Ganesh Ji Ki Aarti – Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva

Ganesh Chaturti is celebrated because it marks the annual return of Lord Ganesha to visit his devotees, a tradition believed to have started due to the great devotion of Morya Gosavi in Maharashtra. Although it is often believed that Ganesh Chaturti is celebrated as the birth of Lord Ganesh, that is not true.

In Maharashtra, there was a village named Morgaon where a community devoted to the worship of Ganesha lived. Among them was a very renowned saint and devoted follower of Lord Ganesha, Morya Gosavi. It is believed that Ganpati was so loved by Morya Gosavi and others that one day Ganesh ji took leave from Kailash to come meet them. He also blessed Morya Gosavi with a boon that even after his death, his name would always be taken along with Ganesh ji’s name, which is why we say “Ganpati Bappa Morya.”

But after meeting all these people, Ganpati Bappa became so attached to them that in the end, Maa Parvati herself had to come to take him back. She told him that every year she would allow him to go and stay with them for a particular period, but now was the time to return. This also marked the beginning of the Gauri Ganpati tradition.

Ganesha’s trunk can curve either to the left or the right, and each has a different meaning. A left-curving trunk, known as Vamamukhi, aligns with the Ida Nadi, the calming and cooling energy, making it ideal for homes. It is believed to bring peace, harmony, and prosperity, and it is easier for daily worship. In contrast, a right-curving trunk, known as Dakshinamukhi, is associated with the Pingala Nadi, which represents strong solar energy. It is seen as very powerful and is mostly found in temples, as it requires more strict and disciplined rituals for worship.

Ganesh is worshipped before starting any auspicious or important task because he represents Buddhi - the power of clear thinking, wise judgement. He is the Vighnaharta (Remover of Obstacles), a designation he earned by circling his parents, symbolising that they were his universe.

The Story of how he became Pratham Pujniya is interesting. One day, all the devas argued about who should be honoured first and went to Lord Shiva. Shiv ji suggested a race. He said that whoever completed three rounds of the universe first would win. Everyone set off on their vahans and began circling the universe. However, Ganesh ji took three rounds of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati instead. When asked why, he explained that his parents were his universe. Moved by Ganesha's devotion, intelligence, and cleverness, he was declared the winner and came to be known as Pratham Pujya Ganesha.

The well-known aarti “Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva” is traditionally attributed to Shri Ramji from Chiplun, Maharashtra. He wrote it in the 19th century. Since then, it has become one of the most sung Ganesha aartis in India.

To perform Ganesh Ji Ki Aarti at home, you don’t need a lot of fancy things; simple devotion is enough.

1. First, clean the space. Then, place Lord Ganesha’s idol or photo on a clean cloth or small altar.
2. Offer flowers, incense, a diya (lamp), and sweets like modaks or laddoos, which are Ganesha’s favourites.
3. Light the diya and ring a bell, if you have one, to start the ritual.
4. Chant or play Ganesh Aarti, like “Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva,” with devotion. You can clap or use a small aarti plate with a diya while singing.
5. End with a prayer. Bow down and ask Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and bless your home.

The most important part is sincerity and faith, not how complex the ritual is.

Ganesh Chaturthi is an ancient tradition celebrated as the time when Lord Ganesha comes down to visit his devotees, but it was famously transformed into a grand public festival in 1893 by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra to unite people against British rule.

Why is Ganesh Chaturti celebrated?