Ganapathi Homam - Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Ganapathi Homam is a sacred Vedic fire ritual performed at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings. This powerful homam is usually performed before initiating important life events, spiritual activities, or other major homams to ensure their success. The ritual involves invoking Lord Ganesha into the Kalash and Agni (sacred fire), chanting Vedic mantras such as the Ganapati Atharvasirsha, and offering various sacred items into the fire. Special offerings like modaks, durva grass, and sesame seeds are made to please Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe that performing this homam removes obstacles (vighnas), ensures smooth progress, and grants intelligence, health, and prosperity. At Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, this homam is performed with traditional procedures by learned priests, attracting devotees who seek divine guidance, auspicious beginnings, and success in all endeavors.

The Ganapathi Homam begins with Sankalpam, where the devotee states their name, gotra, and purpose of the homam. The puja area is purified with Punyahavachanam, and a Kalash is installed with mango leaves and coconut, invoking Lord Ganesha. This is followed by Ganapati Puja, including avahanam (invocation), ashtottaram (108 names), offering of flowers, durva grass, modakam, and naivedyam. The Agni (sacred fire) is then kindled in the havan kund, and Ganapati Atharvasirsha Mantra or Moolamantra is chanted. Offerings such as ghee, sesame seeds, rice, jaggery, coconut pieces, and herbs are made into the fire while chanting mantras. A key part of the ritual is offering Modakas into the fire, as they are especially dear to Lord Ganesha. The homam concludes with Poornahuti (final offering), mangal aarti, prasadam distribution, and blessings from the priest. This homam ensures removal of obstacles, successful beginnings, and peace of mind.