On Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, devotees worship Ganpati with 21 specific leaves (patra), a ritual known as Patra Puja. Each leaf symbolizes a unique quality and blessing. Durva represents prosperity, Bel represents purity, and Shami represents victory. This puja pleases Vighnaharta Ganpati, bringing happiness, prosperity, and removing obstacles from life.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees across the country will install Ganpati Bappa and worship him for 10 days. According to tradition, Ganpati is worshipped with Modak, Ladoo, and 21 specific leaves, which is called Patra Puja. These leaves include Durva, Bel, Shami, Tulsi, and 17 other leaves, each considered a symbol of different qualities and blessings. It is believed that this puja quickly pleases Vighnaharta Ganpati, bringing happiness, prosperity, and removing obstacles from life.
Patra Puja: A Spiritual Ritual
Patra Puja is not just a tradition, but it holds deep spiritual significance. According to scriptures, each leaf symbolizes a specific quality and power. It is believed that through these leaves, Ganpati removes obstacles from life and bestows happiness and prosperity. The importance of Patra Puja also increases because it provides positive energy to the devotees.
Why are 21 Leaves Offered on Ganesh Chaturthi?
The use of 21 leaves is considered particularly auspicious on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. According to scriptures, this number symbolizes completeness, prosperity, and blessings. Among these leaves, Tulsi holds a special place. Generally, Tulsi leaves are not offered to Ganpati, as the Puranas state that there was a curse-related connection between Tulsi and Ganpati at one time. It is offered as an exception on Ganesh Chaturthi, which makes the puja more fruitful.
List of 21 Leaves
- Shami Patra - Victory and destroyer of sins.
- Bhringraj Patra - Provider of age and energy.
- Bel Patra - Symbol of the Trinity, dear to Shiva and Ganpati.
- Durva Patra - Dear to Ganpati, symbol of prosperity.
- Ber Patra - Symbol of simplicity and contentment.
- Dhatura Patra - Calmer of aggressive energy.
- Tulsi Patra - Not on normal days, but auspicious on Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Sem Patra - Symbol of food and fertility.
- Apamarga Patra - Disease preventer and symbol of purification.
- Kantakari Patra - Obstacle destroyer and possessing medicinal properties.
- Sindoor Patra - Symbol of good fortune and auspiciousness.
- Tejpatta Patra - Brings fragrance, peace, and prosperity.
- Agastya Patra - Symbol of knowledge and power.
- Kaner Patra - Symbol of fearlessness and courage.
- Banana Leaf - Symbol of prosperity and progress.
- Aak Patra - Remover of diseases and dear to Ganpati.
- Arjun Patra - Symbol of patience and strength.
- Deodar Patra - Represents purity and stability.
- Marua Patra - Symbol of fragrance and purity.
- Kachnar Patra - Symbol of progress and beauty.
- Ketaki Patra - Symbol of purity and auspicious deeds.
Benefits of Patra Puja
Offering 21 leaves to Ganeshji not only provides religious benefits, but it also has a broad positive impact on life. According to scriptures, each leaf provides a special blessing. Durva leaves bring prosperity, Bel leaves increase purity, and Shami leaves bring victory. Thus, Patra Puja removes obstacles in life and provides happiness, prosperity, and mental peace.
Key Points
Offering Tulsi leaves on Ganesh Chaturthi is an exception, which is based on the belief of the Puranas. The worship of these 21 leaves increases the flow of positive energy in the house, bringing happiness, peace, and prosperity to the family. This puja also becomes a medium of spiritual education for both children and adults.
