SALUTATIONS to Lord Ganesha who is Brahman Himself, who is the Supreme Lord, who
is the energy of Lord Shiva, who is the source of all bliss, and who is the bestower of all virtuous
qualities and success in all undertakings.
Mushikavaahana modaka hastha,
Chaamara karna vilambitha sutra,
Vaamana rupa maheshwara putra,
Vighna vinaayaka paada namasthe
MEANING: “O Lord Vinayaka! the remover of all obstacles, the son of Lord Shiva, with a
form which is very short, with mouse as Thy vehicle, with sweet pudding in hand, with wide ears
and long hanging trunk, I prostrate at Thy lotus-like Feet!”
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord
Ganesha. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of
Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in
all parts of the world.
Clay figures of the Deity are made and after being worshipped for two days, or in some
cases ten days, they are thrown into water.
Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed God. He is worshipped first in any prayers. His Names
are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun.
On the Ganesh Chaturthi day, meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha early in
the morning, during the Brahmamuhurta period. Then, after taking a bath, go to the temple and do
the prayers of Lord Ganesha. Offer Him some coconut and sweet pudding. Pray with faith and
devotion that He may remove all the obstacles that you experience on the spiritual path. Worship
Him at home, too. You can get the assistance of a pundit. Have an image of Lord Ganesha in your
house. Feel His Presence in it.
Don’t forget not to look at the moon on that day; remember that it behaved unbecomingly
towards the Lord. This really means avoid the company of all those who have no faith in God, and
who deride God, your Guru and religion, from this very day.
Take fresh spiritual resolves and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual strength to attain
success in all your undertakings.
May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all! May He remove all the obstacles that
stand in your spiritual path! May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!