A large number of devotees celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi at Shanthi Mandir. This auspicious event marked the Eighth Anniversary of Shanthi Mandir! The Mandir was open every evening from 7:00 – 7:45 pm, from September 9-18. The special events are described below.
Ganesh Idol Making: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, 3:30–5:30 pm
Around 25 youth and an additional 25 adults gathered at the Shanthi Mandir for the fun event of Ganesh Idol making. Two MU Journalism students observed the event for a convergence journalism class project. Everyone had a great time. Volunteers prepared light snacks, tea and juice. The youth clay creations will adorn the altar for the Ganesh Utsav.
Ganesh Sthapana Puja: Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, 7:00–7:45 pm
The Ganesh Sthapana Puja, marking the official start of the Ganesh Utsav, was performed at the Shanthi Mandir on the Chaturthi, the fourth day of the waxing moon. It was attended by about 20 devotees. The puja included an invocation, Sruti and Purana Achanamam (purification ritual), Pranayamam (extend life-force), Sankalp (pledge/resolution), Praana Prathishta (consecration of the clay idol), Offerings to Lord Ganesh (invited as a guest) and participatory prayers (including the Ganapathi Praarthana from Rig Veda, Ganesh Ashtotra Naamavali, and the Mantra Pushpam from the Yajur Veda). It was followed by Ganesh bhajans, slokha recitals by children, Ganesh Aartis and the sharing of Prasad.
Special Ganesh Bhajan: Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, 7:00–8:00 pm
A Special Bhajan organized by the Sai Bhajan Group dedicated to Lord Ganesha, concluding with a Ganesh Aarti.
Ganesh Puja: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, 6:00–9:00 pm
The anchor event during the Utsav, Ganesh Puja, was performed by Nikhil and Mansi Deshpande, and Rashmi and Yogesh Naik. A large group of devotees attended the puja. Following the puja, Ganesh Bhajans were performed by the attendees. Following aarti, prasad was distributed. The Mandir is happy to welcome several new families from Columbia and Jefferson City.
Ganesh Visarjan Puja: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, 7:00–7:45 pm
About 35 devotees said their goodbyes to Lord Ganesha at the Visarjan Puja at Shanthi Mandir on the Chaturdashi day (14th day of the waxing moon, Wednesday, September 18th). The Puja comprised Ganesh Gayatri, Ganapathi Praarthana, Mantra Pushpam, Ganesh Mahamantra and Hindi and Marathi Ganesh Aartis. The main clay idol of Lord Ganesha as well as the many creative Ganeshas affectionately sculpted by HTCC youth members that were worshipped for the last 10 days, were immersed in a colorfully decorated tub. The sanctified water containing the dissolved clay idols will be spread around the Mandir gardens tomorrow. Calls for a speedy return next year concluded the Puja “Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Lowkar Ya!”
Above: Making the Idol Below:Ganesh Puja
Above: Ganesh Visarjan
