Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh, is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. This day honours Lord Ganesh, the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The festival typically falls in August or September during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. And this year the festival will be celebrated on September 7. The ten-day celebration, known as Ganeshotsav, culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, when devotees immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh in a water body after a vibrant street procession.
Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja Muhurat
The rituals of Ganapati Sthapana, or the installation of the Ganesh idol, are of great importance. The most auspicious time for Ganesh Puja is during Madhyahna, the midday period, as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during this time. In Hindu time-keeping, the duration from sunrise to sunset is divided into five parts: Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayankal. The Madhyahna period, which corresponds to midday, is considered the most suitable time for Ganesh Puja according to Vedic astrology.
During this period, devotees perform a detailed ritualistic puja known as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja, which involves offering sixteen different services to Lord Ganesh.
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Timings for Ganesha Murti Sthapana
The installation of the Ganesh idol, known as Ganesha Murti Sthapana, is ideally done on Chaturthi or Chaturdashi Tithi. According to astrology, the best day for installing the idol is Sunday, during the Navamsha of the Sun, when Chitra or Jyeshta Nakshatra is prevailing. While it may not always be possible to align all these factors, efforts should be made to incorporate as many as possible to determine the most suitable time for Murti Sthapana.
The Muhurat, or auspicious time, for installing the Ganesh idol is typically chosen during the Chaturthi Tithi, either during the Hora of the Sun or the Navamsha of the Sun, specifically when Simha (Leo) is prevailing. It is essential that the idol faces either the East or West direction when installed.
The idol of Lord Ganesh can be brought into the home at any time before Ganesh Chaturthi, but it must be installed on the auspicious day and time when Chaturthi Tithi is prevailing. It is not advisable to install the idol a day before Ganesh Chaturthi.
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