Ganesh Chaturthi

Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva

Mata Jaaki Parvati Pita Mahadeva

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is celebrated on Bhadarvi Sud Choth, marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Lord Ganesha is regarded as the God of wisdom, intellect, beginnings, and remover of obstacles. Before starting any new venture or auspicious work, people invoke his blessings for success and prosperity.

Various Names of Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is known by many names, each representing a specific quality or story. Some of the most popular ones include:

Ganpati, Ganesh, Mushkhaej, Lambodar, Vighnaharta (Remover of obstacles),Vinayaka, Vighneshvara, Siddhivinayak, Dhumraketu, Heramba, Bhalachandra, Vakratunda, Sumukha

       Each name holds spiritual significance and is used in prayers and devotional songs across different regions of India.

Why Do We Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?

There are multiple stories in Hindu mythology that explain the origin and importance of Ganesh Chaturthi.

1. Birth of Ganesha

According to one of the most well-known stories, Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati from the sandalwood paste she used for her bath. She molded a boy and gave him life, assigning him the task of guarding her privacy while she bathed.

While Ganesha stood guard, Lord Shiva, Parvati’s husband, arrived. Unaware of Ganesha’s identity, Shiva tried to enter. Ganesha, obeying his mother, stopped him. A fierce battle followed, and in his anger, Shiva severed Ganesha’s head with his trident.

Parvati was devastated and demanded her son be brought back to life. To calm her, Shiva promised to revive Ganesha. He instructed his followers to bring back the head of the first living creature they found, which happened to be an elephant. Thus, Ganesha was given the head of an elephant and reborn as the elephant-headed god we worship today.

Shiva also declared that Ganesha would be worshipped first before beginning any good work. This event is commemorated by the Ganesh Visarjan, which marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

2. Writing the Mahabharata

Another significant story linked to Ganesha is his role in writing the Mahabharata. The sage Ved Vyas wanted someone who could write the epic as he dictated it. Lord Shiva recommended Ganesha for this task due to his intelligence and wisdom.

Ganesha agreed, but on the condition that Ved Vyas would not stop dictating. As they began, Ganesha’s pen broke. Instead of pausing, he broke off one of his tusks and continued writing. Because of this, he is also called Ekadanta (one with a single tusk).

After the writing was completed, Ganesha’s body overheated from the intensity of the task. To cool him down, Ved Vyas applied mud to his body and immersed him in water. This is also considered one of the origins of the Ganesh Visarjan ritual.

Symbolism of Lord Ganesha

Each part of Ganesha’s appearance holds deep meaning:

Name Meaning: The word Ganpati comes from Gan (group) and Pati (leader), meaning “Leader of the Groups” or “Leader of the Devas.”

Mushak (Mouse): Ganesha's vehicle is a mouse, symbolizing that even the smallest creature can serve the greatest purpose. Interestingly, the mouse was once a demon who, after being forgiven, was turned into Ganesha's vahana (vehicle).

Big Head: Signifies intelligence, wisdom, and thinking big. In a famous story, when Shiva challenged Ganesha and Kartikeya to race around the world, Ganesha circled his parents instead and said, “Parents are my universe.”

Big Ears: Represent the ability to listen carefully.

Small Eyes: Symbolize deep concentration and insight.

Demons Defeated by Ganesha

Ganesha is also known for defeating several demons, showcasing his role as a protector:

Gajasura, Matsarasura,Lobhasura, Mahodar, Madhasura, Kamasura, Krodhasura,Mamasura, Ahantasura  Sindhu

Each of these demons represents negative qualities like greed, anger, pride, and desire. Ganesha’s victories over them are symbolic of overcoming inner vices.

Marital Status

There are differing beliefs regarding Ganesha's marital status:

In South India, he is often considered unmarried, symbolizing self-control and focus.

In North India, he is believed to have two wives:

Riddhi (Prosperity)

Siddhi (Spiritual power)

Their sons, Shubha and Labh, represent auspiciousness and profit, respectively.

Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals in India, celebrated with immense devotion, enthusiasm, and unity. The festival typically lasts for 10 days, starting on Chaturthi and ending on Anant Chaturdashi with Ganesh Visarjan, the immersion of Ganesha idols in water. 

Devotees bring beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha into their homes or local community pandals (temporary stages).

The idols are worshipped with offerings of modaks (Ganesha's favorite sweet), flowers, incense, and aarti.

Each day involves prayers (pujas), bhajans, and cultural performances like music, dance, and storytelling.

Ganesh Visarjan

On the last day, the idols are taken in grand processions to rivers, lakes, or oceans for immersion. Devotees chant “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (O Lord Ganesha, come again early next year) during the farewell.

Regional Significance

In Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival. The Maratha king Shivaji promoted it as a symbol of culture and unity. Later, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned it into a public festival during the British era to unite Indians against colonial rule.

In Gujarat, people celebrate with great joy, especially by playing Garba and organizing vibrant community events.

In South India, the focus is on traditional rituals and homas (fire sacrifices).

In Goa, Konkani customs are followed, and clay idols are traditionally crafted at home.

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious celebration but also a symbol of faith, wisdom, unity, and cultural heritage. Lord Ganesha teaches us to be wise, humble, and respectful. His stories inspire children and adults alike to overcome obstacles with intelligence and devotion.

As we immerse the idol in water during Visarjan, we also symbolically release our worries and prepare to welcome the divine again next year.