Wednesday (Budhwar) is traditionally associated with Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, who is invoked first before almost any Hindu ritual. A short Wednesday puja is a gentle way to begin new work, a study term or any undertaking.
A simple Wednesday puja
- Set up a Ganesha image or murti on a clean cloth, facing east if possible.
- Light a lamp and incense.
- Offer durva. Tradition favours twenty-one blades of durva grass, offered in small bunches; red flowers are also common. Offer a modak or other sweet as naivedya, since modak is Ganesha's well-known favourite.
- Chant. Om Gam Ganapataye Namah is the best-known beeja mantra. The Ganapati Atharvashirsha is the classic Upanishadic hymn for those who know it.
- Aarti. Sing the Ganesh aarti, Jai Ganesh Deva.
Sankashti and Vinayaka Chaturthi
Chaturthi, the fourth tithi, is Ganesha's special tithi. Sankashti Chaturthi (the fourth day after the full moon) and Vinayaka Chaturthi (after the new moon) are observed each month, and Ganesh Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada is the great annual festival. Check the panchang for dates.
Why Ganesha is invoked first
Because Ganesha is seen as the lord of beginnings and thresholds, pujas, weddings and the opening of accounts traditionally start with a brief invocation to him. That is why even a Shiva or Lakshmi ritual opens with a Ganesh prarthana.
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to use twenty-one durva blades? It is the traditional count; if that is not possible, offer what you can with sincerity.
Can children join? Yes. Ganesh worship is often the first puja children learn.
Related on Darshya
This guide describes common tradition. Practices differ by region, sampradaya and family; if your family follows a different custom, follow that, and ask your family priest when in doubt.