Lord Ganesha, revered as Vighnaharta (Remover of Obstacles), Vinayaka (Supreme Leader), and Gajanana (Elephant-Faced God), is honored by 108 names and embodies prosperity, wisdom, and happiness. Ganesha’s strong connection with the planet Mercury (Budh), which governs intellect, communication, and learning, makes him the God of New Beginnings. For those embarking on new ventures or major life changes, worshipping Ganesha is believed to foster success and clarity.
Ganesh Chaturthi: This 10-day festival, celebrated in August or September, marks Ganesha’s birth in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase). Occurring after Amavasya (new moon), it symbolizes growth and expansion, reflecting Ganesha’s role in removing obstacles and promoting prosperity.
Ganesh Chaturthi rituals like Aarti, Puja, and Offerings aim to invoke Ganesha’s blessings for smooth endeavors and happiness. Joy and devotion characterize this celebration, where devotees gather for worship and elaborate ceremonies. Observing fasts and prayer amplifies ritual effectiveness, believed to bring marital harmony, fulfillment of wishes, and liberation from past sins.
One essential astrological custom during Ganesh Chaturthi is to avoid looking at the moon on the festival’s first day due to a curse placed by Ganesha for its mockery. According to astrological belief, seeing the moon can bring false accusations and misunderstandings, illustrating the cosmic bond between planetary movements and human experience in Hindu astrology.
Astrological Power of Ganesh Chaturthi: During Ganesh Chaturthi, planetary energies are considered highly favorable for removing obstacles and aligning success. Ganesha’s link with Mercury supports intellectual pursuits and business ventures, making this festival an ideal period for activities requiring clarity and communication.
The Chaturthi Tithi, or lunar day of Ganesh Chaturthi, is astrological in its potential for new beginnings and purification. Governed by Mercury, this period balances creation and destruction energies. During Chaturthi, new initiatives should be avoided as Mercury’s influence can bring confusion if not managed carefully. Instead, introspection and mental clarity are emphasized, making this tithi ideal for clearing obstacles related to communication, financial stability, or emotional issues.
Spiritual Duality of Shree Ganesha and Ketu: Ganesha embodies the spiritual energy of Ketu, symbolizing detachment and inner fulfillment beyond material gain. In contrast, Kuber represents wealth and materialism. Ketu encourages liberation from worldly desires, and those with a prominent Ketu in their charts are often driven by a deep spiritual hunger. Ganesh devotion, such as the 56 Bhog offering, signifies surrender of material pursuits for spiritual “soul food,” aligning with deeper yearnings for enlightenment.
Ganesh Chaturthi Remedies: Performing specific remedies during Ganesh Chaturthi is beneficial, especially in addressing Mercury and Ketu influences. Here are recommended practices:
108 Cardamom Garland: Offer a garland of 108 cardamom seeds to Ganesha, which helps mitigate challenges associated with Mercury and Ketu.
Upward Triangle Ritual: On the morning of September 7, near sunrise, create an upward triangle with green vermilion on a brass plate, placing “Shreem” in the center. Place three jaggery and sesame ladoos on it, pray to Ganesha and ancestors, and release the ladoos in a water body, asking Nature for forgiveness and blessings.
Giloy Garland Offering: Offer a garland of Giloy leaves at a Ganesha temple.
Temple Bhandara with Idli and Sambhar: Visit a Ganesha temple and offer a bhandara (communal meal) of Idli and Sambhar.
Hexagon Symbol Ritual: Draw a hexagon in grey with a green border and place it in your home temple during Puja. After 3-4 hours, burn the hexagon, praying to Ganesha and Devi, and bury the ash in the soil before sunset.
Ganesh Chaturthi merges spiritual devotion with cosmic influences, harmonizing planetary energies to help devotees clear paths to prosperity, intellectual growth, and spiritual liberation.
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