In Ganesh festival, there is a ritual of offering 21 Patri (leaves) to Lord Ganesh during Ganesh puja. This is a time of the year in India when there is greenery everywhere. Most of the plants used in Ganesh ‘patris’ are common household names, and some of them are rare. Earlier all the women in the family used to collect these leaves from yard gardens, surrounding areas, hedges of farmlands, Riverside plants etc.
• 21 Patri for Ganesh Pooja
1. Terminalia arjuna (Arjun/ अर्जुन)
Arjun tree (Terminalia arjuna) leaves are revered in Hindu rituals, particularly in worship of Lord Ganesh, Vishnu, and Shiva. The leaves are considered sacred and symbolize purity and strength.
They are often offered during poojas as Ganesh patri leaves, especially on occasions like Ekadashi and Ganesh Chaturthi. Arjun tree leaves also hold significance in traditional ceremonies, representing protection and divine blessings.
2. Sesbania grandiflora (Agati/ हातगा)
Sesbania grandiflora (Agastya) leaves are offered during Ganesh pooja, symbolizing prosperity and devotion. In Hindu rituals, 21 different types of leaves, including Agastya, are used to worship Lord Ganesh.
These leaves are believed to purify the environment and attract positive energy, making them an essential part of the traditional offerings during the Ganesh festival.
3. Achyranthes Aspera (Prickly Chaff Flower/ आघाडा)
Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga) leaves are significant in Ganesh pooja, offered as part of the sacred "Patra Pooja," where 21 different leaves are presented to Lord Ganesha.
These patri leaves symbolize cleansing and protection from negative energies. Apamarga is believed to remove obstacles, making it a vital component in invoking Lord Ganesha's blessings for success and spiritual purification.
4. Nerium Indicum (Oleander/ कण्हेर)
Nerium indicum (Kaner) leaves hold religious significance during Ganesh pooja, symbolizing purity and devotion.
Kaner patri leaves are used to invoke divine blessings and remove obstacles. Their vibrant energy is believed to purify the environment and enhance spiritual connections during traditional worship ceremonies.
5. Pandanus odoratissimus (Kewda/ केवडा)
These patri leaves are also significant in Ganesh pooja, often symbolizing spiritual growth and purity. Ketaki leaves are believed to purify the mind and surroundings, inviting divine blessings.
Their unique fragrance enhances the sacred atmosphere, making them an important element in traditional worship rituals.
6. Jasminum auriculatum (Juhi/ जाई)
These patri for Ganesh pooja are derived from a stunning, small, and climbing bushy plant with simple, ovate, dark green small leaves. Jasminum auriculatum (Jui) leaves are used during Ganesh pooja as one of the 21 sacred leaves offered to Lord Ganesha.
These fragrant leaves symbolize purity and devotion, and their inclusion in the ritual is believed to bring peace and harmony. Jui leaves enhance the sanctity of the pooja, inviting divine blessings and fostering spiritual connection.
7. Punica granatum (Pomegranate/ डाळिंब)
Punica granatum (Pomegranate) leaves are considered sacred in Ganesh pooja, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings. These leaves are believed to purify the surroundings and remove negative energies.
Their vibrant energy enhances spiritual devotion, making them an important offering in traditional worship practices.
8. Solanum indicum (Indian nightshade/ रानवांगं)
Solanum indicum (Brihati) patri leaves are used in Ganesh pooja as one of the 21 sacred offerings to Lord Ganesha, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. These wonderful leaves are believed to have protective and purifying properties, helping to remove obstacles and negative influences.
Their inclusion in the ritual signifies devotion, spiritual cleansing, and the desire for divine blessings, enhancing the sanctity of the pooja.
9. Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass/ दूर्वा)
Cynodon dactylon (Duba grass) leaves are integral to Ganesh pooja, symbolizing purity and prosperity. As one of the 21 sacred leaves offered to Lord Ganesha, Duba grass is believed to purify the space and attract positive energy.
Its presence in the ritual enhances spiritual significance, fostering divine blessings and ensuring the removal of obstacles.
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10. Cedrus deodara (Deodar/ देवदार)
Cedrus deodara (Deodar cedar) patri for Ganesh pooja are part of the 21 sacred patri offered to our beloved Ganesh. These leaves represent strength and protection.
Their usage in the ritual is believed to purify the surroundings, invite divine blessings, and enhance spiritual energy, making them a significant part of the worship ceremony.
11. Ocimum sanctum (Holy basil/ तुळस)
Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) leaves are highly revered in Ganesh pooja, symbolizing purity and devotion. As one of the 21 sacred leaves offered to Lord Ganesha, Tulsi leaves are believed to purify the environment and attract divine blessings.
Their use enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the pooja, representing a sincere devotion and seeking of divine grace.
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12. Datura innoxia (Datura/ धोतरा)
Datura innoxia (Dhatura) leaves are used in Ganesh pooja as part of the 21 sacred offerings. Symbolizing strength and protection, these leaves are believed to help in removing obstacles and negative energies.
Their presence in the ritual is thought to purify the space and invite divine blessings, making them a significant element in traditional worship practices.
13. Ficus religiosa (Holy Ficus/ पिंपळ)
Ficus religiosa (Peepal) leaves are integral to Ganesh pooja and are part of the many sacred leaves offered to Lord Ganesha. These patri leaves are believed to purify the environment and attract positive energy.
As part of the ritual, they signify devotion, spiritual growth, and the seeking of divine grace, enhancing the sanctity of the worship ceremony..
14. Aegle marmelos (Bel, बेल)
Aegle marmelos (Bael) leaves are used in Ganesh pooja as one of the 21 sacred offerings. Symbolizing purity and spiritual strength, Bael leaves are believed to purify the surroundings and invoke divine blessings.
In the ritual, these patri leaves represents devotion, protection, and the removal of obstacles, as do many others. This makes them an important element in traditional worship practices during Ganesh Chaturthi.
15. Ziziphus mauritiana (Ber, बोर)
Ziziphus mauritiana (Ber) leaves are used in Ganesh pooja as part of the 21 offerings to Lord Ganesha. These leaves of the Ber plant are known to symbolize protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
They are used because their presence is said to purify the environment, remove obstacles, and invite divine blessings, enhancing the spiritual significance of the pooja and fostering a positive atmosphere.
16. Origanum majorana (Marjoram, मारवा)
Origanum majorana (Marjoram) leaves are another type of leaves used in Ganesh pooja. A representation of peace and purity, Marjoram leaves are believed to purify the space and invite divine blessings.
They enhances the spiritual atmosphere, aiding in the removal of obstacles and promoting harmony and devotion in the worship ceremony.
17. Eclipta erecta (False Daisy, माका)
Eclipta erecta (Bhringraj) leaves are used in Ganesh pooja as one of the 21 sacred offerings to Lord Ganesha. These leaves symbolize purity and spiritual rejuvenation.
They are believed to purify the surroundings, attract divine blessings, and remove obstacles. Their inclusion in the ritual enhances the sanctity of the pooja, fostering a divine connection and positive energy.
18. Jasminum sambac (मोगरा)
Jasminum sambac (Mogra) leaves are esteemed in Ganesh pooja, representing purity and reverence. As part of the 21 sacred offerings, Mogra leaves are believed to purify the worship space and invite divine blessings.
Their sweet fragrance and symbolic significance contribute to the spiritual atmosphere, enhancing devotion and ensuring the removal of obstacles during the ritual.
19. Evolvulus alsinoides (विष्णुकांत)
Evolvulus alsinoides (Shankhpushpi) leaves are used in Ganesh pooja as one of the 21 sacred offerings. Symbolizing mental clarity and spiritual growth, these leaves are believed to enhance the purity of the ritual and attract divine blessings.
Their inclusion in the pooja is thought to aid in the removal of obstacles and create a spiritually uplifting environment.
20. Calotropis procera (Rubber bush, रुई)
Calotropis procera (Akanda) leaves are used in Ganesh pooja as part of the 21 sacred offerings. Symbolizing protection and strength, Akanda leaves are believed to purify the ritual space and invite divine blessings.
21. Prosopis spicigera (Khejri tree, शमी)
Prosopis spicigera (Khejri) patri for Ganesh pooja are used as one of the 21 sacred offerings to Ganesh. Revered for their association with strength and resilience, Khejri leaves are believed to purify the ritual space and attract divine blessings.
Their inclusion in the pooja is thought to enhance spiritual vibrations, remove obstacles, and symbolize the enduring support of nature in the worship process. Offering Khejri leaves is believed to foster a deeper spiritual connection and devotion.
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
