Jagdish Chander Raina
Ganesh Chathurthi, a 10-day long festival marking the birth of the Elephant Headed Deity Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom. It begins on the fourth day (Chathurthi) of the month of Bhadarpada (7th of September, 2024) the sixth month of Hindu Calendar. In Shiv Purana there is a description of an incident where Maa Parvati created Lord Ganesha – the god of wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and happiness – with sandalwood paste. Goddess Parvati left Lord Ganesha to guard the place while she was taking a bath. He restricted Lord Shiva to enter the place as per orders of MaaParvati.
This made Lord Shiva furious, and he severed Lord Ganesha’s head. Maa Parvati was infuriated to see this and threatened to end the whole creation. After knowing the truth, he revived Lord Ganesha and gave him new lifeby replacing the head of an elephant Gajasura who wished Lord Shiva to adorn his head after his death. Seeing the love and devotion of his son Ganesh towards him and Parvati Lord Shiva blessed and ranked him in the foremost of all gods and told devotees to worship Ganesha before starting any auspicious activity.
On the complain of Parvati (Umaji) that is it possible to have an offspring like that? Shankara said, “Hey, Uma, why you are worrying? To who you think solid bodied (Sthulkaya), long eared, big bellied, short stature and small eyed, is neither an ordinary bodied-being nor a god (Devta). You should not give consideration to the shape of the body parts but see their qualities (Gunas). Long ears tell us to listen as much as possible before speaking. Long nose guides us to consider every breathing a vital one and to remember god every time. Small and downward eyes point for keeping oneself polite and soft. The raised right hand tells us for blessfullness and left hand to raise weapons against bad people (Asuras) and to offer “Laddu” to the good people. He will be worshipped first among all gods, will be destroyer of all obstacles and will be famous with many names.” On listening about the wonderful qualities if this strange boy all the doubts of Umaji were cleared. Thereafter She along with Shankara prayed Lord Ganesha. The Lord Ganapati is the most adorned and versatile of all Hindu Gods. The worshipping of this elephant headed deity is done first of all the gods and is pleased with little of prayers. Lord Ganesha is an Epitome of Wisdom and it is believed that he has written the Shlokas of Mahabharata spoken by Rishi Ved Vyasa at Vyas Gufa (Natural Cave) at Mana Badrnath.
The Life and its Idol Incarnations give below mentioned messages to the humanity that:
Be A Good Listener
Being a good listener is extremely important to handle any situation. You should always listen first, then speak. Elephant Ear’s of Ganeshji can be used to exemplify the message of how important it is to be a good listener.
Maintain Balance
It is quite important to maintain a balance in life. Be it home or work or fun and games, or anything else in life. You should always maintain a balance in life. One of the Lord Ganesh’s feet rests on the ground and the other one is folded which teaches us the importance of balance in life.
Respect Everyone
Lord Ganesh always teaches us to respect everyone and be humble to everyone. Lord Ganesh always teaches us that nobody is unequal and everyone should be treated in the same way you want them to treat you. We all know that Ganesha’s vehicle is a mouse. This teaches us about humility and how to respect even the tiniest of creatures.
Use Your Knowledge and Power wisely
No matter how much knowledge or power you have, you should use it for the welfare of the society instead of using it in a way that is wrong. Your knowledge and power is your most powerful weapon.
Accept Your Imperfections
Nobody is perfect and everyone has their own imperfections. You should accept these imperfections with your whole heart and not think about anybody else.
As per DwadashNamawali Mantras Ganeshji’s12 names are chanted Sumukhay (One who has a beautiful face), Ekadantaya (One having one Tooth), Kapilaya(Wish Cow or Cow of Plenty),Gajakarnakaya(One with Ears of an Elephant), Lambodaraya (One with a large belly),Vikataya(One who is ferocious or the Mis-shapen),Vighnanashaya(Destroyer of obstacles), Vinayakaya (One who has the qualities to lead),Dhumer-a-ketave(???????????????The Lord of a smoky color), Gana-adhyakshaya(Leader of the Ganas), BhalaChandraya (One who wears the moon on his head), Gajananaya(One Who has the face of an elephant “Ganapati”). In some parts of the country the worship of “Ashtavinayakji” is done.In Hindu verbatim the phrase “Shri Ganesh” signifies start of new work, function or project especially something good and positive. Almost every Hindu Ritual, Katha, Puja, Ceremony or Religious Performance starts with the worshipping of Lord Ganesha. The auspicious Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated annually with pomp and grandeur. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and jubiliations are observed all across the country. Ganesh Chaturthi is a traditional festival celebrated in many parts of India, but its grandeur and enthusiasm in the state of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana are unmatched. It wasn’t always a big part of Maharashtra’s culture until it arrived during the Maratha rule. Initially, Ganesh Chaturthi was more of a family affair. However, a significant transformation happened during freedom struggle when Bal GangadharTilak (1856-1920), a prominent leader played a crucial role in turning Lord Ganesh into a powerful symbol of cultural and religious unity among the people of Maharashtra as a way to resist British rule. The British government was strict about political opposition and rebellion, but it didn’t interfere with religious customs. So, the Ganesh festival became a platform to display national unity. In 1893, Tilak transformed Ganesh Chaturthi from a yearly religious celebration into a full-blown public event “Ganeshutsav”.
People observe the festival by bringing home the idol of Ganapati Bappa for one-and-a-half days, three days, seven days, or ten days. They perform sthapana of the idol, pray to Lord Ganesha, perform rituals, offer bhog, fruits, sweets and observe fast also. Besides pandals are also erected at public places with installation of “Ganesha Idols) by the social, cultural and religious organisations with the participation of people from all walks of life. Special and most exquisite sweet delicacies, including modaks, laddoos, and barfis, Foods for worships, Prasadams and Bhogsare a common sight and treat during this festival. The 10-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festival creates an atmosphere much like a carnival. It’s a festival known for its abundance of sweet treats because Lord Ganesh is believed to have a sweet tooth and the devotees are served Prasadam after daily worships. The festival of Ganesh Chathuthi is now celebrated globally in almost every country of the world by the NRIs. Ganesh Visarjan marks the conclusion of the 10 day Ganesh ChathurthiFestival, where the idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water bodies symbolising the cycle of creation and dissolution. This year the Ganesh Visarjan will take place on September 17, 2024. The sacred festival propagates peace, harmony and festivity as it bridges gap between the people.
The people eagerly anticipate and wait for the arrival of this Lord of happiness, wisdom and harbinger of peaceful coexistence.
The idols are carried in grand processions from homes and pandals to rivers, lakes, seas or other water bodies in all the cities and towns of India accompanied by chants of “GanpatiBappaMorya, AgleBarasTuJaldi Aa”, Bhajans, DJs, Drum Beating and Dances.
(The writer is Joint Director of Agriculture (Retired))
