Lord Ganapati is the deity who can make anything happen without any hindrance and cause hindrance as well.Therefore,Hindu rituals emphasize on worshipping Lord Ganapati before any auspicious occasion.Even for small auspicious occasions like Namkaran, Choroonu, and initiation of Vratha rituals, devotees perform certain rituals with Ganapathi Sankalpa.Among the common rituals are breaking coconuts for Ganapati and arranging ganapati orukku.
However, on important auspicious occasions like marriages, Gruhapravesam, etc., Ganapathi puja or homa is performed by acharyas who are well versed in Tantra Shastra’s knowledge and karmic skills.
According to Hindu Mythology,Ganapati is the son of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva.But it is also said that Lord Ganapati existed even before that .As indicated in a mythological story, at the time of creation, Brahma made the cow first, but it was not like the cow we see today. It was a deformed figure with a tail in place of the head and a head in the place of the tail.Brahma was not satisfied with it and then created a deer . It also turned into a deformed figure .In order to alleviate his worries, Brahma meditated.Suddenly an incorporeal Lord Ganapati appeared in the form of a circle of light and said,”I am Vigneshwar, The Lord of obstacles. Any work should be done only after praying to me. Otherwise obstacles will arise”.It is said that only after remembering Vigneshwara, Brahma was able to performe the creation of life without any obstacles.This Ganapati who existed even before creation is called as Moola Ganapati .It is also said that ShivaParvati’s marriage took place only after Moola Ganapati was prayed to.
The Vigraha Shastras describe various ways and forms in which Lord Ganapati is worshipped.Whenever a Vedic or Tantric ritual begins, Lord Ganesh is offered first. Once again let us turn to the pertinent question “why Ganapati Homam?”.The name Ganapati means the Lord of Ganas(Groups).Firstly it is said so because Ganapati is considered as the leader of Shiva’s Gana(Group).
However if we take a closer look at the meaning of Ganapati, it means “The Lord of panjabhuthas and panchendriyas”. As a form of worship,Naivedyam is offered to Lord Ganapati ,which he is very fond of.He enjoys naivedyam with coconut the most .Modakam, Ada, Unniyappam, all these are very much liked by him. Astadravya Ganapati Homa, though, is the one that the Lord prefers most. Astadravyas used in the homa are as follows: 1. Rice flour 2. Sugarcane 3. Kadalipazham 4. poha 5. Sesame 6. Modakam 7. Coconut 8. Popped Rice(Malar) .It is believed that Ganapathi Homam performed with these eight substances (Astadravyas) pleases Lord Ganapati and he removes all the obstacles ahead .Rice flour is the most important of all Astadravyas.Among the grains, paddy/rice is the best.Sesame seeds are energizing.Modakam is also an enjoyable sweet.Coconut is a kalppavruksha khani i.e, it is useful in many ways. Malar(popped rice) is helpful in removing germs from the body.Ghee is said to be useful in cleansing our body.The mineral-rich astadravyas melt in the fire, purifying the air, our bodies, and our minds .It is certain that if this body made up of Panchabhutas and panchendriyas are energetically motivated, the sweet result of our good karma will benefit us. After Ganapathihoma, prasad should be given to everyone and eaten by oneself.May the blessings of Lord Ganesha always be with you all.
Poojari Manoj K Viswanathan
Bengaluru