Vinayaka Chaturthi and Lord Ganesha: Key Facts
 |
| Happy Ganesh Chathurthi, Pinrest.com |
 |
| Bronze Ganesa idol, en wikipedia.org |
Names and Forms: Lord Ganesha, also known by names like Vinayaka, Ganapathi, Vighneswara, and Ayenkaran, is revered in Hinduism as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. He has 108 names, each highlighting a different aspect of his character. In Tamil Nadu, Ganesha is often referred to as Pillaiyar, which means "son" in Tamil. This name is linked to his creation by Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Shiva.
Mythological Origins: Ganesha’s unique appearance, with the head of an elephant and the body of a human, has its roots in a famous myth. According to the story, Ganesha was created by Parvathi from dirt to stand guard while she bathed. When Lord Shiva arrived and was stopped by Ganesha from entering, a furious Shiva killed him. Parvathi was devastated, and to console her, Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with that of an elephant and brought him back to life. From then on, he was adopted as Parvathi’s son, becoming one of the most beloved gods in the Hindu pantheon.
Ganesha as the Remover of Obstacles: In Hindu tradition, Ganesha is always the first deity invoked in any ritual or ceremony. This is because he is considered the Vighnaharta, or remover of obstacles, ensuring that any task undertaken proceeds smoothly. In Tamil, he is referred to as Vinai Theerpavan, meaning "the one who clears roadblocks." His presence in prayers guarantees a successful outcome in various life endeavors.
God of Wealth, Wisdom, and Prosperity: Ganesha is not just the remover of obstacles but also the god of wealth, knowledge, wisdom, and prosperity. Before embarking on any significant task—whether it is starting a new business, moving into a new home, or students preparing for exams—Hindus pray to Ganesha for his blessings. His image can be found in homes, temples, and workplaces as a symbol of good fortune.
The Scribe of the Mahabharata: Ganesha is also famous for his role as the scribe of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. When Sage Vyasa composed the epic, he chose Ganesha to write it down due to his wisdom and writing skill. To ensure that Ganesha would take the time to fully understand each verse, Vyasa asked him to reflect on the meaning of every line before writing. Ganesha used his tusk as a pen, which is why in most depictions, he is shown with one broken tusk.
Vinayaka Chaturthi Celebration: Vinayaka Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is the celebration of Ganesha’s birthday. The 10-day festival, which falls between August and September, begins with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public spaces. The rituals include Prana Pratishtha (infusing life into the idol), Shhodasho Upachara (16 ways of offering prayers), and Uttar Puja (a farewell ritual for the deity). On the final day, the idol is immersed in water during Ganapati Visarjan, symbolizing the dissolution of obstacles and the renewal of life.
Public Festival Movement: Ganesh Chaturthi, originally a domestic festival, became a large public event in 1893 thanks to freedom fighter Lokamanya Tilak. Tilak transformed the festival into a tool for spreading nationalist sentiments and fostering unity among people during India’s struggle for independence. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity and is now celebrated across India.
Famous Ganesha Temples: Some of the most renowned Ganesha temples in India include the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, Manakula Vinayagar Temple in Pondicherry, Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple in Kerala, and the Rockfort Ucchi Pillaiyar Temple in Tamil Nadu.
https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/ganesh-chathurthi-bal-gangadhar-tilak-339232 https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2017/08/famous-ganapathi-temples-of-tamil-nadu.html
