Ashtadravya, or Ashtadravyam, are eight sacred puja items that are offered to Lord Ganesha during the special puja known as Ashta Dravya Mahaganapathy Homam.
Ashta Dravya Ganapathi Homam is offered to Lord Ganesh to get his blessings – who blesses with wealth, prosperity and long life, on the eve of every important occasions like purchase of new land, new academic day, birth day, marriage anniversary etc.
Homam, Ashtothara Archana and Ganapathy Sooktha Parayanam are performed on the eve of major operations for the welfare of those who undergo operations.
The very popular eight sacred things that are part of the Ashtadravya are:
1. Dried coconut,
2. Jaggery,
3. Sesame Oil,
4. Sugarcane,
5. Honey,
6. Rice flakes (Puffed rice, fried paddy of rice)
7. Banana
8. Ghee.
There may be some variations according to the region of practice.
