Which Hindu god or goddess is worshipped on Wednesday?

Lord Ganesha

In Hindu tradition, each day of the week is dedicated to a specific deity, and Wednesday is primarily associated with worship of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and the remover of obstacles. Devotees observe special prayers and rituals on this day to invoke Ganesha’s blessings for success in their endeavors, especially when starting new ventures or dealing with challenges in life. Lord Ganesha is widely worshipped across India and is revered as Vighnaharta, the one who eliminates obstacles and grants smooth progress.

Why Worship Lord Ganesha on Wednesday?

Wednesday is ruled by the planet Mercury (Budh), which symbolizes intelligence, communication, and mental clarity. Since Ganesha is also the deity of wisdom and intellect, worshipping him on this day is considered highly auspicious for improving one's knowledge, creativity, and decision-making abilities. Students, businesspeople, and professionals often seek his blessings for achieving success and removing any hindrances they face.

What to Offer Lord Ganesha on Wednesday?

Durva grass and Modak are popular offerings to Lord Ganesha, as they are said to be his favorites. Devotees also decorate his idols with garlands and perform rituals with devotion, focusing on clearing obstacles from their paths.

Lord Ganesha Mantras

Chanting mantras dedicated to Ganesha, like “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”, is believed to bring spiritual and material success.

The Connection with Lord Vishnu

In some regions and traditions, Wednesday is also considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. This association stems from Vishnu's role as the preserver of balance in life, and praying to him on this day helps bring harmony, peace, and prosperity. Worshippers offer Tulsi leaves to Vishnu, as it is considered sacred to him, and chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” to seek his blessings for protection and overall well-being.

How to Worship Lord Ganesha on Wednesday

To honor Lord Ganesha on Wednesday, devotees wake up early, bathe, and begin the day by offering prayers to his idol or picture. The day is considered ideal for performing acts of charity, especially donating food and clothing to the needy, as it is believed to bring good fortune and remove personal obstacles.

Devotees recite Ganesha mantras like:

Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
Om Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada

How to Worship Lord Vishnu on Wednesday

For those worshipping Lord Vishnu, chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and offering Tulsi leaves is common practice. Many devotees also read the Vishnu Sahasranama, a revered hymn dedicated to the thousand names of Vishnu, to seek divine blessings for their families and prosperity.