Substances used in the worship of Sri Ganesh
Substances used in the worship of Sri Ganesh
If we understand the spiritual science underlying the worship of a Deity, it will help evoke bhav (Spiritual emotion) in us and help us benefit spiritually. Some substances used in the worship of Sri Ganesh are given ahead.
Durva
Durva that are offered to Sri Ganesh should be tender. When they mature, they become merely a type of grass.
The durva should have leaflets in odd numbers – 3, 5 or 7. The length of the durva should be the same as that of sacrificial firewood.
The durva are tied together just like sacrificial firewood. This preserves their fragrance for a longer period. Both these factors contribute in preserving the Pavitraks (Pure spiritual particles) of Sri Ganesh in the Idol for a longer period. The entire body of Sri Ganesh’s Idol (excluding the face) should be covered with durva. In this way, the fragrance of durva will spread around the Idol.
Red substances
The complexion of Sri Ganesh is red. Red clothes, red flowers and Raktachandan (red sandalwood) are used in the ritualistic worship of Sri Ganesh. Due to the red colour of these substances, Pavitraks of Sri Ganesh in the atmosphere get attracted to the Idol in a larger proportion and help in activating it. Since it is difficult to understand this at the intellectual level, it is said that Sri Ganesh loves red cloth, red flowers and red sandalwood.
Modak
‘Mod’ means Anand (Bliss) and ‘ka’ means a small part.
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