh Chaturthi rituals in India. After the festival is over they immerse the idols in the nearby water body, which are sacred.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi symbolizes Good omen. It also inspires the devotees to have trust and faith in God all mighty and obey the commands of God. The celebration begins much before the festival as people starts preparing by cleaning the house and whitewashing. During the festival people purchase small images from shops and brought into home. Larger clay made images are made by the professional craftsmen and set up in pandals and pavilions throughout the country. It is a festival, which is observed through out the country. Especially in Maharashtra side this festival has a special significance and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The festival is also symbolic of the advent of all festivals dedicated to other Indian Gods.
Ganesha Chaturthi Legends
There are various legends associated with Ganesh Chaturthi or the birth of Ganesha. According to Hindu beliefs Lord Ganesha or Ganapati symbolizes wisdom and good omen or good luck. All the new ventures at place of work or at home starts by reciting the mantra of Lord Ganesha. Ganeshji also has long been associated with commerce and trade merchants still pay homage to him. In households, it's common for small offerings of money, flowers and food to be placed before one of the family's effigies of Ganeshji. These tokens please him and he therefore brings more wealth, prosperity and food to the family. During the time of Ganesh Chaturthi perform his puja. Sweets in form of ladoos are distributed; milk is offered to idols of Lord Ganeshji at home and at temples, and worshippers visit Ganeshji temples for Ganesh Puja. Meetings, gatherings, weddings, functions and any Indian celebration are incomplete without the puja of lord Ganesh.
According to legends goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva, created Lord Ganesh, as she needed a doorkeeper while taking bath. However, while Parvati was taking her bath, Lord Shiva happened to come there and as Ganesha didn't know him, he didn't allow him to enter the house. As a result, Lord Shiva got angry and he beheaded Ganesha. But after realizing that he had beheaded his own son, lord Shiva used the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha's head. In this way, Lord Ganesha acquired the image of the elephant-headed God and he also blessed him that he will be regarded as the foremost God and his puja will be held before the puja of any other God. And the person who will perform his puja will be bestowed with wealth, peace and prosperity. That's the reason that before any auspicious occasion Hindus performs the puja of Ganeshji to attain success in it. He is considered to be the God of good luck and prosperity. Thus Ganesh Chaturthi marks the celebration of the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha all over India with great festivities and zest.
Ganesh Chaturthi Myths
Do Not Look At The Moon On The Night Of The Ganesh Chaturthi
There is a myth which says that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely accused of something. If a person happens to see the moon unintentionally, listening to or reciting the story of the syamantaka jewel (found in the Puranas) can help ward off trouble. If the incident is intentional, then the person will have to face the consequences. The basis of this myth is in a very popular legend related to Lord Ganesha, who is known to be very fond of sweet, especially laddoos.
Lord Ganesha, on one of His birthdays, was going around house to house, accepting the offerings of sweets. He ate a good number of the sweets and set out at night, on his mouse. Suddenly, the mouse stumbled, as it saw a snake and became frightened. The result was that Ganeshji fell down. His stomach burst open and all the sweets came out. However, Ganeshji stuffed them back into his stomach and caught hold of the snake and tied it around his belly.
The moon saw Lord Ganesha doing all this and started laughing his heart out. This behavior of the moon annoyed the Lord immensely. So, he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it against the moon. At the same time, Ganeshji cursed the moon that no one would look at it, on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name. Since then, people refrain from looking at the moon, on the night of the festival.
Lord Ganesha is the favorite God of the masses. In India, a new venture is never started without worshipping the Lord. Ganeshji is worshipped first on all auspicious occasions, whether it is a marriage or a religious function. Ganeshji is the foremost god of the Hindu Pantheon. Any new project or venture that a Hindu family undertakes has to start with His name. In fact, most of the housewives utter His name before even starting a small chore, as He is believed to be the remover of all sankat (obstacles).
Lord Ganesha is believed to fulfill the wishes and dreams of all those who pray to him sincerely. He has long been associated with commerce and merchants pay homage to him every day. If an Indian business or bank fails, all the images of Ganeshji in the offices will be turned upside down, signifying bad luck. In households, it's common for small offerings of money, flowers and food to be placed before the image of Ganeshji. These tokens please him and He brings more prosperity, wealth and peace to the family.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals
The preparation of the festival begins much before the ten-day rite. Houses are cleaned and even white washing or painting is done. Especially the place where the idol will be kept are cleaned and decorated several days before the festival. Newly molded idols of Ganesha are bought from the shops, which are there only for the festival purpose. The idols are carried with their faces covered with a saffron cloth amidst chanting and the sound of cymbals. In the evening it is placed properly at the place where the puja will be held. The priest then performs a ritual by which the idol, is said to be imbued with life. Next follows the traditional puja. Worshippers bathe and the priest wears a silken lower garment, usually red, with a shawl around his shoulders. On this day every household in Maharashtra installs a small clay murti of Ganeshji in their homes. He is offered pujan and prasad until Sud 14 - Anant Chaturthi.
In Gujarat and in the Swaminarayan mandirs a clay or plaster of paris murti of Ganesh is installed on Ganesh Chaturthi and worshiped for ten days. The murti is submerged on 'Parivartini' i.e. 'Jal Zilani' Ekadashi. Devotees observe a waterless fast. The traditional prasad offered to Lord Ganeshji are chopped cucumbers and 'ladus' - sweet balls of wheat flour, ghee and sugar. Five pujas and arti are offered, together with a boat ride after each arti before Ganeshji's 'Visarjan' - submergence. In this manner Ganesh is a deity of auspiciousness, wisdom and wealth. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival inspiring devotees to inculcate redemptive virtues in their lives. The puja begins according to the time mentioned on the ritual calendar. The ceremony begins by placing the image, usually made of terracotta, in a sacred arena, symbolic of a throne. The worshipper then sips holy water and performs pranayama; he then bows and prostrates before Ganesha and all the other gods. The Ganapati Aarti and the Atharvashirdha (devotional chanting) are sung to the accompaniment of cymbals, bells and rhythmic clapping. The modak, a sweetmeat of rice-flour and sweetened coconut, are offered to the deity along with flowers. This completes the rituals of the first day. For the remaining days, the image is worshipped, morning and evening, with simple recitations of the Ganesha Stuti, devotional songs, offerings of flowers and incense, and lamps. The event is now the celebration of all community where everyone participates.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. Started by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism, the festival was revived by Lokmanya Tilak (a freedom fighter) to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival gave the Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith. This public festival formed the background for political leaders who delivered speeches to inspire people against the Western rule. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance.
Ganesha statues installed in street corners and in homes, and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and the most common of flowers. Poojas (prayer services) are performed daily. The artists who make the idols of Ganesh compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant idols. The relevantly larger ones are anything from 10 meters to 30 meters in height. These statues are then carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied by drum- beats, devotional songs and dancing.
It is still forbidden to look at the moon on that day as the moon had laughed at Ganesha when he fell from his vehicle, the rat. With the immersion of the idol amidst the chanting of "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai!" (Hail Lord Ganesh). The festival ends with pleas to Ganesha to return the next year with chants of "Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya" (Hail Lord Ganesh, return again soon next year.
Ganesha — the elephant-deity riding a mouse — has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.
Pooja On Ganesha Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm in India. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is celebrated with immense zeal and fervor throughout the country, however the celebrations of this festival in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are well known for their exceptional grandeur every where. The entire celebration of this festival goes on for ten days. On the final day of the festival, the devotees of Ganesha observe a whole day fast and take out a long procession of the Lord in the city. During these ten days, the devotees gather together for the celebration every day at the temporarily arranged Pandal to worship their deity. They also sing songs, burst crackers and dance to the tune of traditional drums in order to express their gaiety.
It is generally preferable to do Ganesha puja on the Chaturthi day at the noon, however you can perform the pooja as per your wish whenever all the members of your family are present. In order to carry on the pooja, you will require following items- A Clay image of Lord Ganesha, flowers, druva grass blades, sweets (preferably Modak), coconut, sandalwood paste and incense sticks. The Pooja begins with the establishment of idol on a higher platform and giving it a bathe with Panchamrit. You can now pray to Lord Ganesh and recite all the mantras or bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha. You now have to invoke Lord Ganesha through your prayers and bring life in the idol. The mantra for this can be found in the in the Rig Veda and is part of Ganesh Suktha.
Once you invoke life in the idol, you need to light lamp and incense sticks in order to please Lord Ganesha. After this, you need to perform the shhodashopachara, which are 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha. In this you need to offer 21 blades of druva grass, 21 modakas, and flowers to Lord Ganesha. You need to apply a tilak using red Sandalwood paste to idol and keep the coconut along with the idol. After you have offered your best possible prasada to the Lord, you simply need to recite the 108 salutations dedicated to Lord Ganesha. All the family members can then bow down to Ganesha and seek his blessings. The puja is performed in a similar way even if it is a community fest. You need not to exceptionally elaborate the rituals of the Pooja rather all you need to do is pray with a clean heart and pious objective.
Aarti of Lord Ganesha
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva
Ek dant dayavant, char bhuja dhari
Mathe par tilak sohe, muse ki savari
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva...
Pan chadhe, phul chadhe, aur chadhe meva
Ladduan ka bhog lage, sant kare seva
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva...
Andhan ko ankh det, kodhin ko kaya
Banjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko maya
Surya shaam sharan aye, safal kije seva
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva…
Translation of Aarti
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!
Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
O Lord of compassion, you have a single tusk, four arms,
A vermilion mark of on your forehead, and ride on a mouse.
People offer you betel leaves, blossoms, fruits
And sweets, while saints and seers worship you.
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!
Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
You bestow vision on the blind, chastened body on the leprous,
Children on the sterile and wealth on the destitute.
We pray to thee day and night, please bestow success upon us.
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!
Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
Prasad on Ganesh Chaturthi
Brief Introduction to Indian Festivals:
How do you start on a topic like festivals of a huge country like India that has a million or more strands to it? We have a suggestion ... start with a bird's eye view of the maze called festivals in India. Variations abound in India whether it is religious, cultural or regional in character. The festivals are often associated with seasonal changes and popular fables that more often than not describe the victory of good over evil. These festivals inform us about the cultural and traditional riches that we've been bestowed with. Every festival either welcomes a season, or harvest, rains etc and is celebrated with music, dance and color. The birthdays of saints are also celebrated as festivals whereas some festivals are common to all over India such as Diwali, Dassera, Durga-Pooja, Ganesha Chaturthi, Shivratri, & other Festivals Ramzan, Bakrid, Christmas, Vishu, Bengali Nab Barsha, Navreh - the Kashmiri New Year, Navroz - the Parsi New Year, Ugadi - Maharashtra & Karnataka etc. Most of the festivals follow the lunar calendar and therefore seldom fall on the same date of English calendar.
Legends of the Festivals:
The festivals are myriad but so are the legends associated with each festival that explain the rationale behind each festival. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on 4th day of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad and therefore Ganesh Festival is celebrated for 10 days continuously, from Ganesh Chaturthi to Anantha Chaturdashi. It is believed that the great epic Mahabharata was transcribed by him as it was dictated by Ved Vyas. Another important festival of India, Dassera, is also known as Vijayadashmi. In this festival, Goddess Durga is worshiped for ten days. She was created when the gods were under attack from Mahisasur and it was decided that an all powerful entity would be created to kill the demon King. Thus Goddess Durga was born. Legend has it that Diwali celebrations began when Lord Vishnu killed Narasur and this is not the only one. The more you dig into these legends, the more engrossed you become. This is not the end, this is the beginning of your interest in the legends associated with the festivals.
Now some Light on Gauri & Ganesha Festivities:
Firstly about Gauri Vrata:
Swarna Gowri Vratam or Gauri Vrat as the name indicates is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. This Vrat is known as Hartalika Vrat in North India. Gowri Habba and its rituals are of South Indian origin and is observed mainly in Karnataka. Swarna means ‘gold’ and in the ritual a golden image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped along with Shivling.
In many places a clay idols of Goddess Gauri and Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. It is later immersed in a pond.
There is an interesting legend involving Swarna Gowri Vratam and Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that Goddess Parvati comes to earth to answer the prayers of married and unmarried women during Swarna Gauri Vratam. Gowri Vrat day is followed by the Ganesh Chaturthi day. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva sends Ganesha to fetch his mother from earth.
Origin of Swarna Gowri Vratam
The important legend associated with Gowri Habba is that of the birth of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from her own body. She asked her son to guard the doors of the house and went to take bath. Shiva appeared there and was stopped by the boy. Shiva did not recognize the boy and after few heated arugements and Shiva in a fit of anger chopped off the head of the boy. Soon Goddess Parvati arrived at the scene and demanded that her son be brought back to life. Shiva brought Ganesha back to life by placing the head of an elephant instead of the human head. Gowri Habba celeberates the power of Goddess Gouri.
In another legend, importance of Swarna Gowri Vratam was narrated to Lord Muruga by Lord Shiva. Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva but Shiva was in no mood to reciprocate her love as he was mourning the death of Sati. Parvati was determined to win the love of Lord Shiva. So, she started intense austerities in a forest, surviving on grass and fruits. Parvati continued this intense ‘tapas’ for long sixteen years. Finally, Lord Shiva was moved by Parvati’s intense devotion and love and married her.
According to Puranas, Gowri Vratam will bestow wealth and worldly well being to the people who observe it. Legend has it that the ‘Vrata’ is so powerful that even a dry tree will turn green after its observance.
It is believed that unmarried women performing Swarna Gauri Vratam will get good husbands and married women will have a peaceful and happy married life.
Performing Gowri Habba
On the Swarna Gauri Vratam day, the house is cleaned thoroughly. After bathing married women and young girls in the family dress up neatly. Some people perform the puja at home; others at the houses of relatives or friends and some opt for the nearby temples.
A small temporary shrine is erected using banana leaves and banana stem. This is decorated with mango leaves, turmeric, tulsi and sandalwood paste. Those who already have a puja cabinet perform the ritual in it or in a separate temporary area.
Next is the installation of the idol of Goddess Parvati or Gowri. There are several methods for this. The indigenous method is to make an idol of Gowri with turmeric. Nowadays, people opt for the readymade idols of Goddess Gowri which is available in market. Some people opt for the family owned Swarna or gold idol of Gowri.
The idol of Gowri, which is decorated neatly with clothes, is placed on a bed of rice or wheat or other cereals. Some people place a Shivling and Ganesha idol along with the idol of Parvati. Flowers and green leaves are mainly used to decorate the idols. Some people also opt for a Purna Kumbh. A mirror is placed along with the idol.
A 16-knotted thread is prepared for the puja and some people tie it on their hands. (Perhaps indicating the 16 long years of intense austerities performed by Goddess Parvati to obtain Lord Shiva as husband).
Next is the preparation of special puja plates or thalas with various puja items also known as ‘bagina.’ The pooja thala or plate consists of turmeric, kum kum, a mirror, bangles, comb, various cereals, coconut, fresh cloth, rice, jaggery, the 16 knot thread, 16 different leaves and fruits. Some people prepare just one pooja thala for Goddess Parvati. Some prepare several ‘bagina’ and distribute among married women. (Please note that the number of items and those used varies from region to region.)
The main puja ceremony involves bathing the idol in milk, ghee, curd, honey and water. Some people only perform the simple Aarti and sing bhajans.
Then the prepared bagina is offered to Gowri and people recite the prayers dedicated to Parvati or the special phrases used during the occasion like ‘Savitri, Savitri, Bagina Tagoo.’ While taking away the bagina repeat the same prayers or say ‘muthiyadae, mutiyadae bagina kodu’
Various dishes are prepared on the day especially rice dishes.
Another important custom on the day is the sending of gifts by married women’s parents. Newly married girls also present ‘bagina’ to married elderly women.
It is believed that by performing this puja unmarried girls will get good husbands and married women will have a healthy and peaceful family life.
In some areas, people immerse the Turmeric idol along with Ganesha. (Gowri Habba is followed by Ganesh Chaturthi).
It must be remembered here that all these rituals are man made. It is easy to observe these rituals when you live along with relatives and friends. Today, most people live alone that too in countries alien to such rituals. A simple prayer to Goddess Parvati will be more than enough. Always remember the core concept of Santana Dharma is Brahman – the supreme soul present in all living and non-living - and realization of it is the ultimate aim.
Gowri Ganesha Festival, also known as Swarna Gowri Vratam, is an important festival that coincides with the famous Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Karnataka and in some parts of Andhra Pradesh. It is observed on the third and fourth day in the Kannada Bhadrapada month and the festival is also known as Gowri Habba. The first day of the festival is Gouri Habba and the second day is Vinayaka Chaturthi.
An idol of Goddess Gowri (Goddess Parvati) is worshipped on the Gowri Habba day. Usually the idol is prepared using Turmeric or a clay idol of Goddess Gowri is also procured from the market. There are several regional variations in the observance. In some places, a clay idol of Ganesha is also worshipped. The main legend is associated with a creation of Ganesha from her own body Goddess Gowri.
Swarna Gowri Vrata
Swarna Gauri Habba in Karnataka
Swarna Gowri Vrata, also known as Swarna Gauri Habba, is observed a day before Ganesh Chaturthi puja mainly by women in Karnataka. Swarna Gauri Vrata is dedicated to Goddess Gowri, popularly known as Goddess Parvati. It is observed on the third day of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month mainly in Kannadiga Culture.
Hindu women observe Swarna Gouri Vrata for the well-being of their husbands and for a peaceful and prosperous life. Unmarried women observe if for getting a good husband.
Swarna means ‘gold’ and in the ritual a golden image of Goddess Parvati is worshipped along with Shivling. In many regions a clay idols of Goddess Gowri and Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. It is later immersed in a pond.
It is believed that Goddess Parvati comes to earth to answer the prayers of married and unmarried women during Swarna Gauri Vratam. Gowri Vrat day is followed by the Ganesh Chaturthi day. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva sends Ganesha to fetch his mother from earth.
On the same day women in North India observe the Hartalika Teej Vrat which is also dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
Hartalika Teej Vrat
Hartalika Teej is an important Hindu fasting observed by Hindu women and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in North India. It is one of three Teej festivals and is mainly observed in North India and western parts of India. Hartalika Teez is observed mainly in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and is some parts of Maharashtra.
Popular belief is that by observing Hartalika Teej Vrat unmarried women will get good husbands. This Teez is observed by both married and unmarried women. Married women observe the Vrat for a happy and peaceful married life.
Hartalika Teej is based on the intense austerities (tapas) observed by Goddess Parvathi to get Lord Shiva as her husband. It is believed that Goddess Parvati will bless those women who observe the Vrat.
The fasting rules of Hartalika Teej Vrat are very tough and some women even don’t drink water during the fasting period.
Hartalika Teej is the most important of the three Teej - the other two are Hariyali Teej and Kajari Teej.
Origin of Hartalika Teej Vrat
According to Hindu Mythology, Shiva took no notice of the love of Parvati for very long time as he was haunted by the death of Sati. To get the attention of Shiva, Parvati performed severe austerities on the Himalayas for several years. Some Puranas indicate that Goddess Parvati did penance for 16 years and survived on grass and fruits. Finally, Shiva acknowledged Parvati’s devotion and love and agreed to marry her.
Women observe Hartalika Teej Vrat in remembrance of Parvati’s deep determination to win over her love. It is believed that Goddess Parvati will be pleased with those women who observe the Vrat. There are several regional variations in the Hartalika Teej Vrat myth. But the essence is the same.
Even today, many married women and unmarried women observe ‘nirjala vrata’ (severe fasting even without water). A grand feast is held after the fast in all houses.
On the day, women wear green clothes and bangles which signify luck. Fresh fruits and green vegetables are offered to Parvati. Rice patolis, sweets and numerous delicacies are prepared on this day. Delicacies made out of coconut are a specialty.
Ganesh and Gauri Puja in Maharashtra during Ganesh Chaturthi
Gauri Puja is performed in many households during Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Maharashtra. Goddess Gauri or Gowri is another name for Goddess Parvati, the mother of Ganesha. But in Gauri Puja during Vinayaka Chaturthi in certain parts of Maharashtra, especially in Pune, Goddess Gauri is the sister of Ganapati. Arrival of Goddess Gauri in homes is said to bring health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. Two idols of Goddess Gauri are brought home and worshipped and the arrival is regarded as the coming of the sisters of Ganesha.
The idols of Gauri are brought usually two days after the beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is placed for three days – first day is the avahana, next day it is Satyanarayan puja and on the third day Gauri is immersed in water.
Legend has it that the two sisters follow Ganesha to the homes.
Gauri Puja is also considered as Upasana of Goddess Lakshmi in some regions.
Many Hindus might raise an eyebrow when they hear Gauri as sister of Ganesha. A Gauri Puja is held the day before Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka and in it Gowri is the mother of Ganesha. In West Bengal, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati are sisters of Ganesha and all three are children of Goddess Durga.
Each region in India has an independent culture and most of these cultures are 5000 years old. Each region has developed its on way of interpreting the deities. But what is common in all regions is the basic idea – all idols are an attempt to give form to the Nirguna Parabrahman. Brahman cannot be defined but each individual has the freedom to make an attempt to define in it. The greatness of Sanatana Dharma lies in this freedom, respecting an individual’s quest to define Brahman and not in imposing ideas.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Vakrtund Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha |
Nirbhignam Kurumedaya Sarva Karyashu Sarvada |
Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha, one of the most important Gods of the Hindu Mythology. The festival is usually celebrated on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-paksh of Hindu calendar in (August and September). According to the Hindu belief Ganeshji is worshipped first on all auspicious occasions, whether it is a marriage or a religious function. Ganeshji is the foremost god of the Hindu Pantheon. He is regarded as the destroyer of all problems and obstacles. That's the reason in Hindu family whenever they start a new venture they perform his puja he is regarded as an extremely benevolent god, fulfilling the wishes of those who pray to him sincerely. Ganesh is remembered on chauth or chaturthi, the 4th day of every month of the Hindu calendered, but most of all on Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated as his birthday. On the day of the festival Hindus performs pujas at temples and even in homes. Fasting, feasting and distribution of sweets mainly ladoos are offered to him. These are some of the important aspects of Ganesh Chaturthi rituals in India. After the festival is over they immerse the idols in the nearby water body, which are sacred.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi symbolizes Good omen. It also inspires the devotees to have trust and faith in God all mighty and obey the commands of God. The celebration begins much before the festival as people starts preparing by cleaning the house and whitewashing. During the festival people purchase small images from shops and brought into home. Larger clay made images are made by the professional craftsmen and set up in pandals and pavilions throughout the country. It is a festival, which is observed through out the country. Especially in Maharashtra side this festival has a special significance and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The festival is also symbolic of the advent of all festivals dedicated to other Indian Gods.
Ganesha Chaturthi Legends
There are various legends associated with Ganesh Chaturthi or the birth of Ganesha. According to Hindu beliefs Lord Ganesha or Ganapati symbolizes wisdom and good omen or good luck. All the new ventures at place of work or at home starts by reciting the mantra of Lord Ganesha. Ganeshji also has long been associated with commerce and trade merchants still pay homage to him. In households, it's common for small offerings of money, flowers and food to be placed before one of the family's effigies of Ganeshji. These tokens please him and he therefore brings more wealth, prosperity and food to the family. During the time of Ganesh Chaturthi perform his puja. Sweets in form of ladoos are distributed; milk is offered to idols of Lord Ganeshji at home and at temples, and worshippers visit Ganeshji temples for Ganesh Puja. Meetings, gatherings, weddings, functions and any Indian celebration are incomplete without the puja of lord Ganesh.
According to legends goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva, created Lord Ganesh, as she needed a doorkeeper while taking bath. However, while Parvati was taking her bath, Lord Shiva happened to come there and as Ganesha didn't know him, he didn't allow him to enter the house. As a result, Lord Shiva got angry and he beheaded Ganesha. But after realizing that he had beheaded his own son, lord Shiva used the head of an elephant in place of Ganesha's head. In this way, Lord Ganesha acquired the image of the elephant-headed God and he also blessed him that he will be regarded as the foremost God and his puja will be held before the puja of any other God. And the person who will perform his puja will be bestowed with wealth, peace and prosperity. That's the reason that before any auspicious occasion Hindus performs the puja of Ganeshji to attain success in it. He is considered to be the God of good luck and prosperity. Thus Ganesh Chaturthi marks the celebration of the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha all over India with great festivities and zest.
Ganesh Chaturthi Myths
Do Not Look At The Moon On The Night Of The Ganesh Chaturthi
There is a myth which says that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely accused of something. If a person happens to see the moon unintentionally, listening to or reciting the story of the syamantaka jewel (found in the Puranas) can help ward off trouble. If the incident is intentional, then the person will have to face the consequences. The basis of this myth is in a very popular legend related to Lord Ganesha, who is known to be very fond of sweet, especially laddoos.
Lord Ganesha, on one of His birthdays, was going around house to house, accepting the offerings of sweets. He ate a good number of the sweets and set out at night, on his mouse. Suddenly, the mouse stumbled, as it saw a snake and became frightened. The result was that Ganeshji fell down. His stomach burst open and all the sweets came out. However, Ganeshji stuffed them back into his stomach and caught hold of the snake and tied it around his belly.
The moon saw Lord Ganesha doing all this and started laughing his heart out. This behavior of the moon annoyed the Lord immensely. So, he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it against the moon. At the same time, Ganeshji cursed the moon that no one would look at it, on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name. Since then, people refrain from looking at the moon, on the night of the festival.
Beliefs
Ganeshji Removes Obstacles & Brings Prosperity
Lord Ganesha is the favorite God of the masses. In India, a new venture is never started without worshipping the Lord. Ganeshji is worshipped first on all auspicious occasions, whether it is a marriage or a religious function. Ganeshji is the foremost god of the Hindu Pantheon. Any new project or venture that a Hindu family undertakes has to start with His name. In fact, most of the housewives utter His name before even starting a small chore, as He is believed to be the remover of all sankat (obstacles).
Lord Ganesha is believed to fulfill the wishes and dreams of all those who pray to him sincerely. He has long been associated with commerce and merchants pay homage to him every day. If an Indian business or bank fails, all the images of Ganeshji in the offices will be turned upside down, signifying bad luck. In households, it's common for small offerings of money, flowers and food to be placed before the image of Ganeshji. These tokens please him and He brings more prosperity, wealth and peace to the family.
Ganesh Chaturthi Rituals
The preparation of the festival begins much before the ten-day rite. Houses are cleaned and even white washing or painting is done. Especially the place where the idol will be kept are cleaned and decorated several days before the festival. Newly molded idols of Ganesha are bought from the shops, which are there only for the festival purpose. The idols are carried with their faces covered with a saffron cloth amidst chanting and the sound of cymbals. In the evening it is placed properly at the place where the puja will be held. The priest then performs a ritual by which the idol, is said to be imbued with life. Next follows the traditional puja. Worshippers bathe and the priest wears a silken lower garment, usually red, with a shawl around his shoulders. On this day every household in Maharashtra installs a small clay murti of Ganeshji in their homes. He is offered pujan and prasad until Sud 14 - Anant Chaturthi.
In Gujarat and in the Swaminarayan mandirs a clay or plaster of paris murti of Ganesh is installed on Ganesh Chaturthi and worshiped for ten days. The murti is submerged on 'Parivartini' i.e. 'Jal Zilani' Ekadashi. Devotees observe a waterless fast. The traditional prasad offered to Lord Ganeshji are chopped cucumbers and 'ladus' - sweet balls of wheat flour, ghee and sugar. Five pujas and arti are offered, together with a boat ride after each arti before Ganeshji's 'Visarjan' - submergence. In this manner Ganesh is a deity of auspiciousness, wisdom and wealth. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival inspiring devotees to inculcate redemptive virtues in their lives. The puja begins according to the time mentioned on the ritual calendar. The ceremony begins by placing the image, usually made of terracotta, in a sacred arena, symbolic of a throne. The worshipper then sips holy water and performs pranayama; he then bows and prostrates before Ganesha and all the other gods. The Ganapati Aarti and the Atharvashirdha (devotional chanting) are sung to the accompaniment of cymbals, bells and rhythmic clapping. The modak, a sweetmeat of rice-flour and sweetened coconut, are offered to the deity along with flowers. This completes the rituals of the first day. For the remaining days, the image is worshipped, morning and evening, with simple recitations of the Ganesha Stuti, devotional songs, offerings of flowers and incense, and lamps. The event is now the celebration of all community where everyone participates.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and many other parts of India. Started by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism, the festival was revived by Lokmanya Tilak (a freedom fighter) to spread the message of freedom struggle and to defy the British who had banned public assemblies. The festival gave the Indians a feeling of unity and revived their patriotic spirit and faith. This public festival formed the background for political leaders who delivered speeches to inspire people against the Western rule. The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance.
Ganesha statues installed in street corners and in homes, and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and the most common of flowers. Poojas (prayer services) are performed daily. The artists who make the idols of Ganesh compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant idols. The relevantly larger ones are anything from 10 meters to 30 meters in height. These statues are then carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. Thousands of processions converge on the beaches to immerse the holy idols in the sea. This procession and immersion is accompanied by drum- beats, devotional songs and dancing.
It is still forbidden to look at the moon on that day as the moon had laughed at Ganesha when he fell from his vehicle, the rat. With the immersion of the idol amidst the chanting of "Ganesh Maharaj Ki Jai!" (Hail Lord Ganesh). The festival ends with pleas to Ganesha to return the next year with chants of "Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya" (Hail Lord Ganesh, return again soon next year.
Ganesha — the elephant-deity riding a mouse — has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.
Pooja On Ganesha Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm in India. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is celebrated with immense zeal and fervor throughout the country, however the celebrations of this festival in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are well known for their exceptional grandeur every where. The entire celebration of this festival goes on for ten days. On the final day of the festival, the devotees of Ganesha observe a whole day fast and take out a long procession of the Lord in the city. During these ten days, the devotees gather together for the celebration every day at the temporarily arranged Pandal to worship their deity. They also sing songs, burst crackers and dance to the tune of traditional drums in order to express their gaiety.
It is generally preferable to do Ganesha puja on the Chaturthi day at the noon, however you can perform the pooja as per your wish whenever all the members of your family are present. In order to carry on the pooja, you will require following items- A Clay image of Lord Ganesha, flowers, druva grass blades, sweets (preferably Modak), coconut, sandalwood paste and incense sticks. The Pooja begins with the establishment of idol on a higher platform and giving it a bathe with Panchamrit. You can now pray to Lord Ganesh and recite all the mantras or bhajans dedicated to Lord Ganesha. You now have to invoke Lord Ganesha through your prayers and bring life in the idol. The mantra for this can be found in the in the Rig Veda and is part of Ganesh Suktha.
Once you invoke life in the idol, you need to light lamp and incense sticks in order to please Lord Ganesha. After this, you need to perform the shhodashopachara, which are 16 forms of paying tribute to Ganesha. In this you need to offer 21 blades of druva grass, 21 modakas, and flowers to Lord Ganesha. You need to apply a tilak using red Sandalwood paste to idol and keep the coconut along with the idol. After you have offered your best possible prasada to the Lord, you simply need to recite the 108 salutations dedicated to Lord Ganesha. All the family members can then bow down to Ganesha and seek his blessings. The puja is performed in a similar way even if it is a community fest. You need not to exceptionally elaborate the rituals of the Pooja rather all you need to do is pray with a clean heart and pious objective.
Aarti of Lord Ganesha
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva
Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva
Ek dant dayavant, char bhuja dhari
Mathe par tilak sohe, muse ki savari
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva...
Pan chadhe, phul chadhe, aur chadhe meva
Ladduan ka bhog lage, sant kare seva
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvati, pita Mahadeva...
Andhan ko ankh det, kodhin ko kaya
Banjhan ko putra det, nirdhan ko maya
Surya shaam sharan aye, safal kije seva
Jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh, jai Ganesh deva,
Mata jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva…
Translation of Aarti
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!
Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
O Lord of compassion, you have a single tusk, four arms,
A vermilion mark of on your forehead, and ride on a mouse.
People offer you betel leaves, blossoms, fruits
And sweets, while saints and seers worship you.
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!
Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
You bestow vision on the blind, chastened body on the leprous,
Children on the sterile and wealth on the destitute.
We pray to thee day and night, please bestow success upon us.
Glory to you, O Lord Ganesha!
Born of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas, and the great Shiva.
Prasad on Ganesh Chaturthi
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