Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 – Celebrating the Birth of Lord Ganesh
Ganesh Chaturthi, a significant Indian festival, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh, the revered deity of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This auspicious occasion falls during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, typically in the months of August or September in the English calendar.
The Ganeshotsav, a vibrant celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, lasts for ten days and culminates on Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesh Visarjan day. On this day, devotees immerse Lord Ganesh’s idol in a water body following a grand street procession.
Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja Muhurat
Ganesh Puja is traditionally performed during Madhyahna, as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during this auspicious period, equivalent to midday according to Hindu timekeeping. The Hindu day is divided into five equal parts: Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna, and Sayankal. Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja on Ganesh Chaturthi are conducted during the Madhyahna part of the day, which, according to Vedic astrology, is the most favorable time for Ganesha Puja.
During midday, devoted worshipers perform a detailed ritualistic Ganesha Puja known as Shodashopachara Ganapati Puja.
Prohibited Moon Sighting on Ganesh Chaturthi
A significant belief associated with Ganesh Chaturthi is the prohibition of moon sighting. Sighting the moon on this day is believed to result in Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank, signifying false accusations of theft.
According to Puranic legends, Lord Krishna was unjustly accused of stealing the precious jewel named Syamantaka. Sage Narada revealed that Lord Krishna had sighted the moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, leading to his curse of Mithya Dosha.
Further, Sage Narada informed Lord Krishna that Lord Ganesha had cursed anyone who sighted the moon on Shukla Chaturthi during the Bhadrapada month, resulting in Mithya Dosha and societal dishonor. Acting on Sage Narada’s advice, Lord Krishna observed Ganesha Chaturthi fasting to absolve himself of the curse.
Mithya Dosha Prevention Mantra
Depending on the timing of Chaturthi Tithi, moon sighting might be prohibited for two consecutive days. As per DrikPanchang.com rules, the moon should not be sighted while Chaturthi Tithi is ongoing. Even if Chaturthi Tithi ends before the moonset, the moon rising during Chaturthi should not be sighted.
If someone inadvertently sights the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, they should chant the following Mantra to seek relief from the curse:
सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः॥
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