According to religious texts, looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is believed to bring bad luck. It is said that anyone who sees the moon on this day might face false accusations, damaging their reputation. This is why the day is also called "Kalank Chaturthi." There’s an ancient story behind this belief: Lord Ganesha was riding his vehicle, a mouse, when it stumbled. Lord Ganesha fell, and the moon laughed at him. Upset, Lord Ganesha cursed the moon, saying that anyone who looks at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi would face false accusations. Even Lord Krishna accidentally saw the moon on this day and was falsely accused of stealing the Syamantaka gem.
What To Do If You Accidentally See the Moon?
- Keep a Fast for Ganesh Ji: If you accidentally see the moon, it might be Ganesh Ji's will. Fasting for Ganesh Ji can help.
- Donate to the Poor: Donating to those in need is believed to please Ganesh Ji and remove the curse.
- Chant the Mantra: Recite this mantra to remove the effects of seeing the moon:
सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारमरो दीक्षितस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः। - Listen to the Story of Syamantaka Gem: Hearing the story of Lord Krishna and the Syamantaka gem is believed to help.
- Offer 5 Types of Fruits: Worship Ganesh Ji with fruits such as bananas, pomegranates, pears, apples, and more.
- Donate Fruits and Money: After worship, offer fruits and money to a needy person as a remedy.
- Look at the Moon on the 2nd Day of Every Month: Doing so is believed to prevent false accusations.
- Visit a Ganesh Temple on 27 Wednesdays: Pray to Ganesh Ji for forgiveness.
- Offer 21 Blades of Durva Grass: This is considered one of the best remedies.
How To Do Ganesh Ji’s Sthapna at Home Without a Priest: A DIY Guide
For a simple Ganesh Sthapna at home, follow these steps:
- Set the Stage: Place a cloth on a platform, and put some rice grains to make a seat for Lord Ganesha.
- Place Lord Ganesha: Sit Lord Ganesha on this seat. Wrap sacred thread (kalava) around two betel nuts, representing Riddhi and Siddhi, and place them beside Ganesha.
- Prepare the Kalash: Take a pot filled with water, a coin, a betel nut, and turmeric root. Cover it with a plate. Fill the plate with rice, place a coconut wrapped in red cloth on it.
- Place the Navgrah: Place a Navgrah Yantra or draw it with vermilion on a plate.
- Light a Diya: Place some rice in front of Ganesh Ji and light a diya.
- Worship the Kalash: Start by worshipping the Kalash, then offer rice, vermilion, sacred thread, and Durva (grass) to Ganesh Ji.
- Offer Fruits and Sweets: Present flowers, fruits, and sweets to Ganesh Ji. Then worship Riddhi, Siddhi, and the Navgrah.
- Conclude with Aarti: Perform the Aarti and ask for forgiveness for any mistakes during the puja.
Why Does Ganesh Ji Love Sindoor?
According to legend, when Ganesh Ji was young, he killed a demon called Sindura Sur. During the battle, Ganesh Ji’s body was covered in the demon’s blood, turning it red. Goddess Parvati blessed him, saying that anyone who offers sindoor to Ganesh Ji would be freed from their troubles. That’s why Ganesh Ji loves sindoor.
The Importance of Ganesh Ji’s Left Trunk
Lord Ganesha idols with the trunk turned to the left are considered highly auspicious. This type of idol is known as "Vamukhi." The left-facing trunk symbolizes calmness and positive energy, and it is believed to bring quick blessings. Such idols don't require complicated rituals and Ganesh Ji forgives mistakes easily.
Why You Should Not Look at Ganesh Ji’s Back
According to the scriptures, looking at Ganesh Ji’s face brings good fortune, but looking at his back is considered unlucky. His back symbolizes poverty and may bring bad luck. If you accidentally see his back, you can cancel the effect by looking at his face again.
Why Do We Offer Durva to Ganesh Ji?
Durva grass is very important in Ganesh Ji’s worship. According to legend, a demon named Analasur was causing problems for everyone. No one could defeat him except Ganesh Ji, who swallowed the demon. However, this caused a burning sensation in his stomach. Sage Kashyap gave Ganesh Ji 21 blades of Durva grass, which soothed the burning. Since then, devotees offer Durva to Ganesh Ji.
While offering Durva, chant these mantras:
ॐ गणाधिपाय नमः
ॐ उमापुत्राय नमः
ॐ विघ्ननाशनाय नमः
ॐ विनायकाय नमः
ॐ एकदन्ताय नमः
ॐ मूषकवाहनाय नमः
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. It is believed that worshipping Ganesh Ji on this day helps calm any disturbed planets in your astrological chart.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is based on religious beliefs and cultural practices, which vary among individuals. Please consult with your family traditions or a spiritual guide for personalized advice. The remedies and stories mentioned here are meant for informational purposes and should not be considered as a guarantee of any specific results.
