Ganesha Budhavara Vrat | Ganesha Vrat

Budhavara Vrat of Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is the foremost worshipped deity in Hinduism. That is, before performing any kind of Havana, Puja, or religious ritual, Lord Ganesha is invoked, worshipped, and meditated upon first. Among the weekdays, Wednesday is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. According to the Navagraha, Wednesday is governed by Budha Deva. In Vedic astrology, Lord Ganesha is considered the presiding deity of the planet Budha. Therefore, devotees of Lord Ganesha observe Ganesha Budhavara Vrat on Wednesdays for the removal of physical, mental, familial, financial, and professional problems.

Ganesha Budhavara Vrat is highly meritorious and removes all obstacles. By observing this Vrat with devotion, one receives the special grace of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is the bestower of Riddhi-Siddhi and the remover of obstacles. Therefore, by observing this Vrat, one also attains knowledge, fame, and prosperity.

Ganesha Budhavara Vrat is a sacred Vrat that not only sharpens the intellect of the devotee but also removes obstacles and hindrances. This Vrat, when performed with faith, discipline, and proper procedure, brings positive energy, auspiciousness, and prosperity into life. In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the giver of wisdom, and the initiator of all undertakings. Observing Wednesday Vrat is also highly beneficial for pacifying Doshas related to the Budha Graha.

Ganesha Budhavara Vrat Fasting Food

On the day of the Vrat, it is essential to maintain purity and Sattvic conduct. In Ganesha Budhavara Vrat, the observer should consume Phalahara such as milk, fruits, Sabudana, peanuts, bottle gourd, etc., once a day. Those who follow a one-meal tradition should consume Sattvic and salt-free food. During the Vrat, one should maintain restraint in speech, devotion in the mind, and purity in actions, and avoid falsehood, deceit, anger, and impurity.

Grains, onion, garlic, Tamasic food, and stale food are avoided during the Vrat. The Vrat is concluded in the evening after the Puja by doing Parana. Many devotees observe Ganesha Budhavara Vrat by consuming only water and fruits.

Ganesha Budhavara Vrat Sankshipta Vidhi

First, on Wednesday, wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a bath and perform Tarpana in a sacred river or water body. If this is not possible, then bathe using an herbal paste made by mixing turmeric powder with Ghee and yellow mustard. After completing daily rituals, take a Sankalpa to observe 11, 21, or 31 Wednesdays according to your devotion. While stating the Tithi, month, Paksha, place, name, Gotra, etc., say - "I will observe the Wednesday Vrat for the pleasure of Lord Ganesha and for the attainment of knowledge, wisdom, Lakshmi, Dhriti, Tushti, Pushti, and Kanti. As a part of this Vrat, I will also perform the Puja of Lord Ganesha."

• Thereafter, clean the place of worship and, if possible, purify it with cow dung and draw a sacred design, i.e., Chowk.
• Place a wooden platform on it and spread a red cloth over it.
• Then, facing the east direction, install the idol of Lord Ganesha.
• Perform Shodashopachara Ganesha Puja with offerings such as Gandha, Dhupa, Dipa, Naivedya, betel leaves, Durva, red flowers, Roli, Akshata, etc.
• Chant the Mantra Om Gam Ganapataye Namah। (ॐ गं गणपतये नमः।) according to your capacity.
• Offer Modaka as Bhoga to Lord Ganesha.
• Thereafter, recite Ganesha Ashtottara Shatanamavali, Ganesha Atharvashirsha, Ganesha Sahasranama, etc.
• For the completion of the Vrat, recite and listen to the Ganesha Budhavara Vrat Katha.

Thus, the simple and brief method of Ganesha Budhavara Vrat Puja is completed.

Ganesha Budhavara Vrat Udyapana

The Udyapana of the Vrat is performed after completing the number of Wednesdays decided at the time of Sankalpa. For the Udyapana of Ganesha Budhavara Vrat, first invite an Acharya and Brahmins with devotion. Under the guidance of the Acharya, perform rituals such as bathing, Tarpana, and Shraddha in a sacred river.

Prepare the place of worship by coating it with cow dung and drawing a sacred design and place a wooden platform with a red cloth over it. Install a Kalasha made of gold, silver, copper, or clay on it. Place an idol of Lord Ganesha made of gold or other suitable metal on the Kalasha.

Thereafter, perform Puja and Havana as per the instructions of the Acharya. Offer 21 types of leaves, 21 types of flowers, and 21 Modaka or Laddus to Lord Ganesha. Perform Havana with 108 Ahuti, i.e., oblations using the following Mantra -

In the Yajna, use Samidha of mango, Peepal, or Palasha wood, along with Havan materials consisting of betel nut, coconut, and Ghee. After the Purnahuti, donate the Kalasha along with the idol and other Puja materials to the Acharya. After the Puja, feed the Brahmins and offer them clothes, fruits, and Dakshina according to your capacity, and receive their blessings. After the departure of the Acharya and Brahmins, partake of the Prasada yourself and pray to Lord Ganesha for the success of the Vrat.

Thus, the brief Udyapana Vidhi of Ganesha Budhavara Vrat is completed.