Pancha Ganapati

[Guest guest]

I thought I would share the following info. I hope it is ok. In my heart

it gets Amma approval since it promotes family and harmony and love and

doing good for others. I got this info from Gurudeva a couple years

ago. Actually from one of his devotees but the info is from him from his

book "Loving Ganesha"

 

Our family is celebrating this 5 day festival that started today. We had

a fun time decorating our altar and dressing Ganesha and we went and

bought sweets today at our favorite spice store which is a bit of drive

but we love it.

 

Ok once again I am rambling. but if this is wrong to send I am sorry and

will be available to make an appointment to toss rotten fruit and veges

at. :-)

 

Om Shanti,

Surrdha

 

Jai Ganesha!

 

Pancha Ganapati is a joyous time for the family and should include

outings, picnics, holiday feasts, exchange of cards and gifts with

relatives, friends, and business associates. Each day a traditional

offering tray of sweets, fruits, and incense is offered to Pancha

Ganapati. It may be prepared and presented by the children of the

home. Gifts should be given to the children each day during these

five days. They place them unopened before Pancha Ganapati. After

each puja, the sweets are given to them from the offerring tray as

prasada.

During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, chants, songs,

hymns, and bhajanas are sung in his praise. A different family

sadhana each day is focused upon. The first sadhana begins on the

morning of December 21st and each day thereafter until the fifth and

final, December 25th. The sadhanas to be performed are as follows.

 

DECEMBER 21

 

The family sadhana for the first day of Panch Ganapati is to create a

vibration of love and harmony among the immediate family members.

The day begins early and the entire family works together to design

and decorate the shrine withtraditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and

more. When it is finished, a grand puja is performed invoking the

spirit of Pancha Ganapati. The sadhana of the day now begins. The

family sits together for the purpose of easing strained relationships

that have arisen during the year. They make amends with one another

for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries

caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and

all, they speak of each other's good qualities and resolve that in

the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change

another and the practicality of chaging one's self to be the silent

example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed

unopened before Panch Ganapati. Family harmony is important to all

Hindus. This sadhana must be taken seriously.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

 

Jai Ganesha!

 

DECEMBER 22

 

The family sadhana for the second night of Pancha Ganapati is to

creat a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and

close friends. This is the day for presenting gifts to next-door

neighbors, relatives that live in the area and close friends. The

sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up

misunderstandings. Relatives and friends living in far off places

are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and

tensions released. All gifts received today are placed unopened

before Pancha Ganapati.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

 

Jai Ganesha!

 

DECEMBER 23

 

The family sadhana for the third day of Panch Ganapati is to create a

vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual

merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting

gifts to merchants, customers and to honor employers and employees

with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana of today is the settling of

all debts and disputes. All gifts received today are placed unopened

before Pancha Ganapati.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

 

Jai Ganesha!

 

The family sadhana for the fourth day of Pancha Ganapati is to create

a vibration of love and harmony, bringing forth the vibration of joy

that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. The family,

relatives and friends gather for satsanga to share and enjoy their

individual artistic gifts. When the program is over, all sit

together discussing the traditional values of the Hindu Dharma.

Then, before Pancha Ganapati, Patron of the Arts and Guardian of

Culture, plans are made for the year ahead to bring more of these

refinements of living into the home. All gifts received today are

placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva

 

 

Jai Ganesha!

 

DECEMBER 25

 

The family sadhana for the fifth and final day of Pancha Ganapati is

to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of

sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the famly members

are now more open and aware of His Grace. Their love for Him is now

overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences a climax of

an outpouring of love and tranquility from the God Himself. His

blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it,

inspiring them anew for the coming year. This exchange of affection

between all members of the family and the Lord is invoked and

perpetuated through the day by performing five special pujas. The

first puja is at 6AM. Before the puja, personal offering trays are

prepared and placed before His shrine. After the puja, each one

gives a verbal testimony about prayers that were answered during the

past year. Hearing testimonies strengthens the faith of everyone.

Then vows of sacrifice can be verbally make. Vows should improve the

quality of the life of the individual, such as giving up smoking or

correcting other harmful habits.

The second puja is at 9AM, and the third at 12 Noon. The fourth

puja is held at 3PM. At 6PM the fifth and final puja of the day is

held. These five pujas to Pancha Ganapati solicit help from His

devas in the home and establish the patterns for improvement in

family life. The overflowing of love that is felt today will inspire

generosity in the year to come, bringing in return abundance and good

fortune. All gifts receved during the day are placed unopened before

Pancha Ganapati.

The evening puja, held at six o'clock, is the long awaited

time. The five sadhanas have been completed. Peace, love and

harmony among everyone has been restored. After the puja and before

the great feast that follows, Lord Pancha Ganapati Himself gives His

final darsana and prasada to one and all. Gifts are distributed and

joyously opened. Happy children. Happy Parents. Happy God.

From "Loving Ganesa" by Gurudeva.

[Guest guest]

Namah Shivaya dear Sister,

 

Only sweets shall be sent your way for posting the information about

celebrating Ganesha.

 

Really appreciate meaningful ways of looking at this season amidst the mad

materialism. So nice to add this to the celebration of Solstice and the

decorating of the altar with items others might use on a tree and the

placing of a Santa hat on Amma's picture.

 

Want to save your post and be prepared to do it justice next year, by Amma's

grace.

 

May all find new peace with our families and community and within

ourselves.

 

Jai Ganeshji!

 

premarupa

Aum Amriteshvaryai Namah