On Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, our shastras hold that worshipping a Ganesha made of clay — the pārthiva (earthen) form — is the most excellent. Although the kalpa permits idols of gold, silver or copper according to one’s means, worshipping the image made of clay is regarded as the foremost of all.

Why the clay (pārthiva) form is held supreme

  • We are beings of the earth element — human life is bound principally to the pṛthvī (earth) tattva. Honouring that earthen essence, and nature itself, is central to Sanatana Dharma.
  • It follows Shiva’s own mode of worship — the shastras describe pārthiva lingārchana, the worship of a clay Shiva-linga; worshipping the Lord in this earthen form is therefore especially meaningful.
  • Ganapati is lord of the Muladhara — Sri Maha Ganapati presides over the Muladhara chakra, which is the very seat of the pṛthvī tattva. So worshipping the clay Vinayaka, the earthen form, bestows every blessing.

Clay is a symbol of nature — and it is kind to the environment. This Vinayaka Chavithi, let us worship a clay Ganesha and protect nature. Om Gaṁ Gaṇapataye Namaḥ.