The basis of sagun (Materialised) upasana as per Hindu Dharma is the puja vidhi (Ritualistic worship) of Deities. ‘Who has the time for puja in busy daily life?’ This is the type of negative outlook many people have. Today, what we see around is that in the name of puja, people just pour water quickly over an Idol, apply tilak of gandha (Sandalwood paste), offer some flowers and wave an incense stick. However, can this hurried act be ever called puja of God, the one who takes complete care of our sustenance? Why should God shower His grace upon us? If we honour God by performing His puja in an appropriate manner, just as the respectful way in which we treat a guest, then God will be pleased with us and shower His abundant grace upon us. Hence, the scriptures have taught us to abide by Dharma (Righteousness) in a ritualistic and bhāv (Spiritual emotion) enriched manner by teaching us to worship God in sixteen sequential steps, such as invoking God, offering Him a seat, offering Him water to wash His Holy feet etc. Performing puja in this manner is known as Shodashopachar puja, that is, puja performed using sixteen specific substances. Out of these sixteen upachars (Specific steps in ritual); the five upachars, namely, Applying gandha, Offering flowers, Waving dhoop (Frankincense), Arati and Offering Naivedya form the Panchopachar puja. If it is not possible to perform Shodashopachar puja, then one can perform Panchopachar puja.
We get the benefit of sankalpa–shakti (Energy of resolve) of our Omniscient Sages only if we perform puja vidhi as advised by our scriptures. While performing puja as mentioned in the scriptures, utmost devotion and bhav are equally important. If there is a lack of love and devotion for God while performing puja vidhi, then it does not reach Him; for, God yearns for bhav.
The acts pertaining to rituals of puja were created with the help of the ichha-shakti (Energy of will) in the universe: Acts associated with karmakanda such as puja, offering Naivedya etc. are associated with the ichha-shakti in the universe. Depending on the bhav (Spiritual emotion) of the individual while performing these acts, through the specific act, the individual receives the waves associated with ichha-shakti of the respective Deity.
Lord Ganesha the Right Trunk
Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular Hindu gods. He is worshiped almost all over India and his blessings are taken before starting any auspicious work.
Lord Ganesha is also known for removing obstacles from life. Ganesha also bestows material prosperity and wisdom on his devotees.
Many devotees keep Lord Ganesha statue at home for worship. If you are also planning to buy Lord Ganesha statue then pay special care to the direction of Lord Ganesha’s trunk.
The right trunk is not very common and almost rare. The right trunk Ganesh idols are worshipped fervently and religiously. The Ganesh idol at the famous Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is an idol with its trunk curved to the right. The right side trunk is called Siddhi Vinayaka. Siddhi, one of the wives of Ganpati resides to his right and hence, the idol with a trunk curved to the right is called Siddhi Vinayaka.