Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Why Ganpati Visarjan Happens On Anant Chaturdashi?

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated festivals of the Hindus that marks the birth of Lord Ganesha. According to the Gregorian calendar, this festival falls in the month of August or September. During this ten-day festival, devotees worship idols of the elephant-headed God who is also known as the remover of obstacles and the God of New beginning.

On September 19, the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival dedicated to Lord Ganesh draws to a close with the Ganesh Visarjan, also referred to as Anant Chaturdashi.

The festival of Anant Chaturdashi and Ganpati Visarjan is celebrated every year on the Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. But do you know the reason behind why Ganpati immersion takes place on the day of Anant Chaturdashi?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Why Ganpati Visarjan Happens On Anant Chaturdashi? | Photo: Indiatimes

Worshippers of the elephant god bid farewell to their deity on Anant Chaturdashi, with promises of him returning the following year. This year, festivities began on Tuesday, September 19, and will conclude on Thursday, September 28.

The story behind the tradition of Ganesh Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi

As Ganesh Visarjan is celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi, it is known as Anant Chaturdarshi or Anant Chaudas. The festival of Anant Chaturdashi is celebrated on the Chaturdashi tithi or the 14th day of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month.

Interestingly, when Ganeshotsav comes to an end, it marks the day of worshipping Lord Vishnu, who is renowned as "Anant." According to mythology, after her marriage to Kaundinya, a woman named Sushila undertook an 'Anant' vow, seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu for a prosperous life.

Anant Chaturdashi is considered the most propitious day for conducting Ganesh Visarjan. There's no requirement for any specific Pooja (ritual) on the day of Visarjan. You can carry out the Ganesh Visarjan ceremony by taking the Lord Ganesha idol to a nearby lake, pond, or sea and immersing it in the water. If you happen to possess an eco-friendly mud idol, you also have the option to perform the Visarjan at home using a bucket of water. Subsequently, you can use the settled mud to enrich your plants, ensuring a sustainable and eco-conscious approach.

The tradition of Ganesh Visarjan

Ganesh Visarjan, also known as Ganpati Visarjan, is marked as the conclusion of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which typically lasts for 10 days. The festival begins with the installation of clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public places. Devotees worship the Lord Ganesha idol with offerings, prayers, and various rituals.

Towards the end of the festival, preparations for the Visarjan (immersion) begin. Devotees plan the route and schedule for taking the idol to a body of water for immersion. This can include elaborate processions with music and dance.

During Ganpati Visarjan, Lord Ganesh devotees bid a heartfelt farewell to Bappa with that song in their mind, "Tujhko phir se jalwa dikhana hi hoga, agle janam aana hai, aana hi hoga."

Ganpati Bappa is more than just a deity who arrives; he is considered a member of the family. He pays an annual visit, stays in their homes for a few days, and then departs for his heavenly abode. The ceremonial farewell of Lord Ganesha or any other deity is referred to as "Visarjan."

Significance of Ganpati Visarjan

For those unfamiliar, Visarjan is a ritual involving the immersion of the clay idol of Lord Ganesha in a body of water. This act symbolises the commencement of Lord Ganesha's journey back to his celestial home. But why is Visarjan performed, and why is it discouraged to reuse the same idol for next year's puja?

The Visarjan ritual represents the cycle of birth and death, highlighting the fundamental truths of life. Furthermore, it embodies the concept of impermanence, emphasizing that change is the only constant. Therefore, the Visarjan tradition serves as a reminder that every being born on this planet or in existence will eventually meet their end.

Moreover, the choice to immerse the idols in a water body holds profound meaning. The ocean or body of water symbolises the infinite (God), while the idol represents the soul in search of salvation. The immortal soul leaves behind its mortal vessel to reunite with the absolute by surrendering itself.

Hence, the Visarjan tradition serves as a poignant reminder that everything one possesses is transitory, and one must eventually let go. Through Visarjan, devotees bid farewell to the physical representation of the divine, but the essence of that divinity continues to reside within them as energy.

Rituals of Ganesh Visarjan 2023

- On Lord Ganesh Visarjan day wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath and after that perform puja.

- Put tilak with haldi and kumkum and flowers garland.

- Perform morning Aarti.

- After Aarti offers Bhog Prasad which is later distributed among all the family members.

- The Visarjan ritual commences with the Uttarang puja, a ceremony that includes the presentation of five offerings to Lord Ganpati: oil lamps (deep), flowers (pushp), incense (dhoop), fragrance (gandh), and food (naivedya).

- Then 3-4 people bring the Lord Ganesha idol and immerse it in the water and chant "Ganpati Bappa Morya Mangal Murti Morya".

- Ganesh devotees bids heartfelt farewell to Bappa with that song in their mind, "Tujhko phir se jalwa dikhana hi hoga, agle janam aana hai, aana hi hoga."

Ganesh Visarjan 2023: Mantra

1. Sukh Karta Dukh Harta Jai Jai Mangal Karta

2. Ekdantaye Vakratundaye Gauri Tanyaye Dheemahi

3. Om Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadi Sevitam, Kapittha Jambuu phalasaara bhakshitam. Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha kaaranam, Namaami Vighneshwara paada pankajam.

4. Om Gan Ganpataye Namah.

5. Om Vakratund Mahakaye Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurumayedev Sarv Karyeshu Sarvada.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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