Arugampul and Lord Ganesha: The Spiritual Meaning Behind the 21 Stalks

During Ganesha Chaturthi, devotees offer flowers, fruits and various sacred items to Lord Ganesha. Among these offerings, one simple yet important item holds a special place, Arugampul, also known as Bermuda grass.

But have you ever wondered why devotees traditionally offer Arugampul in sets of 21?

For generations, offering 21 stalks of Arugampul has been part of traditional Ganesha worship. It is believed to carry deep spiritual significance and is associated with Lord Ganesha’s blessings, protection and the removal of obstacles.

Why is Arugampul offered to Lord Ganesha?

According to traditional Puranic stories, there are different accounts explaining why Arugampul became dear to Lord Ganesha. One story says that Indra once worshipped Lord Ganesha and offered him a garland made of Arugampul. Following this offering, the sacred grass became closely associated with Ganesha worship.

Another popular story connects Arugampul with the demon Analasura. It is said that Lord Ganesha swallowed and destroyed Analasura, but the intense heat that followed caused great discomfort to Ganesha. Various attempts were made to cool him, including placing the moon on his head and bathing him with Ganga water, but the heat did not subside.

According to the traditional account, sages then placed 21 Arugampul stalks on Lord Ganesha’s head and stomach. The cooling nature of the grass is said to have helped relieve his discomfort. From this story came the belief that offering 21 Arugampul to Lord Ganesha can help devotees overcome difficulties and receive his blessings.

Why the number 21?

The number 21 is not considered an ordinary number in this traditional form of worship. It is associated with ideas of completeness, perfection and victory. The traditional explanation also connects the number with the five senses, four Vedic principles and the one supreme reality.

Therefore, devotees traditionally prepare 21 stalks of Arugampul and offer them to Lord Ganesha during puja, particularly on Ganesha Chaturthi.

What does Arugampul symbolise?

Arugampul is traditionally regarded as a cooling and auspicious offering. Its association with cooling Lord Ganesha after the episode of Analasura has given it a special spiritual meaning. Devotees believe that offering Arugampul with sincerity can bring peace of mind, health and prosperity while seeking Lord Ganesha’s grace to overcome obstacles and move forward in life.

For many devotees, the offering is therefore not simply about the grass itself. It represents faith, humility and the belief that Lord Ganesha can guide them through difficulties.

How can you offer 21 Arugampul?

The traditional practice is to count 21 stalks of Arugampul and offer them to Lord Ganesha during worship.

If counting and arranging individual stalks is difficult, devotees can also tie Arugampul into a small garland or bundle containing 21 stalks and offer it to the deity. During Ganesha Chaturthi, devotees who follow this tradition can include the 21 Arugampul offering as part of their poojai. 

Arugampul may look like an ordinary blade of grass, but within Ganesha worship, it carries a much deeper traditional significance. The story of Analasura, the cooling nature of Arugampul and the sacred number 21 have all contributed to its place in Ganesha worship.

Source / Image Credit : Tamil Samayam  , dailythanthi , Zee News