![]() Pancha Upacharas of Lord Ganesha The worship includes five kinds of offerings known as "Pancha Upacharas". The Pancha Upacharas signifies the Pancha Bhutas and the five types of offerings have different indications. These are: i. Fragrance (Gandha) of white or red Sandalwood paste, ii. Lighting of incense sticks (Dhupa), iii. Lighting of oil lamps (Deepa), iv. Offerings of fruits and sweets (Naivedyam) and v. Offering of flowers (Pushparchana). The offering of fragrance denotes the earth, the lamps or Deepa represents fire, the incense sticks signifies the air, the fruit and sweets denotes water and the flowers denote the sky. Among the fruits offered to the deity, coconut is regarded as one of the most important fruits. It indicates the head of the worshipper which is respectfully submitted to the Lord. The breaking of the coconut symbolizes the breaking of ego and unwanted qualities of the devotee. Mantras for Worship of Lord Ganesha Generally the Swastika is illustrated over a hard surface or a cloth. A coin is placed at the adjoining point of the cross. A full or partial (unbroken) betel-nut is placed over the coin. The "Swasti Vachana" is also chanted during the ritual. The sacred mantra can be recited as: "Om Asya Karmanah Punyaham Bhavanto Bruvantu Om Punyaham Om Punyaham Om Punyaham Om Asya Karmanah Swasti Bhavanto Bruvantu Ayusmate Swasti Om Swasti Om Swasti Om Swasti Om Asya Karmano Rddhim Bhavanto Bruvantu Om Rdhyatam Om Rdhyatam Om Rdhyatam Om Swasti No Govindah Swasti No Acyutanantau Swasti No Vasudevo Visnur Dadhatu Swasti No Narayana Naro Vai Swasti Na Padmanabha Purusottama Dadhatu Swasti No Visvakseno Visvaresvarah Swasti No Hrsikeso Harir Dadhatu Swasti No Vainateyo Harih Swasti No Anjana Suto Hanur Bhagavato Dadhatu Swasti Swasti Sumangalaih Keso Mahan Sri Krsna Sac-Cid Ananda Ganah Sarvesvaresvaro Dadhatu" While chanting the Swasti Vachana, the Brahmin priest distributes flower petals or rice or both and continues to recite the verses of the sacred mantra from the Vedic literature. After the Lord is invoked, the priest pours flower petals and whole rice over the betel-nut. This process is repeated by the worshippers as well. Benefits of Worship of Lord Ganesha Worshipping Lord Ganesha brings good fortune to one’s personal and professional life. This puja helps one become wise and knowledgeable. The souls of the worshipers are purified by the grace of Lord Ganesh. Financial difficulties are resolved easily by performing Ganesh puja and one can gain great success in their business. |