gaja pooja

Gaja pooja

This is the first ritual in the entrance to receive the couple.  As the prohit give the garland to the wife she is going towards the elephant thinking that the elephant will have to be garlanded.  But as the iyer instructs her to garland the husband she goes towards her husband and does it.  This scene is like the Valli garlanding Lord Muruga after seeing the elephant and afraid of that.  The people enjoy this lighter movement.

Karpoor haraththi (camphor fire) is shown to the elephant.

Some of the names of Lord ganapathy are chanted. (sahasranamas).  Some flowers are offered.  Karpoor haraththi shown.  Banana given. Gananpathy blesses the couple.

gaja pooja ukkira ratha santhi - The best home videos are here

pooja to elephant is the first ritual. elephant represents Lord Ganapathy. It also represents energy.