sankaṣhṭi

There are two parts to this ritual – abhiṣekam and arcana for Lord gaṇeṣa.  The priest will include the sponsor’s and sponsor’s family members names in the sankalpa at the beginning of this ritual.

gaṇeṣa abhiṣekam is the physical cleansing and purification of the deity’s idol. Metaphorically, it is to cleanse and purify the devotee’s mind. It is a form of worship (pūjā). The purifying liquids used in abhishekam can include milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar, oil and fruit juices, among others. The first five of these represent the five elements of water, earth, fire, air and ether. panċāmrta, a mixture of all five, may also be poured over the idol.

The idol is then rinsed with clean water before being dressed and decorated (alankāra).

By offering the substances representing five elements, the devotees ask the deity to purify those elements within themselves and the corresponding five senses in their own bodies: vision (water), taste (earth), hearing (fire), smell (ether) and touch (air).

The abhiṣekam is followed by an arcana (chanting of names describing Lord gaṇeṣā’s features, traits and characteristics).  The event is wrapped up with naivedyam and nīrājanam.  Please receive prasādam from the priest at the completion of this ritual.