The Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of the Bhadrapada month is celebrated as the birth day of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), the bestower of wisdom, and the Lord of Riddhi and Siddhi. According to tradition, no auspicious work is ever commenced without invoking Him first. Scriptures glorify Him as Pratham Pujya — the first to be worshipped among all deities.
Scriptural Glory
The Skanda Purana and Ganesh Purana narrate that on this very day, through the tapas of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha manifested. From then onward, He was established as the deity who must be remembered before every divine or worldly undertaking. The shloka declares:
“Ganadhipam Prathamam Pujyam, Sarvakaryaphalapradam.” — meaning, Lord Ganapati is worshipped first, for He is the giver of success in all endeavors.
Panchang for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 (27 August, Wednesday – New Delhi)
- Tithi: Shukla Paksha Chaturthi till 03:44 PM → Panchami thereafter
- Nakshatra: Hasta till 06:04 AM → Chitra till 12:42 PM → then Swati
- Yoga: Shubha till 12:35 PM → Shukla Yoga thereafter
- Karana: Bava till 03:44 PM → Balava thereafter
- Moonrise: 09:28 AM
- Sunrise / Sunset: 05:57 AM / 06:48 PM
- Weekday: Wednesday (Budhavar)
Astrological Importance
This year’s Ganesh Chaturthi holds special astrological significance:
- Moon in Virgo (Kanya Rashi): Virgo is governed by Mercury (Budha), the planet of intellect, clarity, and discrimination. On Ganesh Chaturthi, this alignment beautifully symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s essence as the granter of wisdom.
- Wednesday (Budhavar): The very weekday is ruled by Mercury, doubling the emphasis on intellect and clarity.
- Hasta → Chitra Nakshatra transition: Hasta signifies skill, healing, and dexterity, while Chitra represents artistry, design, and vision. Their combination blesses creativity and successful beginnings.
- Shubha Yoga till 12:35 PM: The morning time carries Shubha Yoga, making it especially favorable for Ganesh sthapana and prayers.
- Moonrise at 09:28 AM: According to tradition, viewing the Moon after the prescribed time on Ganesh Chaturthi is highly meritorious, signifying the removal of blemishes (dosha nivarana).
Rituals and Observances
- Wake up early, purify body and mind, and perform sankalpa.
- Install the idol of Lord Ganesha during the morning Shubha Yoga period.
- Offer durva grass, red flowers, modaks, coconut, betel nuts, and sindoor.
- Chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” (108 times).
- Recite the Ganapati Atharvashirsha.
- At moonrise (after 09:28 AM), offer durva and water to the Moon while remembering Lord Ganesha.
Cultural Practices and Devotion
Special emphasis is placed on offering durva grass, considered extremely dear to Lord Ganesha. The three blades of durva are symbolic of the three gunas — sattva, rajas, and tamas — which Ganesha controls and harmonizes. Modaks, His favorite sweet, symbolize the bliss of wisdom. It is believed that devotion on this day removes obstacles, grants clarity, and ensures smooth beginnings in all ventures.
Shanker’s Insight
“Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely a festive celebration; it is a day of inner awakening. When the Moon resides in Virgo under Mercury’s rulership, intellect shines forth with clarity. True sthapana is not only the installation of an idol but the installation of wisdom within. This Chaturthi, let the lamp of knowledge be lit in the heart — then obstacles dissolve on their own.”
Conclusion
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 is both a festival of devotion and an astrological opportunity. The presence of the Moon in Virgo, Mercury’s rulership, the Hasta–Chitra blend, and Shubha Yoga in the morning make this day rare and powerful. Performing Ganesh puja with devotion and discipline on this day can bring blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and peace.
In Essence:
Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi reminds us that Lord Ganesha is not only the remover of external obstacles but also the Lord of inner clarity. When we remember Him, we are not merely worshipping a form — we are awakening the wisdom that dispels confusion and sets life on the path of success.
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