Significance of # 21 in the worship of Lord Ganesha
What is the significance of #21 in the worship of Lord Ganesha? On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi festival, there is a tradition of worshiping Lord Ganesha with 21 different varieties of leaves called Ekavimshati Pathra Pooja. Ekavimshati is a Sanskrit word meaning 21 (5+5+5+5+1); five (5) organs of perception (Gnanendriya) + five (5) organs of action (Karmendriya) + five (5) Pancha Praana (Vital energy forces) + five (5) basic elements of nature (Pancha Bhootha) + the Mind, add up to 21. Pancha Gnaanendriyas: Nose (Ghruunam/smell), Tongue (Jihva/taste), Eyes (Chakshuh/sight), Skin (Twak/touch) and Ear (srothra/sound) are collectively known as Pancha Gnanendriyas or five sensory organs. Pancha Karmendriyas: Upastha (genital organs/organs of procreation); Paayuh (excretory organs); Paada (legs); Paani (hands); and Vaak (Vaageendriya/organs of speech) are collectively known as Pancha Karmendriyas or organs of action (karma). Panchamahaa Bhootha...