‘Ram means the light within me, the light in my heart’

Festival of Ram Navami, April 3, 2009

Ram means light. The root of words like rays and radiance comes from ram. Ra means radiance. Ma means me, mine, myself. Ram means the light within me, the light in my heart. Ram, of course, is the name of Lord Rama, who lived on this planet, in 7560 BC… long ago. About 9,000 years ago.

Lord Rama is connected with all the Asian continents. The entire belt of Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia are all connected with Ramayan.

It is a very ancient epic, whose impact is very strong, even today, thousands of years later. Lord Rama is known for his truthfulness, he is considered to be perfect in all human behavior. An ideal human emperor. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘You take away everything from me, I can live. But if you take away Ram, I cannot exist.’
The last words that he uttered were, ‘Hey Ram’. Ram is found in almost everywhere in India. Every state will have a Rampur, a Ramnagar! Everywhere! You will confuse the postal department if you only address a letter to Ramnagar. There are thousands of of Ramnagars.
Studies have found thousands of names related to Ram in Europe!

In Sanskrit, Australia is called Astralaya. Do you know the meaning of Australia? Astaralaya means storehouse of weapons. Astra means weapons. During the time of Ramayana, they had stored many different types of weapons here. Weapons were made here too. Due to the weapons, there was a lot of desert in the centre and it was uninhabited. Is it so even now? Yes.
So Ram Navami is celebrated throughout India. It is a very sacred day. If Ramayana is 7,500 BC how about Mahabharata? That was around 5,110 years ago. Krishna passed away 5,110 years ago. The exact date of when Krishna left his body is available. The Mahabharata war took place a few years prior to that.

The Yoga Vashista was given to Ram by Maharishi Vashista. It is one of the most amazing works the planet has ever seen! How many have read it? Those who haven’t, must read it. You may not understand it, just glance through it. It is really, really beautiful knowledge. Some parts may be difficult to understand, jump over it. The Yoga Vashista is like higher mathematics. The Yoga Vashista did not become so popular because it is difficult to understand and it was kept secret. The attitude was: ‘We will give it only to those who are capable.’ It was kept like a PhD. That is one of the reasons why it didn’t become as famous as the Gita. Even The Astavakra is not known to the public as much. The Gita is simple and down-to-earth.

Posted by WisdomfromSriSri

Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. The most important festival of the Buddhists, Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day of the lunar month Vaishaaka (that corresponds to the month of April-May) - a special time in Buddhism as it was on this day that the Buddha was born, gained enlightenment and attained Nirvana when he died.

According to Buddhist legend, his wife Yashodhara, his first disciple Ananda, his charioteer Channa, and the horse Kantaka on which he renounced his kingdom to 'find some answers to life', were all born on this sacred day. Even, the tree, called Bodhi tree, under which he attained nirvana was also believed to have been created on this day. And it was on this day Buddha chose to preach his first sermon at Varanasi, or, Benaras, in India.

To read more Click Here

New Year Celebs: Ugadi, Gudi Padwa n Cheti Chand

Happy Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand n Chaitra Navaratri

Ugadi
The word Ugadi derives from the word Yugadi. 'Yuga' is the word for 'era', and 'aadi' stands for 'the beginning'. Yugadi specifically refers to the start of the age we are living in now, Kali Yuga.

It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra suddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. Also the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya's calculations proclaimed the Ugadi day from the sunrise on as the beginning of the new year, new month and new day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdent fields, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being.

The festival marks the new year day for people between Vindhyas and Kaveri river who follow the southern Indian lunar calendar, pervasively adhered to in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.


Predictions of the Year :
Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit. It is a day when mantras are chanted and predictions made for the new year. Traditionally, the panchanga sravanam or listening to the yearly calendar was done at the temples or at the Town square but with the onset of modern technology, one can get to hear the priest-scholar on television sets right in one's living room.

It is a season for raw mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the fully blossomed neem tree that makes the air healthy. Also, jaggery made with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavor to the typical dishes associated with Ugadi. "Ugadi pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tanarind which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes!


Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra!
In Maharashtra, the new year is celebrated as Gudhi Padwa - a festival that heralds the advent of spring (March-April). Early on the morning of the first day of the Chaitra month, people finish their ablutions, wear new clothes and decorate their houses with colorful "rangoli" patterns. A silk banner is raised and worshipped, and greetings and sweets are exchanged. People hang "gudhis" on their windows on this day to celebrate Mother Nature's bounty. A "gudi" is a decorated pole with a brass or a silver vessel placed on it.

Cheti Chand - the Sindhi Thanksgiving Day!
The Sindhis celebrate Cheti Chand on their New Year day which coincides with Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Cheti Chand falls on on the first day of the month of Chaitra, also called ‘Cheti’ in Sindhi. This day is observed as the birthday of Jhulelal, the patron saint of the Sindhis. On this day, Sindhis worship Varuna, the water god and observe a number of rituals followed by feasts and devotional music, such as bhajans and aartis.

New year Celebrations in India

Puthandu, Vishu, Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu



The Tamil New Year follows the Nirayanam vernal equinox and generally falls on April 14 of the Gregorian year. April 14th marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar and this remains a public holiday in both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

Tamil calendar begins with the same date which is observed by most traditional calendars of the rest of India as in Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Manipur, Orissa, Punjab etc not to mention Nepal, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The 60-year cycle is also ancient and is observed by most traditional calendars of India and China, and is related to 5 revolutions of Jupiter according to popular belief, or to 60-year orbit of Nakshatras (stars) as mentioned in Surya Siddhanta.

Tamil New Year Puthandu




The month of Chittrai (April - May) embarks the time of festivities in Tamil Nadu. Tamil's New Year Day " Puthandu" is celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year (according to the Gregorian Calender). People greet each other "Puthandu Vazthukal" which means Happy New Year. This auspicious day is also popular as Varusha Pirappuv. As per the Hindu mthyical legends, Lord Brahma started creation of the universe.

Highlights of the Festival
New Year's day is a gala time for all Tamils. The main focus is on the food eaten on the day. 'Maanga Pachadi' is the pulse of the festival. It is a dish made of raw mangoes, jaggery, neem flowers which tastes sweet, salt, sour and bitter. This entails different colors of life. It depicts that life has to face everything from success to defeat. At the time of New Year festivities, a grand Car Festival also takes place at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam. At some places, Chitthirai festival is also celebrated. It is said on this day, Goddess Meenakshi got married to Lord Sundareswarar.

Puthandu Rituals
In Tamil Nadu, people follow some strict rituals in a belief to ensure well-being and prosperity of their families. The most popular tradition is to view Kanni at dawn with a hope to bring good luck. People start the day by watching some auspicious items like gold and silver jewelery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts. Following the rituals, Tamils take bath, wear fresh clothes and visit the temples to pray for success in life. After this, Panchangam (almanac) is read.

Many people get their houses painted to mark the renewal of life. Ladies adorn their houses with fresh mango leaves and Kolam (rangoli)designs. Sometimes, a decorated lamp kuthuvillakku is placed in the center of colorful Kolam to bring light to the house.

People in the advent of merrymaking and feasting exchange gifts with each other. Children are highly excited at the time of Puthandu as they receive small gifts or cash from their parents and relatives.



Vishu in Kerala
The festival of Vishu is celebrated with joy and mirth on the first day of Malayalese month of Medam. This corresponds to the month of April-May according to Gregorian calendar. The occasion holds a lot of significance for Hindus as Vishu marks the Astronomical New Year Day.

The traditional people of Kerala practice a lot of colorful rituals and customs on Vishu. Most of these traditions are based on a belief that Vishu must be celebrated well as the good things of the first day of the New Year will continue for the rest of the year too.

Rituals and Traditions
Most important ritual of the day is called 'Kani Kanal', the literal translation of this is 'first sight'. In Kani Kanal there is a prescribed list of items, which a person must see first thing on a Vishu morning to bring good luck. This include a cadjan leaf book, gold ornaments, fresh white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jack fruits, halved coconuts and yellow cucumber. All these things are kept in a big pot and behind this pot is kept the bell metal mirror and a garlanded deity of Lord Krishna. Two standing oil lamps are also placed before the deity.

Preparations of Kani are done a night before by the lady of the house. Master of the house is the first person to Kani and then the other family members follow. Children are brought blind folded from their rooms to see Kani Kanal, the first thing in the morning. Vishu Kani is later distributed amongst the poor and needy people. Reason behind this ritual is the strong belief of the people that the fortune of the rest of the year depends on the first object they see on the Vishu day. There is also a tradition to give small amounts of cash to children of the family. This tradition is called Vishu Kaineetam. People believe that this custom will ensure prosperity for their children in future.

A large number of people prefer to see Vishu Kani in temples. A huge rush of devotees can be seen in the temples of Guruvayur, Ambalapuzha and Sabarimala where special prayers are organised to mark the day. People stay overnight in the courtyards of these temples a night before Vishu so that they see Kani, first thing on Vishu in the temple. Devotees close their eyes and set their eyes on Kani and deity so that when the doors to the deity opens at 2:30 am, the first thing they see is Kani.

Celebrations
A grand sadya (feast) is prepared by women of the house and the whole family sits together at lunch to relish it. Dishes are usually prepared from jackfruits, mangoes, pumpkins, and gourds besides other vegetables and fruits, which are in plenty at that time of the season. People also wear kodi vastram (new clothes) on this day. Patassu (fire crackers) are burst in the midst of dancing and merry to mark the day.

A group of young men and women dress up as 'chozhi' , wearing a skirt of dried banana leaves and masks on their faces and go from house to house in the village dancing and collecting small amounts of money. On Vishu, these entertainers get good rewards for their performances. The money is spent on the Vishuwela (the New Year Fair).

Punjabi / Sikh (Nanakshahi) New Year



Baisakhi Festival, also called Vaisakhi, holds great importance for the Sikh community and farmers of Punjab. Baisakhi falls on April 13 or 14, the first day of the year according to the Nanakshahi Calender. Sikhs also celebrate this day in honor of their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Baisakhi commemorates the day when the Sikh Guru eliminated caste differences and founded Khalsa Panth in1689.

For the large farming community of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks the harvest time. Farmers celebrate it with immense fervor as they are loaded with cash at this time. Men and women run over the fields shouting "Jatta aayi Baisakhi" .

Baisakhi Traditions and Rituals
It is in the blood of every Sikh to follow the tradition of Baisakhi earnestly. They get up early in the morning, visit gurudwaras and offer prayers. Some people prefer to visit Golden Temple or Anandpur Sahib where Khalsa Panth was recognised.

In most of the gurudwaras, the holy books of Sikhs is cleansed with milk and water. The granthi of the gurudwara reads the Sikh holy scripture and the gathering of devotees listen to it seriously. Following the tradition from the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, an amrit is prepared in an iron vessel. The gathering of devotees sip this amrit five times. Later on, ragis sing devotional songs and perform a kirtan which is leaded by an ardas in afternoon. After performing all the religious traditions, the Karah Prasad is distributed amongst the congregation. The religious ceremony accomplishes with a Guru - ka - Langar. This is meal consists of Dal Makhani, any vegetarian dish, curd, salad and a sweet dish like semonila.

Baisakhi Celebrations
Traditional songs and dances boosts the spirit of the Baisakhi festival. After performing rituals in gurudwaras, people of Sikh community take out processions. The holy book of Sikhs is taken out in the processions. It is read in the holy book that the Sikh Guru asked five volunteers to sacrifice their lives, then he took each one of them into a tent and every time came out with a bloody sword but he actually sacrificed a goat. Thus, the procession is headed by five men to honor the Panj Pyaras.

Fervor and vigor of the festival can be seen in these hours long processions passing through various localities of the city. Sikh men and women wearing gaudy clothes perform the famous bhangra and gidda dance. Mock duels are also performed during Baisakhi processions. People carry forward the procession by chanting various hymes like 'Jo Bole So Nihal', 'Deg Teg Fateh' and 'Satnam Shri Wahe Guru'. Vaisakhi celebrations are escalated by dramatizing sword fight, beating drums and bursting crackers. In some places, early morning Prabhat Pheris also take place.

At the end of the day, people express feelings of brotherhood, love, unity and also hope to celebrate the festival with same energy and enthusiasm every year.

Assamese New Year
Bohag Bihu is the national festival of Assamese as it marks the beginning of the New Year. Rituals and customary practices of Bohag Bihu starts from April 13. There are three forms of a Bihu festival namely Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu (in the middle of April), Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu (middle of January) and Kaati Bihu or Kongali Bihu (in October/ November).

Bohag Bihu is the most important day of all the three Bihu festivals. This day begins with the sowing of seeds, Kaati Bihu marks the complete process of sowing and transplanting of paddies, and the Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvesting period.

Bohag Bihu reflects the coming of spring and usually falls on April 15 every year. It is celebrated with distinctive Bihu dances. People are in full form and dance on various Bihu geets called husuris. This festival lasts for several days. People wear new and traditional clothes like dhoti, gamocha and saadar mekhela.

Bohag Bihu Celebrations
The first day of Bohag Bihu is called Goru Bihu or Cow Festival. Cow being the holy Hindu animal is washed, bedecked and worshiped on this day. On the eve of Bohag Bihu, the womenfolk clean clothes and prepare special Bihu delicacies like 'Chira' & 'Pitha' while men collect necessary items like 'Tara Pogha' (ropes for the cattle). This day is followed by Manuh (human) Bihu on April 15, the New Year Day on which homage is paid to elders and relatives. The next day after this is called vGosain Bihu. On this day religious activities take place.

Bohag Bihu is a dance festival. Groups of boys and girls beat drums and perform their traditional dance. Bihu fairs are organised to perform Bihu songs, theatrical performances and dance. Best woman dancer is awarded the title of Bihu Kunwori. Bihu festival has become such a major festival that even books, audio and video cassettes have come up in large numbers narrating the festival events.

Courtesy: www.newyearfestival.com

Ganesha Symbolism

Lord Ganesha, popularly known and easily recognized as the Elephant-God, is one of the most important deities of the Hindu patheon.

Before every undertaking, be it laying of the foundation of a house, or opening of astore or beginning any other work, Lord Ganesha is first worshipped so at to invoke his blessings.

Ganesha has many names. The main ones are Ganapati(lord of the ganas, or attendants), Vighneshwara(controller of all obstacles), Vinayaka (the prominentleader), Gajaanana (elephant-faced), Lambodara(pendant-bellied), and Ekdanta (having one tusk).

The complex form of the Ganesh idol is said to have been wrought by ancient sages to symbolise universal truths as revealed to them by divine inspiration. Each attribute of the icon conveys meanings on many different planes to which everyone can relate at an individual level.

The rotund body of Ganesh represents the Cosmos.
The elephant head denotes the serenity of wisdom and the power of gentle strength.
The broken tusk is the mark of the intellectual who inscribed the epic Mahabharata and then shed his ego on completion of the successful task.

On his forehead is the symbol " 3Õ " - 'OM',which is the Life Force that God breathed into his Creation;
hence it is said that the chant of "OM" indaily prayer, is the consent of man to let God enter him.
Thus the chant of "OM Ganesh' became synonymous with the start of every Hindu endeavour; murmured by the housewife as she begins the day with rituals in her little altar at home, the revered sound is echoed by the husband opening the shutters of his workplace; it can be heard reverberating in the hallowed walls of ancient temples or resounding at the consecration of anew temple; at the commencement of wedding nuptials or naming of a new-born child; when laying the foundation of a new building or founding a new political party,on starting on a journey or starting a new business.

Even rituals for the glory or invocation to other gods begin with the first invocation to Lord Ganesh..

In each of his four hands Ganesh holds an emblem of benediction.

The Lotus flower symbolises the gift of wealth, beauty and purity;

the Rosary denotes the spiritual and inspirational in prayer and meditation.

The Swastika, the true meaning of which is auspiciousness, attracts positive energies from all directions and brings divine blessing upon human endeavour.

The sweet laddu held in one hand demonstrates the joy of sharing the "sweets of life"with those around us.

The Sacred Thread worn across the left shoulder consists of three strands symbolising the Holy Trinity, the three dimensions of time - Past, Present and Future, the three domains of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld, and the three tellers A, U, M of the sound of "OM" the cosmic Life Force.

The snake encircling the waist represents cosmic energy called Kundalini which lies coiled at the base of the spine and when awakened through yoga energises the dormant power within all of us.

The mouse is the chosen mount of Lord Ganesh to carry the divine light into the darkest corners of the world and the narrowest of human hearts.

Ganesh's seat is the lotus flower - the symbol of purity and detachment; blossoming to the sunshine above even as its roots remain in the mire it represents the awakening of consciousness to receive the divine light even as one is rooted in the materialistic world.

Ganesha Festival

GANESHA POOJA VIDHANAM

Om Harihi Om

First light the lamps.
Place the Ganesh idol or Photo frame facing the East or West. But not facing the South. Apply sandal paste and kumkum on the forehead, palms and feet and then garland with flowers.
Ōm Aim Hrīm Srīm - [4]
Om shuklambaradharam vishnum Shashi varnam chaturbhujam, Prasanavadanam dyayetha, sarva vignobha upashanthaye.


Guru dhyanam : With [Mrhi Mudra] folded hand chant :
Guru brahma guru vishnu gurudevo maheshwaraha. Guru saakshaat param brahma Tasmai shree guravey namaha.
Nidhayey sarva vidyanaam, bhishajey bhavaroginaam. Guravey sarva lokaanam, dakshina murthayey namah.
Ōm prajńānam brhmayam ātma brahma tattvamasi aham brahmasmi
śrī guru; parama guru; parameşti guru; divya guru śaranam

Śri śivācarya varyadhyām śankarācarya madhyamām asmadāchārya paryantām
vande guru param param. Harih Ōm

Aachamaniyam :
Ōm Aim Ka e ī La Hrīm Ātma tatvam śodhayāmi svāhā
Ōm Klīm Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hrīm Vidyā tatvam śodhayāmi svāhā
Ōm Sauh Sa Ka La Hrīm Śiva tatvam śodhayāmi svāhā
Ōm Aim Ka e ī La Hrīm; Klīm Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hrīm; Sauh Sa Ka La Hrīm Sarva tatvam śodhayāmi svāhā
Prāņāyāmah :
Ōm Bhūh..... Bhūrbhuvassuvarōm (three times)

Āsana Pūjā
Ōm asya śrī āsana mahāmantrasya prthivyā merupŗşta ŕşih sutalam candah,
Kūrmo devatā, āşane viniyogah.
Yogāsanāya namah:
Vīrāsanāya namah:
Śarāsanāya namah:
Samyōgāsanāya namah:
Ōm Hrīm ādhāra śakti kamalāsanaya namah:
Raktadvādaśa śaktyuktāya dvīpanāthaāya namah:
Bhūmadevyai namah: Harih ōm

Ghanta Puja :
4 - Jagadhvani Mantramāth hum phat svāhā
4 - Āgamārtham tu devānam gamanārtham tu rakşasām
4 - Kuru ghaņtāravam karōmyādau devatāhvāna lāńchanam
4 - Iti ghaņtānatham kŗtvā

Ring the bell and recite:
4 - He ghaņte susvare pīthe ghaņtādhvani vibhūşite
Vādayanti parānande ghaņtā devam prapūjayet

Pūjā to Sun / Lamp
Ōm Bhāskarāya vidmahe mahāddyutikarāya dhīmahi tanno āditya pracōdayāt. Harih Ōm
Kalaśa Pūjā
[4]
Kalaśasya mukhe vişņuh ghaņte rudrah samāśritāh, mule tatra stitō brahma madhye mātŗganah smŗtāh
Kukşo tu sāgarāh sarve saptadvīpā vasundharā
Rg Veda, Yajur Veda, Sāma Veda , Aphyātharvaņah
Angaiśca sahita sarve kalaśambusamāśritāh
Ayāntu śrī devī pūjārtham duritakşaya kārakāh

Gańge ca Yamune Caiva Godāvari Sarasvati
Narmade Sindhu Kāveri jale asmin sannidhim kuru

Am ām im īm um ūm aŗum aŗūm alum alūm em aim ōm oum am aha
Ka e ī La Hrīm Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hrīm Sa Ka La Hrīm
Pūjōpkaranāni dravyāni ātmanan ca tam prōkşya Hrih ōm

Sankalpam :
Mamopatha samastha, duritha kshaya dwara, shri parameshwara preetheyartham, karishya manasya karmanaha nirvignam parisamaptyartha aadhao vigneshwara poojam karishyey.

Ganapati Dyanam :
Ōm Ganānām tvā gaņapati gum havāmahe
Kavim Kavīnām upamaśra vastamam
Jyeştharājam brahmańām brahmaņaspata
Ā nah śrnvan ūtibhih sida sādanam

Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah:

Aavahanam (Invoking the God) - Place left palm on the centre of the chest and with the right palm touch the feet of the idol (or frame) simultaneously and chant the mantra :
Ōm Śrīm Hrīm Klīm Gloum Gam Gaņapataye
Vara varada sarva jannme vacamanaya svāha
Hsraim Hskalarīm Hasrasouh

Mahāpadmā vanantasthe Kāranānanda (pari pūrna Meru Prasthare; Vigrahe, Bhimbe, .....)
Sava bhuta hite matah ehyehi paramesvarah
Mahāhaņapataye namah:




Prana Yamam:
Om boohu, Om bhuvaha, Oghum suvaha, Om mahaha, Om janaha, Oghum satyam, Om tat sa vithurvarenyam, Bhargo devasya dhimahi, dheeyo yonah pracho dayathu. Om aphaha, Jyothi rasa, amrutham brahma, bhurbhuvasuvaram.
Aasanam - After chanting the following mantra, offer one flower or tulsi leaf :
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Aasanam samarpayami
Paadhyam and snaanam : Offer one spoon of water into a plate or bowl after chanting each line of following mantra :-
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Paadhyo paadhyam samarpayaami Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Hastyo ardhyam samarpayaami Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Aachamaniyam samarpayami Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Snanaan tharam aachamaniyam samarpayaami
Vastram, Upavitham and Aabharanam - After chanting each mantra, offer akshata (rice) with flowers or tulsi leaf:
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: vastrartha akshataan samarpayaami Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: upavitaartha akshataan samarpayami Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: aabharanartha akshataan samarpayaami
Chandanam - Apply sandalpaste on the forehead of the idol (or photoframe) and chant
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Divya Parimalla gandhaan-dharayaame
Kumkum - Apply kumkum on top of the sandal paste and chant :
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Haridra kumkumam samarpayaami.
Akshata - offer some akshata (rice) and chant.
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Akshataan samarpayaami
Pushpam - offer some flowers and chant :
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Pushpaanni samarpayaami
Now you have invoked Lord Ganesh for the Pooja, and you are ready for the Pushpaanjali and naamavali (praising the Lord by his different names) After each of the following mantra offer a flower :
Om sumukhaya namaha Om ekadantaaya namaha Om kapilaaya namaha Om gajakarnakaaya namaha Om lambodaraaya namaha Om vikataaya namaha Om vignaraajaya namaha Om vinayakaaya namaha Om dhuma ketavey namaha Om ganadyakshaaya namaha Om faalachandraya namaha Om gajananaaya namaha Om vakratundaaya namaha Om shoorpa karnaaya namaha Om Heyrambaaya namaha Om skandapoorvajaaya namahaOm moola prakrutayey namaha Om kshetra paalaya namaha Om gurubhyo namaha Om siddhi vinayaka swaminey namaha Nana vidha parimala - patra - pushpani samarpayaami



Prarthana : With folded hands chant :
Vigneshwara mahabhaaga sarva loka namaskruta, Mayarabdha midham, karma nirvignam kuru sarvadhaa. Aabrahma lokaath, aasheyshaath aalokaa, loka parvataath, Yey vasanthi, dvija devah, tey bhyo nityam, namostutey. Namo namo ganeshya, namastey siva soonavey, Avighnam kuru mey devah, namami tvam ganadhisha.
Dhoop : Light two agarbattis and show it to the Lord accompanied by the ringing of the bell and chat.
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Dhoopamaagraapayaami
Deepam: (Optional) If you have lit a small accompanying lamp, show it to the Lord accompanied by ringing of bell. If not, just continue with agarbathi and say :
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah: Deepam Darshayaami
Naivedyam : Keep the prasadam (coconut fruits, kheer etc.) in a plate before the Lord, put Tulsi leaves on it close your eyes and chant the mantra offering mentally the naivedyam to the Lord.
Ōm mahāgaņādhipathaye namah:
Om bhur bhuvasuvaha, tat sa vithur varenyam, bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyoyo nah prachodayat
Parorajasi sāvadōm amŗtam mahānaivedyam parikalpayāmi Namah:

Take 2 spoonful of water on your right palm, drip the water drops around the prasadam chanting :
Deva savitah prasuva
Again 2 drops , drop as above :
Satyam tvartena parishinchaami
Take 2 drops and drop thru the palm on your right side near prasadam chanting:
Amrutah opatarana masi
Now, make gesture of offering prasadam to the Lord, chanting :
Om Pranaaya swaha Om Apaanaya swaha Om Vyaanaya swaha Om Udaanaya swaha Om Samaanaya swaha Om brahmaney swaha Om maha Ganapataye namahe, Kadali phaladhikam nivey dayami
Drop 2 drops of water thru right palm on right side of naivedyam saying :
Niveydanan antaram aachamaniyam samarpayami
2 drops - repeat Madhyey Madhyey amruta paniyam samarpayaami 2 drops - repeat Amrutaapidhaa namasi2 drops - repeat Hasta prakshaalanam samarpayaami2 drops - repeat Padha prakshaalanam samarpayaami2 drops - repeat Aachamaniyam samarpayaami
Then put Tulsi leaves or flowers at the feet of the Lord after chanting :
Poogi phala samaayuktam, Naagavalli dalai yurtam Karpoora churna sanyuktam Tamboolam prati gruhataam Taamboolam Samarpayaami
Light the Aarti (camphor) and show it to the Lord accompanied by ringing of the bell and the following mantra.
Raajadi rajaaya prasanna Saahiney, namo vayam vaishravan aaya karma ney. Samey kaamaan, kaama kaamaya mahyam, kaameshwaro vaishravano dadhaatu kuberaya vaishravaanaya, mahaarajaya namaha.
Take 2 spoonful of water in your right palm and let it drop in the plate in front and say :
Tat purushaya vidmahey vakratundaaya dhimahi. Thanno dantih pracho dayat. Karpoora niraanjanam sandarisha yaami.
Pour one spoonful water in plate after each mantra :
Neeraaja naanaantaram aachamaniyam samarpayaami Rakshaan dhaarayaami
offer flowers or Tulsi saying :
Mantra pushpam samarpayaami, sarva opachaaran samarpayaami.
With folded hands pray.
Vakratunda mahaakaya surya koti sama prabha. Avignam kuru mey deva, sarva kaaryeshu sarvadaa.
Prostrate before the Lord and exit.