STEK!

Happy Thursday! We are currently in the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, also known as Shivan Maas or Shiva Month. It is considered an auspicious time for worshipping Lord Shiva. Today marks the celebration of Vinayaka Chaturthi, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is also known as Vinayaka.

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Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

On this day, devotees offer prayers and perform puja (worship) to Lord Vinayaka with great devotion and dedication. Many observe a fast from sunrise to sunset as a sign of their devotion and to seek Lord Vinayaka's blessings. The fast is typically broken after the evening puja, often by consuming prasada (offerings made to the deity).

Vinayaka Chaturthi holds immense significance for Hindus, as it celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, the god of wisdom, and the patron of arts and sciences.

By worshipping him on this auspicious day, devotees seek his blessings for a life free of obstacles, filled with wisdom, prosperity, and success in their endeavors.

Benefits:

- Removes obstacles: Lord Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles. Worshipping him on this day is said to help overcome challenges and clear the path to success.

- Brings prosperity: Ganesha is also associated with wealth and prosperity. Devotees believe that worshipping him can bring financial success and abundance.

- Enhances wisdom: Ganesha is the god of wisdom and intelligence. Worshipping him is believed to enhance one's intellect and decision-making abilities.

- Provides a fresh start: Vinayaka Chaturthi marks the beginning of a new lunar month, and worshipping Ganesha on this day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures or projects.

- Purifies the mind: The act of worship and devotion is believed to purify the mind, promoting inner peace and spiritual growth.

- Fulfills desires: It is believed that sincere prayers to Lord Ganesha on this day can help fulfill one's desires and aspirations.

- Strengthens family bonds: Vinayaka Chaturthi is often celebrated with family, fostering togetherness and strengthening family ties.

Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja Rituals:

1. Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath before commencing puja.

2. Clean your house, puja room, and prepare bhoga for Ganesha Ji.

3. Take a wooden plank and place an idol of Lord Ganapati.

4. Light a diya with desi cow ghee and adorn the idol with flowers or a garland.

5. Perform puja during puja muhurta, and the muhurta is mentioned above.

6. Chant Ganesha Mantras to invoke the idol, and you can also chant Ganesha Stotram to appease Ganesha Ji.

7. After performing puja, one must recite Bindayaka Katha and then Aarti.

Bindayaka Katha:

शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् ।

प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये ॥

Shuklambaradharam Vishnum

Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayet

Sarva Vignopa Shantaye

This Sanskrit shloka prays to Lord Ganesha, describing him as:

- Wearing white garments (Shuklambaradharam)

- All-pervading (Vishnum)

- Having a complexion like the moon (Shashivarnam)

- Having four arms (Chaturbhujam)

- With a cheerful face (Prasanna Vadanam)

Chanting this katha with faith and devotion on Vinayaka Chaturthi is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha for a trouble-free and auspicious year ahead. Reciting it 108 times in front of an idol or image of Ganesha is considered especially beneficial.

Aarti: 🔊