Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple Timings:
Morning: 7:30 am to 12:00 Noon
Evening: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Chaturthi is one of the major festivals celebrated in Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple.
Chaturthi:
Chaturthi is a day of great significance for Lord Vinayagar and is regarded auspicious to begin any new endeavours. Chaturthi occurs twice in a month; i.e., during the growing moon period as well as the waning moon period.
In Hindu Mythology, there are several stories related to Chaturthi and one of them is as follows:
Once, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi were sitting in the Chithra Mandapam, they saw an elephant in ‘Omkara’ form. It was the moment when Lord Vinayagar came into existence with their blessings to protect the Gods. Vinayagar was incarnated as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi. Then, Lord Shiva asked him to become the leader of all ganas and he became known as Lord Ganesha.
Devotees who worship Lord Ganesha will also be blessed by Lord Shiva and their obstacles (vignangal) in life will be removed. The day when Vinayagar was born is celebrated as ‘Vinayagar Chaturthi’.
Significance of worshiping Lord Vinayagar on Chaturthi day:
All beings, including the disciples, Rishis and Asuras, observe fasting for many months starting from the day of Vinayagar Chaturthi and get blessed with boons such as peace, good health and spirituality. It is believed that fasting will bring about mukthi (freedom from rebirth) at the feet of Lord Vinayagar. In the same manner, fellow humans also get blessed if they begin fasting on this auspicious day.
Lord Vinayagar is revered as the first god of Hindus and to achieve success in our life, we should make it a practice to pray to Lord Vinayagar before we initiate any action, such as building a new house, house warming, new course of education, new job or any new initiative.
There are several forms of worship the devotees can choose from, which include:
# Offer prayers to the Lord on the day of Vinayagar Chaturthi.
# Do circumambulation around Sanctum.
# Do voluntary service in the temple.
# Offer flowers and light lamps.
# Observe fasting.
# Take part in Poojas and Yagam.
# Offer free food (Annadhaanam) or Prashadam.
# Chant Vinayagar Namam.
# Offer ‘SahashraNama’ Archanai using Arugam pul (a form of grass).
# Listen to chanting of Vinayagar Namam.
The Chaturthi, which occurs during the growing moon period, is known as Shukla Chaturthi and that which occurs during waning moon period is known as Sankatahara Chaturthi.
Prayer during the Shukla Chaturthi confers the devotees with peace and prosperity, whereas prayer during Sankatahara Chaturthi helps them get rid of all obstacles.
The Tamil word ‘Sankatam’ literally means ‘problems’ and it is believed that prayers offered on the day of Sankatahara Chaturthi will help us get rid of our problems. It is believed that Chandran (Moon), which is one of the Navagraha (9 Planets), who was cursed by Lord Vinayagar, attained salvation on the day of Sankatahara Chaturthi. Hence, those who offer prayers to Lord Vinayagar and Moon on this day will get rid of all their problems. Lord Vinayagar also offered one Sthanam (position) to Angaraka (Planet Mars), which is one of the Navagraha.
If the Sankatahara Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it has special significance. As per Vinayagar epics, those devotees who start fasting from that day on the Tamil month of Masi for one year will be bestowed with children, peace and prosperity.
Vinayagar Chaturthi is the main Chaturthi, which occurs in the month of September during the phase of the growing moon and is celebrated with great passion and splendor in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Calcutta and several parts of India. During this festival, huge decorated idols of Lord Vinayagar are immersed in rivers, lakes or sea to mark the occasion.
Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple Address:
Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple,
73, Keong Saik Road,
Singapore – 089167.
Phone: +65 – 6221 4853
