Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity who has an elephant head. He is widely revered as the remover of all kinds of obstacles and the Lord of wisdom and total prosperity. The festival is observed in India with high enthusiasm and devotion. Hindus round the globe go for this occasion. In this web blog we are trying to say few words about Ganesh Chaturthi
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Ganesh Chaturthi was originated in Maharashtra in India during the rule of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the bold Maratha ruler, in the 17th century. In due course it gained much popularity and spread to other parts of India. The occasion highlights great significance as it is believed to bring blessings from Lord Ganesha. Maratha ruler Shivaji initiated the Puja of Lord Ganesha to increase and ignite the fire of nationality among the people of the then Maharashtra so that they could take courage to stand against the powerful Mughal force. Later on in the year 1893 when the British rulers put a ban on the political gatherings of the Indians, the national leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak revived the conscience amid the Indians once again. Today the festival is observed round the globe amid all the Hindus. It seems to be popular in Maharashtra and some other western states of India. But above all it is a great Hindu festival observed all over India.
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed for 10 days, starting on the 4th day or Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, falling in the English calendar month of August and September. The festival concludes on the 14th day observed as Anant Chaturdashi when the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in a water bed.
Prior to the occasion homes and public places are decorated gorgeously with flowers, lights, and banners. The clay idols of Lord Ganesha, ranging from very small to large ones are installed in homes and various pandals specially set up for the Puja. The idol is dressed with new clothes, jewelry, and colorful garlands. Special prayers, chanting of hymns and devotional songs filling the air are sung to show respect to Lord Ganesha.
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With the initiation of Pranapratishtha, (invoking life in the idol) amid the chanting of sacred mantras and performing various rituals the Puja starts. Once the idol is anointed, devotees start daily Puja by offering flowers, incense sticks, fruits, sweets, and various other traditional items to the Lord. The Puja is generally performed in the morning and evening throughout the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Modak , a sweet is considered Lord Ganesha's most favorite food. It is prepared and offered as prasad during the festival. People go on preparing other sweets and numerous dishes to offer to Lord Ganesha and distribute as prasad among all present there.
On the last day of the festival, a grand procession takes place to carry Lord Ganesha for immersion. Devotees carry the idol in a colorful procession accompanied by music, dance, and chanting Ganapati Bappa Moriya. Finally the Lord is immersed immerse in a water body.
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The Puja of Lord Ganesha so to say is not only a religious festival, but it is also a cultural celebration that knit people together, foster a sense of community.It is a time of utter joy, hearty spirituality, and the occasion to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha for total success in life.
Why is it Observed?
Ganesh Chaturthi holds great significance and is observed for various reasons:
Lord Ganesha is honored as the remover of all kinds of obstacles and the one who grants all round success and prosperity. People worship Him to seek his blessings to overcome all kinds of challenges and obstacles coming up in their lives. The occasion is seen as a very auspicious time to start new ventures. It is believed that invoking Lord Ganesha's blessings during this festival brings good luck.
Lord Ganesha is also regarded as the deity of wisdom. Devotees pray to him to seek his blessings for knowledge and clarity of thought.
It is the occasion when families and communities gather to celebrate the festival. It strengthens the bonds among all and fosters a sense of harmony within the community.
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The festival has deep cultural roots and plays an important role in the very Indian society. It is not only a religious celebration but also a cultural event to showcase traditional music, dance, art, and wonderful craftsmanship. The festival helps to preserve and promote the age-old Indian cultural heritage and traditions.
Astrological Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi
Astrologically, Ganesh Chaturthi holds great significance. Here we are trying to hint at a few astrological aspects linked with it.
The festival is celebrated on the 4th day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. In Vedic astrology the tithi or lunar day is considered highly significant to determine auspicious timings. The Chaturthi tithi associated with Lord Ganesha, makes it an auspicious day to invoke His blessings.
The planetary positions during Ganesha Chaturthi is worthy of mention. Devotees take note of planetary influences and go for their prayers and rituals.
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Muhurat is the ideal thing while worshipping or arranging religious or spiritual celebrations. During the Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees seek help from the astrologers or pundits to identify the most favorable Muhurat or the ideal time to install the idol of Lord Ganesha, perform the Pranapratishtha or invocation and conducting other rituals. The selection of an auspicious Muhurat is believed to bring divine blessings and ensure a successful and harmonious celebration.
Some who are interested in astrology may think of the personal horoscope during this auspicious time. They may visit astrologers for advice to have an idea how the Lord’s blessings and worship can have any positive impact on their specific planetary positions and astrological influences of all sorts. It is believed that invoking the blessings of the Lord during this time can mitigate all types of malefic planetary effects and shower overall harmony and auspiciousness by all means.
It's important to notice that the astrological significance of the occasion may vary based on astrological traditions, and various regional customs. It is sure that astrology adds a dimension of interpretation to the festival, but it is the festival that primarily remains a celebration of devotion, seeking the blessings of the Lord who dispel all kinds of problems.
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In Hindu astrology, the occasion has a significant role to play. The position of planets and stars during this time has deep impact on the lives of every individual. Ganesha Chaturthi is a highly auspicious time to go for new ventures. Initiating anything new during this period is sure to bring success and total prosperity.
It is also known that Lord Ganesha is related to Jupiter, one of the benefic planets in Hindu astrology. It is obvious that blessings of Lord Ganesha during this occasion are sure to bring good fortune to all. The occasion takes place at the waxing phase of the Moon. Hence it is referred to as a time of growth and development. Thus, if one can perform every ritual with utmost devotion and prays to the Lord during this very time will surely enjoy an
Auspicious Impact on the Personal Growth and Development.
Any mythology behind it
Yes, there are a handful of mythological stories associated with Ganesh Chaturthi. Here we are going to put forward some special ones forour readers.
According to Hindu mythology, we come to know that Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha with sandalwood paste that she used while bathing and put life into the form. She appointed Bighnaharta as the janitor of her chamber and instructed Him not to allow anyone inside while she is busy. When Lord Shiva returned and was blatantly denied entry by Ganesha, a conflict arose. Amid the altercation out of rage, Lord Shiva beheaded Lord Ganesha. Being scolded by Parvati Lord Shiva vowed to bring Ganesha back to life. As an instant solution, an elephant head was put on Ganesha's body and he was given back life.
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Another mythological story is associated with Ganesh Chaturthi too. It involves the curse of the moon. Lord Ganesha, out of extreme hunger consumed a lot of modak during a feast. While riding his vehicle, a mouse, He encountered the moon, who laughed at Ganesha's belly that is too much protruded. Offended by the moon's insulations, Ganesha cursed the moon, that whoever looked at Him on Ganesh Chaturthi would be accused in a bad manner and thus earn bad reputations. Then it was sage Narada who carried the news to none other than Lord Krishna that whoever would sight the moon on the very moon of Shukla chaturthi of the Bhadrapada month would be cursed by a dosha named as mithya dosha. As an aftereffect of the curse the person is sure to be humiliated in the society. After hearing in details about the curse inflicted at the Moon by lord Ganesha , Lord Krishna declared that whoever would keep a fast on the very day would be free from the curse.
As per pundits during the chaturdashi tithi the moon should not be cast a glance. We don’t know if looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi is auspicious or inauspicious? It can be answered only by the astrologers and pundits.
But there goes numerous myths, regarding it. It is the very day when Lord Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata. Great sage Vyasa dictated it to Him. It is believed that Ganesha, with his vast wisdom, went on scribing the epic, containing the story of the then India and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Hence we cannot but respect the divinity of the Ganesh Chaturthi by any means.
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