Ganpati, God of New Beginnings, Wisdom, Luck, and Remover of Obstacles.
Lord Ganesha holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and is revered by people of various beliefs. People seek his blessings to overcome hurdles in both spiritual and worldly matters.
The tale of Ganesha’s birth is a cherished one. It is said that Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, longed for a child. She crafted a son out of sandalwood paste and brought him to life. This child, Ganesha, was different from any other. He had the head of an elephant, a symbol of wisdom and auspiciousness, which he received from Lord Shiva himself during a fateful encounter.
Ganesha’s unique appearance became a symbol of his divine origin and wisdom. His elephant head signifies the ability to discern right from wrong and to overcome obstacles with intellect and grace. His large ears signify the importance of listening and gaining knowledge.
The small mouth represents the ability to speak less and convey more profound truths.
Ganesha’s four arms often hold various objects, including a pasha to capture obstacles, an Ankusha to guide and control, a broken tusk, and a modak, symbolizing the rewards of spiritual wisdom.
Once upon a time, there was a grand feast in the heavenly abode of Lord Indra, the king of the gods. Chandra (the Moon), known for his enchanting and soothing radiance, was also invited to the celestial banquet. However, Chandra had a weakness — he couldn’t resist making fun of others. As the night progressed and the Moon’s luminance grew brighter, he couldn’t help but tease Lord Ganesha, who was known for his rotund figure. The Moon burst into laughter and made hurtful remarks about Ganesha’s appearance.
Ganesha, who was not one to be offended easily, took the jibes in stride. But when he noticed that his devotees on Earth were deeply hurt by the Moon’s mockery, Ganesha decided to take action.
In a swift and just move, Ganesha broke one of his tusks and hurled it at the Moon. The tusk struck Chandra, causing him to lose his brilliance and enter a phase of darkness. Realizing the gravity of his actions, the Moon felt remorseful and begged for forgiveness.
Ganesha, in his magnanimity, decided to grant the Moon a boon. He declared that the Moon would wax and wane in a cyclical pattern, with each phase having its unique beauty and charm. From that day onwards, the Moon followed this cycle, transforming from a full moon to a crescent and back again.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a grand festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. The festival typically falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, usually in August or September. It lasts for ten days, with the most elaborate celebrations all over the country.
The festival begins with the installation of Ganesha Murtis in homes and public places. Devotees decorate the murtis with vibrant flowers and offer a variety of sweets, prasadam, coconuts, and other delicacies as offerings. The Murti is worshipped in the morning and evening with offerings of flowers, durva (strands of young grass), karanji, and modak. The worship ends with the singing of an aarti in honor of Ganesh, other Gods, and Saints. The atmosphere is filled with devotional songs, dances, and cultural performances.
On the tenth day, known as Ananta Chaturdashi or Visarjan (immersion), devotees carry the idol of Ganesha in grand processions to immerse it in rivers, lakes, or the sea. This ritual symbolizes the departure of Lord Ganesha to his heavenly abode, bidding farewell to the beloved deity with the hope that he will return the following year to bless them again.
Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a religious festival but also a symbol of unity, community harmony, and cultural richness. It brings people from all walks of life together in celebration, reinforcing the idea that Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and blessings are accessible to all. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Many communities and individuals are opting for eco-friendly idols made from biodegradable materials to minimize pollution caused by immersion. Perhaps the good old ways of making the murtis using mud seems to gain more attraction off late. These eco-conscious celebrations reflect a broader societal shift towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
AUTHOR: Shwetta Khadse, ME22B2040: Nurtured since childhood, a profound passion for Indian Classical Arts has been woven into the fabric of my being.
