Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Why 21 Leaves Are Offered in Ganesh Puja – Full List and Meaning

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most popular Hindu festivals, will be celebrated across the country with devotion and grandeur. On this day, devotees install idols of Lord Ganesha and worship him for 10 days. A unique ritual of this festival is *Patra Puja*, where 21 different sacred leaves are offered to Lord Ganesha along with modaks and laddus. Scriptures say that each leaf has its own religious and spiritual meaning, and offering them helps remove obstacles while bringing happiness, prosperity, and blessings.

List of 21 Leaves (Patra) for Ganesh Puja

• Shami Patra (Prosopis cineraria): Considered a symbol of victory and remover of sins.
• Bhringraj Patra (Eclipta prostrata): Known in Ayurveda for granting health and energy.
• Bel Patra (Aegle marmelos): Represents the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva); beloved of Shiva and Ganesha.
• Durva Patra (Cynodon dactylon): Ganesha’s most favorite leaf; symbol of prosperity.
• Ber Patra (Ziziphus mauritiana): Represents simplicity and contentment.
• Datura Patra (Datura metel): Used to calm fierce or aggressive energies.
• Tulsi Patra (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Normally not offered to Ganesha, but considered auspicious on Ganesh Chaturthi.
• Sem Patra (Phaseolus vulgaris): Symbol of fertility and food.
• Apamarga Patra (Achyranthes aspera): Associated with healing and purification.
• Kantakari Patra (Solanum virginianum): Known as a remover of obstacles, also medicinal.
• Sindoor Patra (Bixa orellana): Symbol of good fortune and auspiciousness.
• Tejpatta Patra (Cinnamomum tamala): Bringer of fragrance, peace, and prosperity.
• Agastya Patra (Sesbania grandiflora): Represents wisdom and strength.
• Kaner Patra (Nerium indicum): Symbol of courage and fearlessness.
• Banana Leaf (Musa acuminata): Represents prosperity and growth.
• Arka Patra (Calotropis procera): Beloved of Ganesha; known for healing properties.
• Arjuna Patra (Terminalia arjuna): Symbol of patience and strength.
• Devdar Patra (Cedrus deodara): Represents purity and stability.
• Marua Patra (Origanum majorana): Associated with fragrance and sanctity.
• Kachnar Patra (Phanera variegata): Represents progress and beauty.
• Ketaki Patra (Pandanus utilis): Symbol of purity and auspicious rituals.

Significance of These Leaves

The use of 21 leaves in Ganesh Puja is not just a ritual but a profound expression of faith.
Each leaf holds its own spiritual meaning and blessing—Durva symbolizes prosperity, Bel represents purity, and Shami denotes victory. It is widely believed that worshipping with these leaves helps remove life’s obstacles and brings happiness and abundance.

Special Note

The Ganesh Purana mentions that once Lord Ganesha and Tulsi had cursed each other. For this reason, Tulsi leaves are not offered to Ganesha on regular days. However, on Ganesh Chaturthi, this becomes an exception, and offering Tulsi leaves on this day is considered highly auspicious. Thus, the worship of 21 leaves during Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious custom, but also a symbol of energy, health, and prosperity.