On this auspicious day, devotees observe fasting, install a clay idol of Lord Vinayagar at home, prepare special offerings, and perform poojai using 21 sacred leaves (Pathri) to seek His blessings. According to sacred texts, worshipping Vinayagar with these leaves during Chaturthi grants instant fulfilment of wishes and brings divine grace into our lives.
Significance of Vinayagar Chaturthi
The festival is celebrated with great devotion for nine days in Tamil Nadu, known as Vinayagar Navarathiri. In northern states, it extends up to eleven days as part of Ananta Chaturthi celebrations.
Lord Vinayagar, adored by children and adults alike, is depicted with an elephant head, human body, four hands, large belly, and ears shaped like winnowing fans, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Performing the 21-leaf poojai on this day is believed to be highly auspicious, bringing spiritual and material blessings.
The 21 sacred leaves and their divine benefits
The following 21 leaves are considered extremely sacred in Vinayagar worship:
Masi, Vilvam, Paruhathi, Oomathai, Erukku, Naayuruvi, Ilanthai, Tulasi, Arali, Mango Leaf, Sunflower, Maruvu, Nochchi, Pomegranate, Nutmeg, Narisangai, Vanni, Arakku, Nuna, Devadaru, and Arasu Leaf.
According to the Vinayagar Puranam, worshipping Lord Vinayagar with these leaves bestows blessings such as:
- Righteousness (Dharma)
- Prosperity
- Happiness
- Fame and good fortune
- Wisdom and knowledge
- Victory in endeavors
- Love and harmonious family life
- Protection from negative energies, sorrow, and evil forces
- Good progeny, courage, and inner peace
Even if you cannot collect all 21 leaves, you can still perform the puja with whichever leaves are available while chanting Lord Vinayagar’s name 21 times.
21 Sacred Flowers for Vinayagar
Offering these flowers during poojai is considered highly auspicious:
Punnai, Maghizham, Mandarai, Pathiri, Thumbai, Arali, Oomathai, Champangi, Mango Flower, Thazhamboo, Mullai, Konrai, Erukku, Sevarali, Vilvam, Pavalamalli, Kantangkathiri, Lotus, Alli, Samandhi, and Nandhiyavattai.
Fruits to Offer
Traditional fruits offered to Vinayagar include:
Jamun (Naval), Guava, Orange, Pomegranate, Mango, Jackfruit, Banana, Grapes, Pear, Apple, Wood Apple, Sweet Lime, Mandarin Orange, Fig, Custard Apple, Sapota, Pineapple, Jujube, Neem Fruit, and Kiwi.
Special Naivedyam (Offerings)
To please Lord Vinayagar, devotees prepare and offer:
Modakam, Appam, Aval, Sugarcane, Sundal, Roasted Gram, Sukhiyan, Honey, Thinai, Milk, Jaggery, Rock Candy, Sweet Pongal, Payasam, Mukkani, Wood Apple, Nuna Fruit, Jamun Fruit, Ellurundai, Vadai, and Adhirasam.
After offering the naivedyam, light the deepam (lamp), break a coconut, and perform deeparadhana before gently moving the idol towards the north direction as a mark of respect.
This Vinayagar Chaturthi, perform the 21-leaf, 21-flower, fruit, and naivedyam poojai with devotion, and Lord Vinayagar will bless you with prosperity, happiness, success, and the removal of all obstacles.
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
PS: The information was provided by the priest of Jothida Kalanithi, Siva Sri Dr.K.M.Sridharan Sivachariyar, M.A.,Ph,D. Astrologer, Bandar Kinrara, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Puchong.
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