Ganesha Abhishekam
Sri Ganesha Abhishekam (the ritual for cleansing the deity) involves pouring sacred nectars while chanting mantras symbolizing the act of purification, sanctification, and divine anointment.The word "Abhisheka" is derived from the Sanskrit root "abhi," meaning "towards," and "sheka," meaning "to pour." Sri Ganesha Abhishekam is performed as a part of the Nithya Pujas (daily rituals) at Sri Ganesha Temple Plano at 9:30 am. All Ganesha Archanas (offerings) will only be available after the daily Abhishekam.
Shodashopachara Puja
There are considered to be 16 upacharas (services) to complete the process of performing any puja. In these services, the deity will be called upon, seated, greeted, bathed, dressed, fed and praised with complete devotion where various offerings will be made. Among these 16 upacharas (services) is Abhishekam- the ritualistic bathing of the deity. Listed below are the 16 steps which are performed daily in Sri Ganesha Temple for Lord Ganesha.
- Dhyanam (prayer)
- Avahanam(invocation)
- Aaasanam (offering seating)
- Paadyam (washing of feet)
- Arghyam (washing of hands)
- Aachamana (Offering water to drink)
- Snanam (Abhishekam- bathing with water or panchamruthas)
- Vastram (new clothes) & Abharana (jewelry)
- Yajnopavitam (sacred thread)
- Gandham (sandal paste offering on forhead)
- Archana (flowers while chanting 108 Divine Names)
- Dhoopam (incense)
- Deepam (Oil lamp)
- Naivedyam (offering of specially prepared food).
- Tamboolam (offering Betel Leaves and Betel nuts)
- Neerajanam (Arathi)