Ganesha Visarjan on Friday, September 9, 2022

Why is Ganesha Chaturthi celebrated?

According to Hindu mythology, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. On Ganesha Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as the God of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Hindu Devotees believe that Lord Ganesha was born during Shukla Paksha (शुक्ल पक्ष) in Bhadrapada (भाद्रपद) month. This year, Ganesha Chaturthi falls in the month of August as per the Gregorian calendar.

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi (विनायक चतुर्थी) and Ganesh Chauth (गणेश चौथ).

The Ganeshotsav, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi which is also known as the day for Ganesha Visarjan.

On Anant Chaturdashi, In order to celebrate the Ganeshotsav, Hindu devotees immerse the idol of Lord Ganesha in a river after a gala street procession.

How and When Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja is celebrated?

Ganesha Puja is preferred during Madhyanha as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahna Kala (Afternoon). Madhyahna Kala is equivalent to midday according to the Hindu division of the day.

As per Hindu timekeeping, the time duration between sunrise to sunset is divided into five equal parts. These five parts are known as Praatah kala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna and Sayankal.

Madhyanha Kala is considered the most appropriate time for Ganesha Puja, so the Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja on Ganesha Chaturthi are celebrated during the Madhyahna part of the day, as per Vedic astrology.

During midday, Lord Ganesha’s devotees perform detailed ritualistic Ganesha Puja which is known as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja(षोडशोपचार गणपति पूजा).

Why Moon Sighting on Ganesha Chaturthi is Prohibited?

It is believed that one should not sight the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Sighting the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi creates Mithya Dosham(मिथ्या दोष) or Mithya Kalank (कलंक) which means false accusation of stealing something.

As per Puranic legends, Lord Krishna was falsely accused of stealing a precious jewel named Syamantaka. After seeing the plights of Lord Krishna, Sage Narada informed that Lord Krishna sighted the moon on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi(भाद्रपद शुक्ल चतुर्थी) and because of that he has been cursed with Mithya Dosha(मिथ्या दोष).

Sage Narada further informed Lord Krishna that God Chandra has been cursed by Lord Ganesha and that anyone who sighted the moon on Shukla Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month would be cursed with Mithya Dosha and would be tainted and dishonored in the society. On the advice of the sage, Narada Lord Krishna observed Ganesha Chaturthi fasting to get rid of Mithya Dosha.

How to Prevent Mithya Dosha? (मिथ्या दोष निवारण)

Depending on the start and end time of Chaturthi Tithi, sighting the moon might be prohibited for two consecutive days. According to DrikPanchang.com rules, Moon should not be sighted while Chaturthi Tithi is prevailing. Further, Moon risen during Chaturthi should not be sighted even if Chaturthi Tithi gets over before the moonset.

If anyone has mistakenly sighted the moon on Ganesha Chaturthi then he should chant the following Mantra to get rid of the curse –

सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः॥

Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah।
Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah॥