Daily & Home Rituals

Ganesh Vandana (Before Starting Work)

5 minutes Anyone can perform Morning
Ganesh Vandana (Before Starting Work)

Purpose

Lord Ganesha is Vighnaharta - the remover of obstacles. Praying to Ganesha before any new beginning ensures success and smooth completion of the task.

Overview

In Hindu tradition, no auspicious work begins without first invoking Lord Ganesha. He is the first deity to be worshipped in any puja or ceremony. This practice is called "Adi Puja" or "Ganesh Puja at the beginning."

The practice can be as simple as mentally chanting "Om Ganeshaya Namah" or as elaborate as a full Ganesh puja. For daily work, a simple prayer with folded hands is sufficient.

This is done before: starting a new job, beginning studies, starting a journey, signing contracts, inaugurating a business, or any important undertaking.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1
Preparation

Take bath and wear clean clothes. Clean the puja area.

2
Light the Lamp

Light the lamp with ghee or oil. Ring the bell.

3
Offer Prayers

Offer flowers, incense, and prayers to the deity.

4
Chant Mantras

Chant the appropriate mantras with devotion.

5
Conclude

Offer final prayers and take blessings.

Primary Mantra

**Ganesh Mantra (Universal):** ॐ गं गणपतये नमः "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" **Ganesh Vandana Shloka:** वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥ "O Lord with curved trunk, great body, and brilliance of a million suns, remove all obstacles from my endeavors always." **Ganesh Gayatri:** ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्महे वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि। तन्नो दन्ती प्रचोदयात्॥

Do's and Don'ts

Do's
  • • Fold hands and close eyes while praying
  • • Offer durva grass if available
  • • Touch your forehead and heart
  • • Say the mantra with faith and focus
  • • Light a small lamp if possible
Don'ts
  • • Don't rush through the prayer
  • • Avoid doing it mechanically without devotion
  • • Don't offer tulsi to Ganesha (traditionally)
  • • Don't look at moon on Ganesh Chaturthi

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone. No restrictions whatsoever.

Before starting any new work, journey, project, or important task.

Practices may vary by region, family tradition, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified elders or priests for guidance specific to your situation.
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Materials Needed
Essential
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Rice (Akshat)
  • Kumkum (Sindoor)
  • Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
  • Diya (Oil Lamp)
  • Cotton Wicks
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