Ganesha Chaturthi 2021

Ganesha Chaturthi is birthday of Lord Ganesha, the eldest son of. Shiva and Parvati celebrated on fourth day of month of Bhadrapada.Lord Ganesha is popularly known as Vighanharta i.e. one who helps overcome obstacles in the life. In astrology, Planet Ketu is always associated with Lord Ganesha.Well, the association has a deep associated meaning to it.Ketu is a planet which tears apart, creates obstacles in the path.Ganesha creates obstructions in the path of the evil minded people who are enemies of God. Being Son of Shiva, he performs his responsibility to uphold dharma and ensure regularity of all worlds.

DATE- 10th September,2021

Timings for Puja- 11:03 am to 1:33 pm(For Ganpati Sthapana)

Ganesha : The leader of the ganas

Ganpati was created in a completely human form by the Goddess Parvati. She molded him from clay or the earth from her own body (versions vary) and gave it life. She then game him task to stand by the door of her palace while she bathed and not let anyone in. As Ganpati was guarding the door, Lord Shiva tried to enter the palace. Shiva was furious at being denied entry into his own home and an awesome battle followed. Shiva won the battle and beheading Ganesha. But he immediately felt guilty and he knew his wife would be furious. So he sent his men to bring back the head of the first creature they came across. They met an elephant with one tusk who happily sacrificed his head for the honour.In this manner, Shiva bought Ganesha to life and made him the head of the Ganas(Followers of Shiva).

The Real essence of Ganesha Chaturthi :

There are lot of questions around the celebrations of Ganesha Chaturthi that why his idol is immersed in water and how these rituals come to an existence. As the above story states that Goddess Parvati made Lord Ganesha from clay, therefore the ritual to make Ganesha idols from clay and other materials started. The primary message is to showcase how life reforms and the cycle go on forever. The clay made idol is worshipped for 10 days and ultimately immersed in water and this goes on every year. Lord Ganesha also performs the responsibility of destroying the vices and enemies of God just as Shiva which ultimately leads to regeneration. Here, we also need to understand that Ketu is also responsible for separating us from materialistic vibes and connecting us with spiritual element of life.When we get over-attached with materialistic pleasures, obstructions automatically come in our path to tell our soul about the reality.

What the stars foretell- Planetary situation on Ganesha Chaturthi :

Well, moon will be transiting Chitra nakshatra during the sunrise and then change to Swati nakshatra during afternoon. The nakshatra of Swati is related to Goddess Saraswati and bestows great wealth to the natives. Moon is forming combination with Venus and this is great Rajyoga in Jamini Astrology. Therefore, the day is auspicious to form relationship with loved ones and enjoy the occasion with bounty.However; the retrograde motion of Jupiter is not a welcome planetary placement. It is all set to welcome its debilitated sign of Capricorn which showcases depression and lonliness.Jupiter generally showcases fortune and bliss in life. Its weakness is not good for mankind. Saturn is in the depressive sign of Capricorn with all humans under captivity of Covid.Ketu; the planet associated with Lord Ganesha is transiting the sign of Scorpio and Anuradha nakshatra, the nakshatra of Saturn. These tough planetary situations showcases that all is not well in cosmos.Also, Mars the warrior in 6th house of chart clearly showcases the immense rivalry between groups to take a violent turn.

Do’s and Donts

• Don’t bring Ganesha idols made of harmful chemicals as it causes harm to environment and water bodies. We should always try to bring an idol made up of eco-friendly material which can become part of mother earth and nature when immersed in water.
• - Ganesha idol should be preferably kept in east, North-east and north direction.
• - Be sure that there is no toilet near the idol. The area near the idol should be pious.
• - Please do keep a mouse and ladoos near the idol in order to please Lord Ganpati.
• - The idol should preferably in sitting mode if placed in home. For big pandals,it can be in standing mode also.
• - The trunk should preferably in left position as right positioned Ganpati is difficult to please.

To conclude, I will only say that Ganpati is first among Gods and no auspicious ceremony can take place while appeasing him.We should all welcome the vighnahartas in our heart if not home for overall success and prosperity in life. The more you let go off your desires and go deep I spirituality, the more simpler life will become as Ketu’ bliss will shine on us. Let’s celebrate this Ganesha chaturthi with great pomp and love! I hope that ShreeGanesha will give us a chance to celebrate this festival without Covid-19 next year.