Lord Ganesha, the foremost deity in Hinduism, is revered as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of prosperity, wisdom, and well-being. Worshipping Lord Ganesha daily is believed to enhance inner strength, attract success, and align one’s actions with divine guidance.
Have you ever wondered why Lord Ganesha is worshipped first before any rituals? His captivating stories hold deep significance in Hindu mythology, illustrating His prominence and divine attributes. This blog unravels the tale of this revered deity. It provides simple yet powerful rituals you can incorporate into your daily prayers to honour Lord Ganesha and invite His blessings into your life.
Why should we worship Lord Ganesha daily?
Worshiping Lord Ganesha daily holds immense significance in Hindu culture, as he is revered as the simplest and most beloved deity. Known as the ultimate Vighnaharta, he removes obstacles from our path and helps us overcome challenges with ease. Regular worship of Lord Ganesha enhances creativity, sharpens memory, and boosts confidence, empowering devotees to face life’s struggles with courage and determination. As the God of knowledge and intellect, He grants His devotees the wisdom needed to face life’s challenges with clarity and strength.
As the divine symbol of wealth and prosperity, Lord Ganesha’s blessings are believed to attract abundance and good fortune. His presence serves as a guiding force, providing peace of mind, protection, and clarity in life’s journey. Daily worship of Lord Ganesha not only brings success and positivity but also fosters spiritual growth and inner harmony.
How to Start a Ganesha Daily Prayer Ritual?
1. Clean Your Space
Select a quiet spot in your puja room and thoroughly clean the area where you intend to place Lord Ganesha's idol or picture. This space should be free from clutter and distractions, creating an atmosphere of peace and devotion.
2. Install a Ganesha Idol or Image
Place a brass, clay, or silver idol of Lord Ganesha or a framed picture in your puja room. If possible, adorn the idol daily with a fresh garland or flowers.
3. Cleanse Yourself and the Space
Before beginning the prayer, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Light incense sticks (agarbatti) or dhoop to purify the surroundings and enhance the spiritual atmosphere.
4. Offer Light (Deepam)
Light a ghee lamp (deepam) or an oil lamp in front of Lord Ganesha. The light symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance from your life.
5. Chant Ganesha Mantras
Start with a short invocation:
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” – Chant this mantra 11 or 21 times to invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings.
Other powerful mantras include:
-
Ganesha Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe,
Vakratundaya Dheemahi,
Tanno Danti Prachodayat.”
- “Om Vignanaashanay Namah” – This mantra helps remove obstacles from life.
6. Offer Flowers & Prasad
Offer fresh flowers like red hibiscus, marigolds, or jasmine. Every day, present sweet prasad such as modaks, coconut, or fruits. Even water can be offered to Lord Ganesha during the daily prayer.
7. Recite or Read Ganesha Stotras
Recite the Ganesh Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 Names of Ganesha) or listen to devotional songs (bhajans) to deepen your devotion.
8. Perform Aarti
Sing the Ganesh Aarti while waving the aarti plate in a circular motion before the deity, showing your reverence and devotion.
9. Meditate and Seek Blessings
After the aarti, close your eyes and meditate for a few minutes. Seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for wisdom, success, and the removal of obstacles.
10. Conclude with Namaskar
Bow down before Lord Ganesha and express your gratitude. Distribute the prasad among family members and begin your day with a positive and blessed mindset.
Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped first?
The tradition of worshipping Lord Ganesha first during any puja or auspicious ceremony originates from a powerful tale of devotion and divine blessings.
Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from sand and instructed him to guard her chambers. Dutifully obeying her command, Ganesha prevented anyone from entering, including Lord Shiva, who was unaware of Ganesha’s identity. Perceiving Ganesha’s defiance as disrespect, Lord Shiva, in a moment of rage, severed Ganesha’s head.
Devastated by her son’s death, Goddess Parvati threatened to destroy the universe. To calm her fury, Lord Shiva revived Ganesha by placing an elephant’s head on his body. Moved by Ganesha’s loyalty, Shiva granted him a special boon: Ganesha would be worshipped first before all deities to ensure the success and completeness of any ceremony.
Since then, invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings at the beginning of rituals has become a tradition to remove obstacles and ensure prosperity.