Ganesh Chaturthi, a prominent Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, also known as Vighnaharta, will be observed this year on September 7th. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Bhagwan Ganpati was born during the second Prahar on the day of Bhadrava Sud Chaturthi, under the Swati Nakshatra and Abhijit Muhurta.

On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees bring clay idols of Lord Ganesha into their homes, while large life-sized statues are installed in societies across Gujarat and other parts of the country.

Auspicious Timings (Muhurats) for Installation and Worship of Lord Ganesha’s Idol:

• Shubh Choghadiya: 07:56 AM to 09:30 AM
• Labh Choghadiya: 02:17 PM to 03:52 PM
• Abhijit Muhurta: 12:33 PM to 12:47 PM
• Chal Choghadiya: 12:42 PM to 02:17 PM
• Amrit Choghadiya: 07:03 PM to 08:28 PM

Rituals to Follow During Ganesh Chaturthi

Begin the worship by chanting the mantra “Om Ganapataye Namah.” Offer water, followed by Panchamrit, on the clay idol of Lord Ganesha. Clean the idol with water if it is made of metal. Then, offer Pan leaves, Janoi (sacred thread), sandalwood, rice, Abir, and Gulal. Continue with offerings of Kumkum, Ashwagandha, turmeric, perfume, and garlands. Light incense sticks and lamps, and present jaggery and Durva (grass).

Prepare Naivedya (food offerings) consisting of seasonal fruits, dry fruits, Modak, or other sweets. Place a vessel of water near the idol and offer it five times. Additionally, place cloves and cardamom on a leaf and offer Dakshina (money). Conclude the worship with an Aarti and share the Prasad with everyone.

Why a Clay Ganesha is Considered Auspicious

The idol of Lord Ganesha should be made of clay, as it is believed to possess inherent sanctity. According to astrologers and religious scholars, a clay Ganesha idol represents Panchatattva, the five elements—earth, water, air, fire, and sky. Worshipping this form of Ganesha is believed to bring success and positive energy. In contrast, idols made from plaster of Paris and other chemicals can pollute rivers and are devoid of divine elements.

Significance of Ganesha’s Right and Left Sided Trunk

An idol with Lord Ganesha’s trunk turned to the right is known as Siddhivinayak, symbolizing success. Conversely, an idol with the trunk turned to the left is known as Vighnavinashak, the remover of obstacles. Typically, Siddhivinayak is installed inside homes, while Vighnavinashak is placed at the entrance to ward off troubles. In offices, a Ganesha with his trunk to the left is preferred, while in homes, a right-turned trunk is considered ideal.

Key Considerations for Ganesha’s Idol

Ganesha is called Vakratund, so there should be a bend in his trunk. Moksha (liberation) is obtained by worshiping Ganesha with the trunk turned to the left, while worshiping Ganesha with the trunk turned to the right brings worldly and material happiness. The right and left hands of Lord Ganesha should be positioned correctly.

Do not worship an idol that does not include Lord Ganesha’s vahan, ‘Mushak’. The scriptures state that gods and goddesses should be worshiped with their respective vehicles. One of Ganesha’s names in the scriptures is Dhumravarn, meaning that Ganesha’s color is similar to smoke, so even a light gray color on a Ganesha statue is appropriate.

Ganesha is also called Bhalchandra, so the idol should have a moon on his forehead. Additionally, the idol should depict Ganesha holding both Pash and Ankush in his hands, as this is the form of Ganesha mentioned in the scriptures.

Installation Guidelines for Lord Ganesha’s Idol

The idol should be installed in the east or northeast direction of the house. Avoid placing the idol in the south or southwest directions, as it is believed that poverty resides at Lord Ganesha’s back. A clay idol should be immersed in water on Anant Chaturdashi, either in a homemade immersion pond, a community pond, or in designated areas by local authorities.