Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi: Auspicious Dates and Rituals for Immersion
Ganesh Chaturthi: A Festival of Devotion
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by immense devotion and joy throughout the nation. Devotees set up idols of Lord Ganesh in their homes and public marquees, engaging in worship with traditional rituals for a span of ten days. The celebration culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, when devotees bid an emotional farewell to Ganpati Bappa through a ceremony known as Ganesh Visarjan, or immersion. This ritual is believed to help Lord Ganesh carry away the troubles and obstacles of his devotees, while bestowing them with happiness and prosperity. Just as the timing for installing the idol is crucial, so too is the timing for the immersion, known as *muhurat*. Let’s explore the auspicious date and timings for Ganesh Visarjan as shared by Acharya Anand Bhardwaj from Ujjain.
Auspicious Dates and Timings
According to the Vedic *Panchang*, the Chaturdashi *Tithi* of the *Shukla Paksha* in the month of Bhadrapada begins at 11:18 PM on September 24 and ends at 11:06 PM on September 25. Based on the *Udaya Tithi*, Anant Chaturdashi will be observed on Friday, September 25.
Multiple Auspicious Timings for Immersion
As per the Vedic *Drik Panchang*, a combination of *Char*, *Labh*, and *Amrit Choghadiya* will be present from 6:11 AM to 10:42 PM on that day, making it an auspicious time for immersion. Following this, the *Shubh Choghadiya* will be active from 12:13 PM to 1:43 PM. In the evening, the *Char Choghadiya* will take place between 4:44 PM and 6:14 PM. Additionally, the immersion can also be conducted during the *Labh Choghadiya* period from 9:14 PM to 10:42 PM.
Rituals for Idol Immersion
On the morning of the immersion, devotees should bathe, meditate on Lord Ganesh, and clean the worship area. A clean yellow or red cloth should be spread on the ceremonial platform (*chowki*), and a *Swastika* symbol drawn, with *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains) placed on it. Before immersion, perform the final worship of Ganpati by bathing the idol, dressing it in new attire, and applying a *Kumkum* (vermilion) *tilak*. Offer *Durva* grass, flowers, *Modaks*, and *Laddus* as *Bhog* (sacred offering). Chant Ganesh mantras like ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namah’ and recite the Ganesh Stotra. Conduct the *Aarti* of Lord Ganesha with family members. Before immersing the idol, chant: ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa’ (Lord Ganpati, come back soon next year).
Mantras to Chant During Ganesh Visarjan
Chant these mantras during Ganesh Visarjan:
1. ‘Om Gam Ganapataye Namah’
This is a widely used mantra dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for removing obstacles and bringing peace to the mind.
2. ‘Om Ekadantaya Vighnavinashaya Dhimahi Tanno Dantih Prachodayat’
Reciting this mantra pleases Lord Ganesha and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.
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