Ganesh Jayanti, also known as Tilkund Chaturthi, is celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi in the month of Magha. This year, the festival falls on January 22nd. It is believed that worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day removes obstacles and fulfills desires.
Significance of Tilakund Chaturthi
'Til' means sesame seeds and 'Kund' refers to white jasmine flowers. On this day, there is a tradition of offering sesame seeds and jasmine flowers to Lord Ganesha.
- Health and Prosperity: Consuming and donating sesame seeds during the cold month of Magha is considered excellent for health.
- Absolution from Sins: Scriptures state that observing a fast on this day bestows the merit of all Chaturthi fasts observed throughout the year.
Maghi Ganesh Jayanti: The Incarnation of Mahotkat Vinayak
While the Ganesha of Bhadrapada is 'Parthiv' (made of clay), the Ganesha of Magha is celebrated as a 'birth anniversary'. On this very day, Lord Ganesha was born in the form of 'Mahotkat Vinayak' to Sage Kashyapa and Mother Aditi. This incarnation took place to slay the wicked demons Devantaka and Narantaka.
Puja Rituals (How to perform the puja?)
1. Bath: Wake up early in the morning and take a bath after applying a paste of sesame seeds. Adding a few sesame seeds to the bathwater is considered auspicious.2. Sankalpa: Sit in front of Lord Ganesha and make a resolution for the fast and the puja.3. Installation: Spread a red cloth on a wooden platform and place the idol or picture of Ganesha on it.4. Abhisheka: If possible, perform an Abhisheka (ritual bathing) of the Ganesha idol.5. Offerings: Offer red flowers, jasmine flowers, Durva grass, and vermilion to Lord Ganesha.6. Naivedya: Offering sesame seed ladoos or sesame and jaggery sweets is mandatory on this day. An offering of 21 modaks is also made.7. Aarti and Mantra: Perform the aarti while chanting the mantra 'Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha'.