- August 10, 2025
Whenever we begin a new task, it’s a tradition to first worship Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. To lead a life of success and prosperity, we must observe a fast and offer our prayers to the elephant-faced deity.
2025 Vinayagar Chaturthi Date: 27th August 2025
The tradition of drawing a “Pillaiyar Suzhi” (a tiny swirl representing Ganesha) before writing ensures positive results. This is why Ganesha is also known as Aadi Moola Ganapathi, the primal lord of all groups (ganas).
Astrology also highlights his importance. When matchmaking for a marriage, astrologers check for Gana Porutham (compatibility of divine, human, or demonic traits). A good Gana match ensures harmony between the couple. Regardless of their birth trait—divine, human, or demonic—every person should worship the great elephant-faced Lord.
The days most sacred to Lord Ganesha are Mondays and Fridays, and among the lunar dates (thithis), the Chaturthi is His favorite. To achieve a glorious life, one must fast and worship the elephant-faced Lord. The month of Aavani is particularly auspicious for this. Although Chaturthi occurs every month, the one in Aavani is uniquely called “Ganesh Chaturthi.” On this day, visiting a temple and offering a garland of Arugampul (Bermuda grass) to Ganapathi is believed to bring immense wealth and honor.
The scriptures say that worshipping Ganesha on Vinayagar Chaturthi brings all forms of blessings. Lord Ganesha is always present and appears whenever we call or worship him, whether in turmeric powder or even cow dung. You can worship him at home or by visiting a temple with an idol. By praying to this deity with a trunk and unwavering faith, happiness will fill your home and all sorrows will disappear.
On Vinayagar Chaturthi, devotees offer appam, kozhukattai, modakam, flattened rice, puffed rice, sweet pongal, sundal, and fruits like guava and wood apple. His favorite leaves are Arugampul, Vanni leaf, and Vilva leaf. His favorite flowers include Thumbai, jasmine, Shenbagam, hibiscus, and Erukku (crown flowers).
It’s a common practice to perform Thoppukaranam (a ritual of pulling your ears and doing a squat) in front of Ganesha. The word is believed to have originated from “Thorbikarnam,” where “Thorbi” means “with hands” and “Karnam” means “ears.”
The tradition is said to have started after the demon Gajamukasuran was defeated by Ganesha. The gods, who had been forced to bow in fear to the demon, continued this humble act of bowing and ear-pulling in front of Ganesha out of reverence.
Lord Ganesha offers his divine grace to those suffering from the ill effects of Ezharai Sani, Ashtamathu Sani, or Ardhastama Sani (various phases of Saturn’s transit). When Saturn attempted to afflict him, Ganesha cleverly outsmarted him by having him write, “Go today and come back tomorrow.”
By observing the Chaturthi fast, you will experience an increase in wealth, business prosperity, and a healthy family life. It also ensures success in all endeavors, sharpens your intellect, and brings good opportunities. Offering sesame urundai (balls) to Ganesha can help mitigate Saturn’s influence.
The Pillayarpatti Vinayagar temple in Sivaganga district is where Ganesha is known to reside as a Karpagamoorthy who turns dreams into reality. Worshipping him on Chaturthi with flowers and hymns will fulfill your needs. It is also beneficial to visit any nearby Shiva temple and pray to the elephant-faced Lord. This will lead to a life of great honor and happiness.
Astrology also states that worshipping Ganesha during the transit of Ketu can remove obstacles and bring stability, as he is known as Vigneshwara, the remover of hindrances. Legends also say that Ganesha helped his brother Muruga marry Valli by appearing as an elephant. Therefore, offering food like sugarcane and bananas to elephants on Vinayagar Chaturthi is also considered a great way to receive blessings. By performing these rituals and praying to the Lord with a trunk, all your wishes will come true.
