Why is Ganesh Visarjan Performed in 2025
By Pt. Abhishek Sharma
Five elements, impermanence, detachment and the wisdom of the Upanishads
Table of Contents
Dates and Religious Basis of Ganesh Visarjan 2025
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi begins on the Shukla Chaturthi of the Bhadrapada month and concludes on Anant Chaturdashi. In 2025 too this festival will be celebrated throughout India with devotion, rituals and enthusiasm. During this period Ganesh idols are installed in homes, temples and in large community pandals. Devotees offer puja and sacred rituals every day. The most emotional and significant moment comes on the last day when the idols are immersed in water.
This is not merely a religious act. It communicates the most profound truth of human life. The merging of the idol into water reminds devotees that all that takes birth ultimately returns to its origin.
Important dates of Ganesh Visarjan 2025
| Festival | Date (2025) | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Ganesh Chaturthi | 27 August 2025 | Wednesday |
| Ganesh Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi) | 6 September 2025 | Saturday |
The Deeper Essence of Immersion
Ganesh Visarjan is not just a farewell of a beloved deity. It gives devotees a chance to reflect upon the truth that the world is temporary, life is ever-changing and everything finally dissolves into nothingness. Faith alone gives permanence to the human soul.
The practice gently reminds that what comes will go and what is created will eventually dissolve. The act of immersion makes the message visible and experiential for the devotee.
Doctrine of Five Elements - View from the Skanda Purana
The Skanda Purana declares: “Prithivyapastejo vayu: kham chaitani mahābhūtāni…”.
The meaning is that this universe is made up of five fundamental elements - earth, water, fire, air and space. Humans too rise from the same foundation and finally merge back into these elements. Ganesh idols are made of clay. When they dissolve in water they reflect this same eternal truth of the universe - that life begins from the five elements and ends within them.
Five Elements and Immersion
| Element | Significance in life | Representation in immersion |
|---|---|---|
| Earth | Stability and foundation | Idol made from clay |
| Water | Flow and energy of life | Idol merging with water |
| Fire | Change and power | Lighting of lamps and puja |
| Air | Life force and breath | Chanting of mantras |
| Space | Vastness and infinity | Final dissolution into water |
Reminder of Impermanence - Message from the Ganesh Purana
The Ganesh Purana explains: “Anityam khalu sarvam hi, bhavennityam ganesh smritih…”.
The meaning is that the entire world is temporary and impermanent. Only the remembrance and devotion of Ganesha is eternal. The immersion conveys this message strongly. Physical possessions fade away and attachments break but devotion remains.
For devotees watching the clay idol dissolve in water it brings a reminder that what seems stable today is impermanent in truth.
Annual Arrival and Departure of Lord Ganesh
It is said that Lord Ganesha comes to earth every year to bless devotees, remove obstacles and grant them happiness. After Visarjan he returns to Mount Kailash on Anant Chaturdashi. This represents the eternal cycle of arrival and departure.
God is not bound by time. His presence can be invoked each year through worship and faith. The immersion teaches that departure is not the end, for the Lord will come again when remembered.
Union of Soul and Supreme - Teaching of the Upanishads
The Chandogya Upanishad tells: “Yathā nadyaḥ syandamānāḥ samudre’stam gacchanti nāmarūpe vihāya…”.
This means rivers merge into the ocean and their names and forms disappear. Similarly the soul merges into the eternal Supreme.
Visarjan repeats this great truth. It symbolises the dissolution of the individual into the infinite, the merging of the temporary into what is eternal.
Lesson of Renunciation - The Heart of the Puranas
The scriptures explain renunciation as the highest virtue of human life. Attachment to possessions is the root of suffering. Ganesh Visarjan gives the message that even the most beloved must be parted with. The immersion symbolises detachment or vairagya which is necessary for self realisation and liberation.
The act becomes an inspirational training to prepare the soul for higher wisdom.
Environmental Aspect
In modern times awareness has increased about the environmental angle of immersion. The use of clay idols rather than chemical substances is considered more sacred and more natural. A clay idol dissolves into the water and merges back into nature with purity.
It is a reminder that human life is linked with the environment. Worship is not only an act of devotion but also of responsibility towards the balance of the world.
Message of Life
Ganesh Visarjan 2025 is more than the end of a celebration. It embodies the very essence of human life. Everything in this world is impermanent. Attachments fade and wealth dissolves but devotion remains eternal.
Visarjan inspires a person to walk the path of renunciation and faith. It guides towards freedom of the soul and attainment of peace in the innermost self.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Ganesh Visarjan 2025 take place?
A: The festival begins on 27 August 2025 and immersion will happen on Anant Chaturdashi, 6 September 2025.
Q: Why is the idol immersed in water?
A: The clay idol belongs to the five elements and by dissolving in water it returns to them.
Q: What philosophical significance does immersion carry?
A: It is a reminder of impermanence and the eternal nature of devotion.
Q: How is immersion connected with soul and supreme being?
A: As per the Upanishads the soul finally merges with the supreme being and immersion symbolises this truth.
Q: What values does Visarjan teach us?
A: It teaches renunciation, detachment, impermanence and devotion as essential values of life.
