Dash Bhuja Ganpati Temple Pune - Shree Ganesh Abhishek

The 16 Upchar Puja, also known as Shodashopachara Puja, is a traditional and highly revered ritual performed to honor Lord Ganesha, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. This ritual involves 16 steps of offerings and services, symbolizing complete devotion and hospitality toward the deity. These steps include avahan (invocation), asana (offering seat), padya (washing feet), arghya (offering holy water), achamana (sipping water), snana (bathing the idol), and alankara (decorating the idol), among others. Each step holds deep spiritual significance and is accompanied by the chanting of Vedic mantras. The essential pooja items required include turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste, flowers, durva grass, modak, betel leaves and nuts, incense sticks, camphor, ghee lamp, and more. Performing this puja with devotion ensures removal of obstacles, and brings prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual blessings. It reflects gratitude and invites the divine presence of Lord Ganesha into one’s home and life.

The 16-step Shodashopchar Puja is a sacred ritual dedicated to Lord Ganesha, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. It includes invoking the deity, offering a seat, washing his feet and hands, and performing a holy bath. Offerings include clothes, sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamp, food, and betel leaves. Each step is done with devotion and mantras. The puja ends with an aarti and prayer, along with 21 recitations of Ganpati Atharvashirsha, enhancing spiritual energy and blessings.