Is Ganpati Visarjan Recommended in Indian Scriptures?

Many of us, especially Hindus, engage in daily prayers and pujas to idols in our homes or at temples. Whether it's a simple or elaborate puja, the essence remains the same—honoring the divine presence. However, when it comes to important occasions, particularly the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, the tradition of Ganpati Visarjan or immersion of the idol is followed in most regions of India. But is this practice mentioned in our Hindu scriptures?

The Practice of Visarjan

After performing the pujas and completing the rituals, it is customary to invite the deity to leave his current abode (idol) and return to the divine. This act of sending the idol back is known as visarjan. The pranapratishta ceremony, which infuses the idol with divine energy, is typically performed only in temples where the deity resides permanently. Temples keep the idols for 365 days and maintain their continuous worship for centuries.

Religious Perspective on Visarjan

The concept of pranapratishta and visarjan is ancient. This tradition has been part of Hindu culture for many years, though its current popular form gained prominence during the Lal-Bal-Pal movement. The practice is deeply rooted in the belief that deities are invoked through this ceremony and must either be worshipped daily or have their presence released into flowing water.[1]

Cultural Practices vs. Scriptural Mandates

While the practice of Ganpati Visarjan is widespread and celebrated during Ganesh Chaturthi in many parts of India, it is not uniformly followed everywhere. In some southern states like Kerala, for instance, the festival is not as prominent, and there is no widespread practice of getting an idol, worshipping it, and then immersing it. Therefore, it is not explicitly mentioned in the Hindu scriptures.[2]

However, many believe that Lord Ganesha would be pleased if we ceased this practice, as it harms nature or prakriti, which is another form of Mother Devi Parvati. This perspective highlights the importance of balancing tradition with environmental consciousness and the well-being of Mother Earth.[3]

Conclusion

The tradition of Ganpati Visarjan is a cultural phenomenon deeply entrenched in the practices of millions of Hindus. While it is not explicitly mentioned in the Hindu scriptures, the principles behind it are rooted in ancient traditions. The act of visarjan symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the impermanence of form. As such, it is important for each individual to reflect on the significance of this practice and its impact on the environment and society.

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