Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity in Hinduism, is revered as the remover of obstacles (Vignaharta) and the bestower of wisdom, prosperity, and success.
श्री गणेश चतुर्थी मुहूर्त
2024 में गणेश चतुर्थी 7 सितंबर को है। 16 सितंबर को अनंत चतुर्दशी है।
Ganesha Chaturthi on Saturday, September 7, 2024 Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:03 AM to 01:34 PM Duration - 02 Hours 31 Mins Ganesha Visarjan on Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Lord Ganesha, revered as the elephant-headed deity in Hinduism, occupies a prominent position in the pantheon of gods. He is worshipped as Vignaharta means remover of obstacles and God of wisdom.
As the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the patron of intellect and wisdom, and the harbinger of good fortune.
His endearing form, symbolic attributes, and rich mythology have captivated devotees for centuries, making him one of the most beloved and widely worshipped deities in Hindu culture and Sanatana Dharma.
Lord Ganesha: The Embodiment of Wisdom, Prosperity, and Devotion
Devotees invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings before beginning any new venture, undertaking important tasks, or facing challenges in life, seeking his divine intervention to overcome obstacles and ensure success. His benevolent presence is believed to dispel hindrances, grant clarity of thought, and pave the way for prosperity and abundance.
Moreover, Lord Ganesha is revered as the embodiment of compassion and grace, offering solace and support to his devotees in times of difficulty and distress. His divine presence brings joy, peace, and fulfilment to the hearts of millions, instilling faith, courage, and hope in their lives.
As a beloved deity worshipped by people of all ages and backgrounds, Lord Ganesha continues to inspire devotion, reverence, and love, serving as a guiding light on the spiritual journey of his devotees. Jai Shri Ganesha!
Ganesha Elephant Head Story
Why does Ganesha have the head of an elephant ?
Lord Ganesha, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is distinguished by his elephant head, a symbol of wisdom and intellect. The story of how he came to have an elephant head is both dramatic and enlightening, encapsulating themes of devotion, respect, and the mysterious ways of the divine.
The tale begins with Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. One day, while preparing for a bath at her residence on Mount Kailash, Parvati wished for a guard to ensure her privacy.
From the turmeric paste she used for bathing, she created a boy, breathing life into him. She named him Ganesha and instructed him to guard the entrance while she bathed.
As fate would have it, Lord Shiva returned at this moment and was stopped at the entrance by Ganesha, who did not recognize him. Angered by the boy’s insolence, Shiva, not knowing Ganesha was his son, decapitated him with his trident.
When Parvati learned of this, she was stricken with grief and anger. To appease her, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life. The first creature that came in sight as Shiva’s followers searched for a head to replace Ganesha’s was an elephant. They took the head and Shiva affixed it onto Ganesha’s body, bringing him back to life.
Overwhelmed with joy, Parvati embraced her son. To pacify Parvati further and compensate for the turmoil, Shiva granted Ganesha a boon that he would be worshiped first before all other gods.
This narrative not only illustrates Ganesha’s emergence as a deity of significant stature within the Hindu pantheon but also highlights themes of filial love, divine justice, and the intricate relationships among the gods.
Ganesha’s elephant head, which came from a being with vast strength and wisdom, symbolizes the broad intellect and understanding required to overcome obstacles, thereby making him the remover of obstacles.
श्री गणेश उत्सव
Ganpati Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024
Celebration And Cultural Festivities
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Devotees worship Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and success. Ganesh Chaturthi marks the first day of the festival and it is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi (विनायक चतुर्थी). The celebrations last up to 10 days during the Hindu Month of Bhadra (भद्र), which usually falls between mid-August and mid-September.
In 2024, the auspicious muhurta for the Ganesh Festival, which marks the beginning of Lord Ganesha’s worship, may vary depending on the regional traditions and astrological calculations.
However, typically, the festival begins with the installation of Ganesha idols, known as Ganesh Sthapana, which is performed during the Shubh Muhurta (auspicious time) as per the Hindu calendar. Devotees meticulously choose an auspicious time for Ganesh Sthapana, often consulting priests or astrologers for guidance.
During Ganesh Sthapana, the Ganesha idol is ceremoniously placed in homes or public pandals, accompanied by prayers, mantras, and rituals. Devotees invoke the presence of Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for prosperity, success, and the removal of obstacles.
Ganesh Sthapana
श्री गणेश चतुर्थी - शनिवार, 7 सितंबर 2024
Shri Ganesh Chaturthi - Saturday, September 7, 2024
Beginning Of Ganesh Festival On Vinayaka Chaturthi
Performing Shri Ganesh Puja especially on the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi is highly fruitful to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings. This special puja involves several steps that are rich in symbolism and tradition, aimed at invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, widely revered as the remover of obstacles and the deity of new beginnings and wisdom.
By following these steps, devotees can perform a comprehensive Shri Ganesh Puja, fostering a spiritual connection with the deity and seeking His divine grace for all endeavours.
Here is a detailed guide on how to conduct Shri Ganesh Puja:
श्री गणेश पूजा विधि
Ganesh Sthapana Puja Vidhi
महाराष्ट्र का गणेश उत्सव
Ganesha Chaturthi Celebrations In Maharashtra
Ganpati Sthapana (installation) and the subsequent celebrations during Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as “Ganpati Festival,” are grand and vibrant affairs in Maharashtra, marked by elaborate rituals, processions, and fervent devotion.
Ganpati Sthapana celebrations and Ganesh Visarjan processions during the Ganesh festival (गणेशोत्सव) in Maharashtra are deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and spirituality. Devotees of Ganesha actively participate during this ten-day festival.
It is one of the most prominent festivals, celebrated with huge enthusiasm, especially in the state of Maharashtra. The festivities bring communities together, foster a sense of unity and devotion, and serve as a vibrant expression of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.
Ganpati Festival
Ganpati Visarjan (विसर्जन )
अनंत चतुर्थी - मंगलवार, 17 सितम्बर, 2024
The festival culminates with Ganesh Visarjan, the immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies, marking the symbolic departure of Lord Ganesha from the earthly realm to his celestial abode. Ganesh Visarjan typically takes place on the Anant Chaturdashi day, the fourteenth day of the waxing moon period (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
Devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with fervent devotion and grand processions, accompanied by music, dance, and chanting of hymns. The immersion of Ganesha idols is a poignant moment filled with both joy and sadness, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution, and the impermanence of life.
It is essential to perform Ganesh Visarjan with reverence and environmental consciousness, ensuring minimal impact on water bodies and ecosystems. Many communities also opt for eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from biodegradable materials to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Overall, the Ganesh Festival Muhurta in 2024 will be observed with great enthusiasm and devotion, as devotees come together to celebrate the divine presence of Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for a prosperous and harmonious life.
Significance And Spiritual Essence Of Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha holds profound significance in Hinduism as the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom, prosperity, and success. His elephant head symbolizes intelligence, foresight, and divine grace.
Devotees invoke his blessings at the beginning of new ventures, ceremonies, and endeavours, seeking his divine intervention to overcome hurdles and ensure success. Ganesha’s association with the rat underscores the need to control desires and impulses, fostering discipline and perseverance.
Moreover, Ganesha is revered as the embodiment of compassion and grace, offering solace and support to his devotees in times of difficulty and distress. His universal appeal transcends religious boundaries, inspiring love, devotion, and reverence among people of all backgrounds.
Ganesha’s annual festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, is celebrated with great fervour across India and in Hindu communities worldwide, featuring elaborate rituals, processions, and devotional offerings. Through his benevolent presence, Lord Ganesha guides and protects his devotees on their spiritual journey, instilling faith, courage, and hope in their hearts.
Who started Ganesh Festival ?
The Ganesh Festival, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, was initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent Indian nationalist and social reformer, in the late 19th century. Tilak popularized the public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi as a means to foster unity and instil patriotic fervour among the masses during the British colonial rule over India.
By organizing large-scale processions, cultural events, and public gatherings cantered around the worship of Lord Ganesha, Tilak transformed the festival into a symbol of social cohesion, cultural pride, and resistance against colonial oppression. Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and in Hindu communities worldwide.
Related Content
