Lord Ganesha:The Lord of Obstacle Removals accepts red flowers just like Goddess Lakshmi.
This is a white flower which is also called aparajitha. For early marriage one must make this flower offering. They are called chendumalli and offered to Ganesha. It is also used in decorating temples.
Hibiscus (Red)This is a favourite flower of Lord Ganesha and is called Japakusuma in Sanskrit. It is offered for over-all prosperity and destruction of enemies.
Did you know that Hibiscus is offered to Goddess Kali because it represents her tongue? Ganesha too loves this flower as its petals have the unique ability to emit divine consciousness. The plant can flower throughout the year in moderate and humid climatic conditions.
According to a story in Shiva Purana, there was a demon named Jalandar. The evil demon was blessed with a boon that empowered him until his wife, Vrinda, lost her sanctity. Because Vrinda knew that Lord Shiva killed her husband, she refused to worship him. And hence, basil or tulsi leaves are not offered to Lord Shiva.
Here are the top 5 herbs or leaves used during Ganesh Chaturthi puja and the medicinal values.
- Tulsi. Tulasi or Tulsi is a wonder plant that is a powerhouse of disease-fighting antioxidants.
- Dadima. A fistful of fresh Dadima or pomegranate leaves is all you need, if you want to lose weight.
- Arka.
- Bilva.
- Arugampul.
Stories about them are a good read. While worshiping Goddess Laxmi, please keep in mind that Tulsi is not offered in worship. It is believed that Lord Vishnu is dear to Tulsi but Goddess Lakshmi does not like Tulsi. This is because Tulsi is the wife of Shaligram in the second form of Lord Vishnu.
Banana leaves are the leaves which are offered to Lord Ganesha only during the Ganesh Chaturthi.
02/6​ModakModaks are Lord Ganesha's favourite foods so much so that he is also known as 'Modapriya'. There are several stories that mention his love for the sweet dumplings. Made with rice flour, coconut, jaggery and steamed to perfection, devotees prepare several types of Modak and offer them as a prasad.
Tulsi is especially sacred in the worship of Vishnu and his forms Krishna and Vithoba and other related Vaishnava deities. Garlands made of 10000 tulsi leaves, water mixed with tulsi, food items sprinkled with Tulsi are offered in veneration to Vishnu or Krishna.
Before you start your (puja) worship, you should light the diya. Offer ladoos, modaks, or other treats to Ganesha. Ladoos and modaks are sweet treats and are Ganesha's favorite sweets. Offering these treats to Ganesha will help bring his benevolence upon you.
Lord Ganesh Ji loves Sindoor. For the happiness of Ganesh Ji, apply red sindoor tilak. After applying Tilak to Ganesha, apply Tilak of vermilion on your forehead. It gets the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
The delicious modaks (sweet dumplings) are considered to be one of Ganpati's most favourite sweets. He is also called Modakpriya in the scriptures owing to his great love for modak. Hence on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees tend to offer him a bhog of modak.
Ganpati Bappa Morya, says Sachin Tendulkar!
- Spread education.
- Feed the hungry.
- Make a new start.
- Save the elephants.
- Protect the weak.
- Help justice prevail.
Modak is Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet. Although an array of fresh and seasonal fruits are offered to Lord Ganesha as bhog, the elephant-headed God's love for bananas is no surprise. People also offer garlands made with banana leaves along with the stem of the banana plant and banana flowers.
People seeking happiness, peace and prosperity in life should consider placing an idol of a white Ganesha at home. Sticking photos of white Ganesha would be equally helpful. Similarly, those who desire self-growth should bring home a vermilion coloured Ganesha. This is considered auspicious according to vastu.
Wednesday fast or Budhvar Vrat is observed by many natives in worship to the God of Mercury, Lord Buddha and also Lord Ganesha; Natives keep the Wednesday fast, Budhvar Vrat to please Lord Ganesha and his favourability and auspiciousness.
Here are some simple steps to worship/pray to Lord Ganesha:
- Educate yourself about Lord Ganesha.
- Study the idol, photo or painting of Ganpati.
- Collect all the requisite items.
- Light the diya.
- Offer modakas, ladoos, and other retreats.
- Place a garland around the neck of Lord Ganesha.
- Chant one of Ganesha mantras.
According to the scriptures, it is believed that Wednesday is the special day of worship of Shri Ganesh. It is said that by worshiping Lord Ganesha on Wednesday and remedies, every problem is solved.
Among the leaves that make up the patri Ganpati are those of the tulsi (basil), chafa (frangipani), vat (banyan), peepal, mogra, ketaki (kewda) and shami (algaroba).
He posses blue complexion and six-armed, He sits with his Shakti, holding a vina, pomegranate, blue lotus flower, japa mala and a sprig of fresh paddy.
