Sree Ganesh Jayanti: a spiritual celebration

1. Introduction 

Srī Ganesh Jayantī, the day on which the Srī Ganesh frequencies reached earth for the first time, i.e. the day on which Srī Ganesh was born, is the fourth day (chaturthī) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Māgh. On this auspicious occasion, what can we do to derive maximum spiritual benefit from Srī Ganesh’s heightened presence on earth. This article is based on the Divine knowledge received by a seeker (sādhika) doing spiritual practice under the guidance of H.H. Dr. Athavale. It provides an idea of the types of spiritual practices (sādhanā) that can be performed on this day and their relative importance. 

2. Basic spiritual celebration

On the auspicious occasion of Srī Ganesh Jayantī, the devotee or seeker (sādhak) should do 3 to 9 turns of a mala (108 stringed beads) while chanting Srī Ganesh’s Name (‘Om Gan Ganapataye namaha’)

In addition to this, a devotee should worship Srī Ganesh's idol or picture, ritualistically. From this one can derive the benefit of Srī Ganesh’s Divine energy and Divine consciousness that come to earth in higher amounts on this day. Reciting Srī Ganesh Atharvashirsha (stotra, holy verses in praise of Srī Ganesh) adds to these benefits.

3. Relative importance of the types of celebration methods

* The Kundalini is the inherent spiritual energy system in the body. It consists of 7 main centres or chakras, 3 main channels - the Sun (Sūrya or Right channel or Pingalā-naadī), Moon (Chandra or Left channel or Idaa-naadī) and Central (Sushumnā-naadī) channels and innumerable ducts and ductules.  

** An average human being, also known as the embodied soul or Jīva

4. Best celebration of Srī Ganesh Jayantī

The devotee derives 100% benefit from the heightened Srī Ganesh Principle on earth on Srī Ganesh Jayantī day, by performing all of the above spiritual practices.