Why Is Lord Ganesha Worshipped First in Every Puja?

MONEYCONTROL NEWS NEHA MEWARI June 24, 2024

Remover of Obstacles

[{"selector":"#anim-922e9511-b7df-4818-aeef-372587f31cb2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Worshipping him first ensures the removal of any hindrances that might impede the success of the ceremony or puja.

God of Beginnings

[{"selector":"#anim-45b8c8cd-2ba4-4198-b73f-ef1f23052694","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Ganesha is regarded as the deity of beginnings and is invoked at the start of any new venture or ritual to bless it with success and smooth progress.

Divine Blessings

[{"selector":"#anim-f702517a-74fe-4178-b9d6-2787fa3b7604","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Starting a puja with Ganesha ensures his blessings, which are believed to bring prosperity, wisdom, and good fortune.

Scriptural Endorsement

[{"selector":"#anim-37fe2d03-053d-4faa-8d94-74dcc16803cf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Ancient scriptures and texts like the Puranas and the Upanishads highlight the importance of worshipping Ganesha first in any ritual to appease the gods and ensure the ritual's effectiveness.

Symbol of Auspiciousness

[{"selector":"#anim-0e003411-4c87-42b6-b9dc-cbc3535573af","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Ganesha embodies auspiciousness, his presence is considered to attract positive energy and dispel negativity from the environment where the puja is performed.

Mythological Significance

[{"selector":"#anim-22fe6392-6781-45ca-9577-2e2aa5004fe3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha was granted the boon by his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, that he would be worshipped first in any ritual. This divine decree makes it obligatory for devotees to honor him at the outset.

Protector of Dharma

[{"selector":"#anim-301ddacb-50cb-4c0b-9fa5-36b02f260aa6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Ganesha is seen as a protector of dharma (righteousness). Worshipping him first signifies a commitment to uphold dharma in the actions that follow the ritual.

Wisdom and Intellect

[{"selector":"#anim-b865f43a-6ae0-4599-8dbe-99a7d1061e83","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Ganesha is the god of wisdom and intellect. Beginning a puja with his worship invokes his guidance and intellect, ensuring the devotees approach the ritual with a clear and focused mind.

Cultural Tradition

[{"selector":"#anim-620b03df-d327-4101-aceb-8390e24a68b6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Source: Canva Over centuries, the practice of worshipping Ganesha first has become deeply ingrained in Hindu culture and traditions. It reflects a continuity of belief and respect for the customs passed down through generations.